Well, the only optimistic point of note is the bodyshop next door to my mate's garage (who is doing any engine work) thinks the boot damage can be punched straight and made good again, and the bumper should be repairable too. So the bill shouldn't be too high making an amicable result much easier.

That's good news

Well, RAC now informed about it all.

Hoping for a swift resolution but today I took the unusual step of uninsuring the mongrel and insuring the spare micra at my current abode, so I at least am running around fully comp. Looks like the mongrel will be off the road for at least a month whilst I sort out the varying bits.

Is it fully covered whilst in the RAC's care?

Most yards only cover total loss/theft.

RAC said the courier has insurance to cover this kind of thing - just depends on what that insurance company wishes to do. Personally I just want them to honour a quote I get and leave me to get it fixed how I want, not how some other garage wishes to do it, unless they do absolutely everything I say!