Hello Warren,
not too sure about the ins and outs but I was told to refer all communications to my solicitor, they do find out about it I think but they do not act upon it as I have sorted my own legal services. Its a total minefield which I was glad to leave all the legal stuff to Mark Lampkin, much easier.
My girfriends sister got some money back which paid for the repairs to the car, she would of been snookered without that as she doesnt earn much money and works in chester which is a half hour drive away.