believe it or not you would be amazed at what the insurance company write off,i used to buy loads of damaged cars from insurance companies and some you couldn't find the damage,anyway don't forget these points:
1.your insurance quote was for the valuation that you had given namely £12000,your premium was based on this amount minus depeciation from june till the accident.they will usually work on the fact that to replace the car with this mileage in this area in this conditon will be xxx amount,but always tell them about how much you paid.
2.yes the market has dipped,unfortunately when you bought the car the car was at a premium and so was the economy,unless you are a city trader then you wasn't to blame for the economy nosediving.
3.yes they would have an figure in mind before they reached you,they use a portable database and they would more than likely know before they looked.
4.why don't you ask for a figure minus the buyback,if the vehicle is classed as catergory d then you have the repairs done and put it straight back on the road,you can buy these back really cheaply and it doesn't bump up your premium too much,if the chassis is straight and it is only doors and hinges then happy days,ring your insurer they love haggling.
5.did you have a courtesy car?,there not supposed to take this into account but is a bargaining chip on there side(i once had one for 18 months :lol: )
6.it would be very hard to hold the council to blame they have huge legal team for this kind of purpose,but if you could get the other motorists involved they hate negative publicity so mention the local press
7. hope your all well and didn't get injured,just before christmas?i could write a book on this subject,but i would try and buy the car back and repair it.
mark