Yes mate, the price is still on the Surrogate's rear lamp, yellow crayon
The Surrogate is doing ok, she now has a large V8 Cadillac engine in her, all part of the development for a future project.
If you have been told that your van will be a right off by a repairer, have the insurers sent an assessor to view the van yet, they will want Independent confirmation from the assessor prior to making a decision?
In cases where the insurers expect a right off but have to pay out, (no fault accident, such as in your case), the assessor is tasked with saving the insurers money, so your best bet is to insist on a hire van, this will speed the claims process and force there hand.
When the assessor views the van, calmly express the urgency of the repair and state how good your van is for it's age, how well serviced it is and any 'custom modifications' you have made to enable you to use it for work as these would need to be duplicated on any replacement vehicle you purchased.
The one we have just repaired was valued at £2200, but £1950 plus vat just for parts. We told the assessor that if it was written off, we would require payment for tow-in and storage but those charges would be waived if we were given the repair work.
We were offered £1950 including vat to repair, (parts and labour), and were able to repair and save the owner his £350 excess.
We all came out well, but most importantly it saved the insurers money, so they were happy.
Remember, it is YOUR van, so you are entitled to choose the repairer.
If you think that we can be of assistance, please feel free to give us a call mate, 07754 806004 is the works number.
TIM