ILikeBeans
Get a quote at a high quality shop maybe two and then make the decision. If it's over you can still offer them the chance to pay without going through the insurance. You can always decide if or how you want to fix it in either case, but know that the vehicle has lost value as well.  

This right here.

But, depending on the age of the vehicle, I would just take the grand and run. Then pay something off or get something nice with it.

I decided to get a couple of quotes tomorrow. Whatever the cost to fix is it is what I am going to charge +10 bucks for gas. Not going to turn insurance in, wife loves her job so I am not going to make a stink.
 

Pocket the $1000 and use it for hardware upgrades. 

Shockjockey
I decided to get a couple of quotes tomorrow. Whatever the cost to fix is it is what I am going to charge +10 bucks for gas. Not going to turn insurance in, wife loves her job so I am not going to make a stink.
 

Great answer!!!! Glad to see honesty in this crazy world we live in today.

 
Even if it's not your fault, the insurance rates will raise for you. (There's your answer)      ;)

Sajin
Pocket the $1000 and use it for hardware upgrades. 

I second this :D

Shockjockey
I decided to get a couple of quotes tomorrow. Whatever the cost to fix is it is what I am going to charge +10 bucks for gas. Not going to turn insurance in, wife loves her job so I am not going to make a stink.
 

I was going to say that same thing. Being it involves your wifes job you really shouldn't piss them off,lol. On the other hand youll never get a grand because you could probably get that whole quarter panel for 400 bucks brand new, even cheaper if you go to a junkyard.
 Is that a 94-96 Dakota?!?!

You could buy an undamaged Red Bed at most junk yards for less than a grand at least here in Texas.
 
I know I was shopping for a replacement bed for my F-150 and found a bunch of undamaged ones for around 800

1,340 one estimate today and 785 on the other. I swear I could pop it out myself in 2 minutes. Cant believe body shops are so high and so much of a difference in prices.

Take the cash and call it a day!