Basically had someone in a new style 5 Series reverse into the front of my E30 Touring. He wanted me to opt for visiting his "mates" garage for repairs... Cutting it short I opted for insurance and he may/may not accept liability!

The problem comes into play when the body shop value the damage done which isn't that much tbh (front bumper needs painting, new grill, indicator fluxed on one side) but if they price the work over the book price of the car then the obvious will occur...
So my question - has anyone had this happen before and bought the car back from the insurance comp when they wrote it off? If so, is it a simple process?
