Not always recorded either, my 3 were not recorded, me gf's present car is a write off, hard to beleive, due to a dent on the rear just above the rear arch, can't even notice it, but repairers didn't want job so they priced up a new 1/4 and paint etc on a L reg astra.
In short we ended up pocketing £400 or so for the damage caused by other party AND keeping the car, still got it 4 years later!!
tabetha