Hmmm, in my case the engineer is at head office, they haven't seen mine either, only the grossly inflated estimate.
But there's the thing. Nobody is checking what the repair centre is assessing. Not saying, "no you don't need that, you don't need this, fit a cheaper part here" etc.
Give the repairer free rain to fit their own parts! As many as they like. Rather than what's actually needed!
Exactly, 2 out of 3 prangs in mine resulted in a conversation with a person and a clip board. Only 1 of 3 involved a second assement by an actual engineer.

Prang 1. OSR quarter, tailgate, light and corner of boot floor-damage contained by pikey hook. Retail parts £1300, labour 4 days. Insurance estimate £5000. Actual cost £1800.
Prang 2. Bonnet and front bumper. Third party accepted full liability, car repaired at local Vx garage. Repair cost £1850. Paid in full, no arguing.
Prang 3. Bonnet, wings, slam panel, headlights, radiator and condensor. Retail parts £2000, labour 6 days. Insurance estimate £5800. Actual cost £1100 ish.
I only get a replacement cab if Third party accepts FULL liability, as they cost £100pd, Prang 1 resulted in 6 weeks car hire, £4200, Prang 2 was 4 days car hire, £400.
For this reason NEVER a courtesy car unless someone else is paying.
