Seconding this. Years ago, my husband (driving a 12-year-old Prius) was in an accident with an $85k Audi. He was at fault, rear-ended the guy at a low speed during a rolling stop. Even though the Audi guy told him not to worry and that it was ok, he was ok, it was just a scratch, and drove off, he proceeded to claim that his car was near totaled and began repairs to try to get to replacement cost. He also claimed whiplash.

We got an itemized bill through the insurance company and found out he had his scratched Audi towed six times, and charged everything from a new bumper, new paint job, to new front windshield wipers towards the “totaling.” His insurance claimed a “ripple effect” meant all of these repairs were needed.

We refused to pay for 2.5 years, until the other party agreed to mediation, and whipped out the itemized bill immediately which reduced our “owed” debt astronomically. We settled at $12k-ish damage. Still a ton, but manageable. The alternative would have ruined us financially for good.