well ... actually i had a similar experience when i had my license for about a few yrs. my friend also told me the same thing - pay for the damage out of my own pocket to keep the premium from going up. however, after i spoke with my agent, i'd eventually claimed for it (also for about $1000). it's not too bad, coz the premium didn't go up too much as i remember.
i just made a little stupid mistake yesterday on my way out to the garage and the passenger back door was damaged and need to be replaced. my agent told me that the premium only goes up for about $100-$200 a year if i claim for it. he said the insurance company would count it as 1 point as if i got a ticket.