While I was at work someone hit my car in the car park. They've assumed liability and his insurance already contacted me. I have also contacted my insurance company in the meantime and started proceedings with them, however TP insurance contacted me to deal with them directly and even offered a garage of choice to repair. So far, so good. However, my car is a Mercedes-Benz CLK Avantgarde with 110,000 miles and some rust on the rear arch (which, funnily enough I meant to fix this weekend). I'm afraid the insurance will deem the cost of repair higher than the cost of the car and write it off. I went to a garage close to my house and they said to fix it would cost £1000, however in another garage I believe it might be about £750/£800. I've owned this car for six years, I religiously service it myself every 10,000 miles and have replaced many expensive parts over the years, most recently a full exhaust system and a full gear box service. The engine is an absolute gem.

The last thing I want is a write off as I feel the money they will offer me will not permit me to buy another one in same condition. I'm a bit confused and not very wise with insurance matters. What should I do to get the best deal possible? I really like my car and all I want is to have it fixed.