I recently was involved in an incident where my car door did damage to another car door, both cars were parked at the time. It was a windy day, I was doing the school run; I had retrieved my youngest child (1yr) right hand back seat, and had opened the left hand back door to let elder two children out (5yrs & 3yrs). I had to take a second to readjust my grip on my youngest to prevent them falling and in that moment a strong gust of wind blew the door into the car parked to the left, leaving a dent and chipped paint. the other driver witnessed this, all I could do was apologise profusely and run with my children to the school gate. I had wanted to return quickly and exchange details and take photos, but the other driver had already left by the time I got back.
A couple of days later a note was left under my wipers requesting contact, to which I have responded.
I accept that as far as insurance and legality are concerned, I am at fault in this instance, my question is should I settle this matter privately with the other driver or should I go through insurance and risk my premium increasing? I very much doubt the damage would be more than my excesses and the policy does say that the no claims discount is protected.
The incident occurred in Wales.