Offer of cash - what would you do?

Do not parley with him.
It could be some sort of scam.
Only deal with your insurers.

I agree with welbeck.

No guilty party would give you £1000 without strings attached. Ignore him.

No. Go through your insurance.

Most people end up out of pocket after a write off unless they had new for old cover.

Were you hurt in the crash? Were the police involved? Might there be a criminal prosecution against him for dangerous driving that’s sitting with the CPS right now waiting for them to make a decision over whether to proceed?

It might just be a genuine kindly offer but if you are called to give evidence in a court case and you have accepted money from him that won’t look good.

Do you mean not to go through your insurance?
A woman ran into my bumper, then drove off. It cost my insurance well over a grand to get it fixed.

No no no!

It is the insurance company hands. He’s admitted complete fault. We were not physically hurt, but both were shocked after the accident. He had my phone no (as we had exchanged details after the accident). He’s sent a few kind messages asking how I am this week, & today asked if he could speak to me. On the phone call he asked how I was and would I accept £1000 as a “goodwill gift” towards my new car . I just think he’s a really kind man. I know it’s not a common gesture & feels a little odd to accept. ( although cash would be welcome!)

No - don’t negotiate with anyone. Leave your insurers to deal with it.

I agree turn it down immediately. I would also check how much it would cost to replace your car. You can get car prices on ebay or autotrader and if the insurance company offered less than that, then argue with them.

I did this after an accident when my car was written off. I argued that an identical replacement car would cost me £1,000 more than they were offering - and I got it. They expect you to argue and have to raise the price.

As others have said, stay with insurance, don’t get involved personally

I’d thank him, but say the insurance has dealt with the claim.
My SisinL recently had a bump in a carpark - minimal damage, so her sons paid for the damage to the other car, whilst she paid for a new bumper on hers. At 80, she knew her insurance premium would rocket and she was totally at fault.

Your other ‘at fault’ driver could make a donation to a charity if he’s feeling guilty.

I don’t think I’d cultivate any relationship with him.

Unusual offer. Bit tempting though 🤣

I had an accident with a parked car (another story!) and I fully intended to go through my insurance. The day after the accident her hubby called me saying they were happy not to involve insurance companies which was a red flag because I was the guilty party. It turned out her car wasn't insured as found on a website check. Who knew whether she also wasn't taxed and MOT'd but I went through insurance.

Stay well clear and negotiate with your insurance company only. It doesn't sound legal to me.