Am I an idiot?

You did the right thing leaving the note. Cameras everywhere these days (for one thing).

I don't think she is trying it on. You will see the garage invoice before you pay it, won't you?

Thanks kitty The owner of the other car sent me a scanned copy of the estimate from the repair place, so I don't know how I could tell if they were trying it on, I do tend to think the best of people, perhaps more fool me!

Not an idiot phoenix - you did the right thing and trusted that the other person would do the same. Any work on the body if a car is horrifically expensive, if the other driver doesn't know how to repair scratches the quote could be accurate. I hope the next one is lower and especially that you are OK. for you.

If they have taken it to a main agent, £260 is not unusual, rather than touch up, they would re-spray the whole panel. I had a quote fo one panel being re-sprayed, the paint alone was £70 without the cost of repair and the labour, and that was from a local chap. Decided to live with the dent.
And, no, you were not an idiot, just honest. Also, if someone else noticed and reported it, you could be in trouble withe police.

Not an idiot phoenix. They are probably trying it on.

Hope you're ok after your news.

I feel for you Phoenix. I recently made a similar mistake except I was trying to manouver my three week old car into the tiny garage I bought when I moved to a smaller place. Scraped the passenger side, not a huge amount of damage, but it cost me €300 for my carelessness. I shall only use the garage for storage now. It's too small for a car.

I hope the lady whose car you damaged will be reasonable about it.(((hugs)))

Thanks, Penstemmon, you wouldn't believe the number of people that have said I should have just driven off!

It is always disappointing when you act honestly and honourably and you get the feeling someone else is taking the P. however it is pricey to get deep scratches sorted.

All you can do Phoenix is put it down to experience and take a photo of damage ..... if this should ever happen again..which it won't because, no, you are not stupid, just human!