I'd figure out what I could fix it for then cut a deal with him and then his carrier if I couldn't reach agreement with him. Absolutely no reason not to discuss with the other party. Some people prefer to keep certain accidents off their record and can afford to write a check to cover damages. $1500 damage - $500 deductible isn't much reason to get the insurance involved if you are at fault. Gather data while giving as little of your own information as possible. I've settled several bumps this way.

Edit: You're past the above now. Be nice to the adjuster. Take the position that you're only trying to be made whole AND that you expect them to "deal in good faith". No reason to be nasty unless they are. From the adjuster's stand point, liability claims are the expensive ones. They like to get minor sheet metal bends handled so they can move on - but don't want to over pay. Over ride any settlement formulas that you don't agree with by using logic. I've seen carriers settle so that they didn't have to go to court. Attorneys suck down fees quickly.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.