Is it ok to take my car to a specific mechanic the at fault driver wants me to go to so he can pay him instead of me making a claim?

You decide who will do the repair work, nobody else. And especially not the owner of the at-fault vehicle.

If you're gong to do this, do it right. Present the guy with a written repair estimate from a shop of your choosing (you can go with the mechanic he recommends, but only if you want), and he has 24 hours to pay either you or the shop in certified funds. Full payment, 24 hour maximum, cold hard cash, no exceptions. If he starts saying he needs until next Thursday, the negotiating is done and you're claiming through insurance. Because if he can't pay it all in cash within 24 hours, he never will.

If you agree to a private (outside of insurance) settlement, remember one thing: You're the one doing the favour here.

It's up to you, but I would rather make the claim. You don't know this mechanic, and this at fault driver does, meaning they can have your car be cheaply repaired, etc. you should either make the claim, or tell him that you will choose a mechanic shop, but make sure to tell them that he's paying out of pocket.

I hope you have the evidences against him, in case he will change his mind. Don't trust anyone for their words. I usually take pictures, make them write a note, and get witnesses.

I would rather make a claim with insurance. They would pay for car rental while your car is in the repair shop.

If you chose to fix your car at the shop he suggested, get the repair estimates from many shops (They will be happy to print out the repair estimated papers for you). Settle for an amount of money with him. You don't have to fix your car right away. Fix your car at the shop you want.

Many shops take advantage of the situation. The driver at fault is worrying that. It is better for him to bring your car in the shop he knows. It doesn't mean the shop is with him. They just don't take advantage of the situation.

It's okay, but you are not required to do so. You have the right to have your vehicle repaired by the shop of YOUR choice. The other driver has no say in the matter, only the responsibility to pay for it.

I would never do that. He is trying to save money by skimping on the repairs. I would file a claim and insist on going to an authorized dealer for all repairs. They will make your car just as it was before the accident.

You get to choose who fixes your car. Don't let him not file a claim. It will come back to bite you 9 times out of 10.

No No No No.

Why would you want to do this guy a favor? He caused the accident. Report it to YOUR insurance and HIS insurance will be paying.