On Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:26:14 -0700 (PDT), Capt John
wrote:

Hire someone to at least make an official record of the damage and
repair cost. If their's a differance between what your guy comes up
with and the insurance company comes up with at least you have a place
to start with. If your not prepared, your at their mercy, remember,
they make their money not paying out on claims.

Excellent advice in my experience.