Well for starters, my kid hit their car, not me.

I understand that it doesn't make sense for me to be pissed, which is why I said I could rationalize it in my head why I shouldn't be pissed, but I've basically given money to someone for "damages" that they don't care about. I also understand that this could affect the resale value depending upon the condition of the car (but that would make me wonder even more why they weren't using the money to fix it if it would up the resale value.) I'd also be pissed at the kid and most definitely he/she would be paying it back... he/she needs to learn to be more responsible.

Underscoring again, I understand this does not make logical sense. If posts had to make sense on this board, we'd have about four a week.

Also if you fuck someone like they are a millionaire they might go try to be one.

An off duty cop rear ended the ex. and cracked the bumper

Cash the check, then call your insurance to get it fixed and go after them!

Same thing happened to me a few years ago. Teenage kid with his sweet 16 birthday gift, an f'ing Excursion, hooked my bumper in a parking lot and ripped it clean off. The parents said the same thing, that they wanted to avoid insurance, that they would pay for everything. Mistake.

I got an estimate from my guy. I told her that I wanted a check for the estimate, plus $250, to cover any overages. Once the work was done, I'd give her the receipt and a check for the difference. The mom went batshit crazy. She insisted that I take it to her guy and have him fix it. I refused. She said "why should I trust you?" I said "Fuck you! Your family caused this, you're asking me to do you a favor. It's all on you!"

I turned it into my insurance and got it fixed and got an additional $500 from her insurance for my trouble, once it was settled. F her insurance rates!

I found out later that his daddy was the CEO of a major area hospital system, and she's bitching about $250, which she most likely would have gotten back.

People suck.

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

Thanks for the thoughts everyone. You have given me a lot to think about.