Motorcycle Crash - Claim Advice

[Martin.R]

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum.

Last week I came off my motorcycle on the ice riding down my street, only going 15MPH on the corner.
The bike slid a little way but did bump in to a parked car with the driver in.
Only damage was a scratch about 6 inch long, will need a re-spray.

Nice chap we both agreed to skip insurance as he "has a mate" that can do it cheap.
First ever crash so not going through insurance has thrown up a question or 2

1. Is it wise to do it this way or should I go through insurance?
2. Is there some sort of legal document I need to get him to sign in case he then decided to claim through my insurance as well?
3. Is there a period of time for him to claim before his claim is invalid?
   (This happened a week ago I have heard nothing, tried to call him but no answer, left a message but no reply, he did seem eager to sort this out quickly.)

Thanks for any assistance anybody can give.

Martin.

[EXC]

Re: Motorcycle Crash - Claim Advice

1. The damage sounds quite minor and might not even exceed the excess on your insurance. Even if it did it's unlikely that it would be cheaper considering you'd lose your no claims. So from an economic standpoint it majes sense not to go through your insurance.

2. If you do pay him for it just get him to sign a letter to the effect that it's in settlement for all the damage caused.

3. You need to check your policy to find that out.

I wouldn't worry too much. It's quite possible that the driver will never get round to getting the scratch fixed regardless.