Damage to loaned car

Questioner

Acquaintances referred me to you. Last November I lent my car to Thomas and damage occurred. Thomas told me that he had been threatened by the injured party and that he absolutely did not want to involve the police or insurance company but wanted to resolve this among himself. Thomas tried to calm things down that evening and verbally agreed to pay everything. Then a damage amount of a few thousand euros was announced. From that moment on Thomas started to withdraw more and stated that he did not want to pay such an amount without involving insurance. After some verbal exchange the insurance papers were filled out. And not long ago I forwarded the email from the insurance company with the damage amount or the possible premium increase to Thomas. However, they want further substantiation of that damage amount by means of a damage report or invoice from the garage. When I ask my insurance company for a damage report/invoice I do not get one. Thomas does not want to pay now and I am stuck. I fear that I can only get my money through legal action or do you have any other advice?

Lawyer

That is correct, you will then have to start a procedure against the person who caused the damage to recover the damage caused. As the initiator of the procedure, you will have to provide evidence. Because the person who caused the damage borrowed the car and caused the damage referred to or is at least liable for it.