What a w*nker. Definitely deserved a chinning if he was laughing. What was that about?
How is writing off 4 cars and a van funny. Amazed he was sober though. This is the kind of thing that happens when someone is drunk.
Hope you can get it sorted one way or another Trig. Best bet is probably to use the cash from the payout, to get her fixed up yourself, once you buy it back. Hopefully you can get her sorted with the help of the guys on here, and not be too out of pocket!!