K so spoke to the owner. He was not a dick, but has major potential to be one (you just get that impression from people), He didn't apologize once and insisted that he does any mechanical repairs and his 'trusted' body shop would do the body work. I did not say what was on my mind, which was that I do not trust him or any of his people to go anywhere near my car.
He clearly doesnt understand that this isnt a 99 corolla when he suggested that just leave the keys and the car for the tow truck driver if he comes while you are at work, and I will 'try' and meet him when the car gets here. I was thinking....ummmm... NO
Anyway, we agreed that I would get estmates on the alignment issue and if there is any mechanical damage causing it, and that I would get estimates on the body repairs. From there we can 'discuss'
He is adamant that he does not want me to go through insurance. In my province, we have public insurance (one provider, government agency), so all shops are signed on and it really hurts them if a claim comes against them. So at very least I have that ace in my pocket if this gets ugly. The damage isnt really that bad if you consider I was going to replace my tires anyway, repaint the car in spring of 16, and change the front rims to matching weld rims. Worst case I fix it myself and threaten small claims lol. The easiest for me is go through insurance and they pay 100% of parts and materials and 50% of shop rate per hour that the job was spec'd out at by the estimator