About 1 month ago my neighbour, living opposite, reversed her car into mine as she negotiated joining the road from her drive. The damage appeared to be slight. We agreed that I would get a couple of estimates and she would settle without involving respective insurance companies. This I applauded given your rhetoric regarding greater costs in raised premiums, etc, should a claim be made not exceeding £500.

I duly obtained two estimates, one from my regular garage that quoted something in the region of £700 and the other, from an equally reliable source, for just under £400. In order to encourage settlement "privately" I said that I was prepared to waive the additional £100 demanded by the second outfit should I wish for a perfect paint colour match (my car is oldish and doubtless the finish has faded). Both estimates were identical in parts needed to rectify the damage - it seems that my own car-specific garage has greater labour charges and overheads. I was quite happy to go along with the provider of the lower figure.

Here is my dilemma: presumably acting on the advice of a "helpful" relative my neighbour has reneged on the arrangement and has now reported the matter to her insurance company, informing me that a Mr So-&-So will be getting in touch with me. He hasn't done so yet and I wonder how long it will be before he does. I have not told my insurance company about the situation. I was inspired by JA of Surrey who got the damage to his Bentley repaired and sent the bill to his council's waste contractors threatening court action if they did not pay up. I am in a different and rather awkward position as I do not wish to cause upset with my neighbour for obvious reasons. Also, insurance involvement is now a fait accompli. What do you suggest is my best move given these circumstances?