Can anyone recommend a bodyshop in the Midlands that's familiar with our cars?

[Northern Lad]

Evening everyone 

As the subject suggests, I find myself needing the skills of a bodyshop familiar with a Caterham 7 chassis and bodywork following a coming together this evening. I think I got off lightly considering the fact that I got rear ended by a Range Rover that appeared in my rear view mirror like a killer whale about to swallow a baby seal! Luckily, my procrastination with regards to a spare wheel delete prevented total devastation but nevertheless, the impact bent the carrier and also the rear most perimeter top tube of the boot. It's a testament to our cars that a 2.8 ton Chelsea tractor did such a seemingly small amount of damage. However, I want to get the car checked out properly and would appreciate any first hand experiences with suitably qualified artisans. 

Thanks in anticipation 

Steve

[Golf Juliet Tango]

I'm sorry you were hit. I'm glad you are ok.  I hope your claim is met by the Range Rover driver in full. 

I'd call Arch Motors straight away. 

[Northern Lad]

I thought Arch would be the go to people. Only potential issue is that the person that hit me doesn't want to go through insurance....surprise, surprise. 

[rgrigsby]

#3 big red flag for me, it's not their choice, as long as you have their details I'd be straight onto my insurance company. Otherwise I suspect you'll end up in a world of pain chasing them to pay.

[Nigel B]

I agree with rgrigsby. The Range Rover driver probably assumes damage to the funny little kit car thing can be rectified with a three hundred quid filler & blow over job!

[Wrightpayne]

Also, you're obliged to inform your insurer of any accidents you are involved with, at fault or otherwise.

[Golf Juliet Tango]

When the other driver realises how much it will cost, they will eant to go through insurance.  I wouldn't wait, I'd contact my broker and start a claim against them.

Delay isn't advised.  There is nothing in it for you and  you can only lose out by it.

[Northern Lad]

Thanks for for the advice. You're all right in what you're saying.

Am I correct in saying that I can decide where I take the car for repairs just in case the insurers suggest anywhere other than Arch?

[Golf Juliet Tango]

Yes, you are. It is your call, without question.

[Tazio]

It's a typical racing accident damage,  rear panel and carrier tubing replacement it is a simple bread and butter repair for Arch, the only place to go. Take loads of pics and send them to Bruce or Phil Robinson at Arch for their comment.  Also get that claim in against the RR now.

[ian.pursglove]

Get the claim in as quick as possible - apart from anything else any delay gives them the chance to invent a story (not that anybody would ever do that in an insurance case  ).

They hit you in the back so should be easily resolved quickly and at least this is a time of year in which it is ok for a car to be in the garage.

[TomB]

The Range Rover will be surprised how it all adds up - strip, reskin, repaint, refit. At least a grand Id guess if doing it commercially. 

[BenF]

If Milton Keynes is not too far away, there is a 7 repairer there, TangoMikeRomeo used them to have his 7 repaired & resprayed following being back ended - the result was good from what I saw.