Couple of basic things here.. Have you got legal cover with your insurance? If so get on to them. You may also have this if you have a "Plus" type current account so check that, it's easier to get them working for you even if you probably have to chase them all the time. What type of insurance do you have? If third party then you'll be claiming off the other guy, if comp I'm not sure. I'm still not clear about the status of the other car and driver. I fear it was stolen and uninsured from the description of the incident in which case it will be the Motor Insurer's Bureau as described previously. Basic rule though is to bear in mind that the insurers want to pay out the minimum they can get away with, they're there for profit. Ramping up claims gets on my nerves, in the long run no one wins, but do make sure you get what you're entitled to by getting evidence of costs as suggested earlier. And never, ever, accept the first offer. If it will cost you ?x to get a car of the same type age and mileage, get evidence of that, and don't acccept ?y. The first offer from them is an opening to a negotiation, good luck.