V70: Body Insurance, Indy Body Shop or DIY repair?

[Morton]

Thanks all, food for thought here.

My insurers have agreed to cover the damage which is good news so it's not a write-off (I was relieved at that, could have been touch and go as an 08 V70).

I've drafted a letter very clearly stating what happened and that it's not my fault.

I'll see what comes of the claim...that's my preferred route but if it looks like it's going to be a heap of agro proving innocence or big costs on my part (even though I've also been contacted by a firm of solicitors courtesy of Aviva who've told me they'll work to get back any losses resulting from this claim) then I'll see if the transport co want to cover a local indy body shop.

[Simmy]

or you could not bother repairing it its just a few scratches. and keep your insurance clean and your money in your pocket. iv driven round with worse for years and it keeps other drivers away cos they think you dont care about your car

[ferg55]

I should think at this early stage they have simply agreed to "cover your loss", but without having assessed the damage (i.e. sent an assessor or had quotes from their repairer) they probably haven't yet decided whether to pay for the car to be repaired, or write it off and pay you the book value - it could go either way. Just my thoughts.

[Olaf Els]

Too late for this incident, unfortunately, but do consider getting a dashcam. They're not expensive and the cost would probably be recovered from a single incident like this.