The problem is you don't know how much damage has been done behind the bumper. If the rear panel is bent it might need cutting off and a new one welding in etc.

If I get the repair done through my insurance, what options do I have come renewal time and NCB?

Once the claim is settled you will get your money back and ncb restored, just expect your premium to rise anyway.

Anyone have any idea how much this might cost to repair if I didn't go through insurance? (I do appreciate this is difficult to tell).

Its actually impossible to tell.

What you need to do is visit some local bodyshops for a quote. If its only cosmetic go to one of the "smart" repairers that specialise in repairing Motability Cars at the end of the lease. dad used one when the rear was hit, Nissan dealer said £300 +parts, chap did an imaculate job for £55.

Somebody ran up the back of you.

Go to 3rd party insurer, they will pay the garage directly - avoiding you using your insurer.

Job Done!

I did go to them directly in February....they denied liability, despite how clear cut it seemed.

Just popped round to Gladwins (closest bodywork place to me), who said the damage is cosmetic as the metal rod behind the bumper is intact. They quoted £355. I'm sure I can get it cheaper if I spend more time hunting around.

It is very tempting for me to now not go through my insurer and preserve my NCB at renewal time.

Given the situation, and the quotes I got earlier, do you think that's the best move?

Edited by fsa on 22/10/2014 at 17:59

Oh yes, most definitely. The only difference in those quotes I got was the NCB...it was still declared.