Luckily not my Escort, but my BMW M3, someone went into the back of me today on the M1, 3 car shunt, looks like it needs new boot, back panel and bumper. Anyway, took it to BMW garage near me, and they suggested instead of going through my Insurance, to you use a company called Accident Exchange, who will act in effect on my behalf and provide me with a new 55 plate M3, and I dont need to pay my excess!, thus no need to claim it back from the other party's insurer. From what it sounds, they specialise in insurance claims and hiring of prestige vehicles, so once your repairs are authorised by their engineer, they claim all the money back from the other parties insurer, (apparantley you can only use them for non fault accidents). In a nut shell, the garage said they basically act as your insurer but with no cost to the customer.
Anyone ever used them before or similar company?? Also they have said that I dont need to notify my insurance company as they will be doing everything??

Cheers

Rich