[marin8703]

well first of all make sure you have an accident report done whether you file an insurance claim or not, or if not that, some other proof that the accident occured. and since he is cool with going to any shop you want, pick a good reputable shop and ask him to pay you the estimate value that the shop gives before work actually starts, otherwise he may change his mind once work starts, donno if it makes a difference but i wouldnt have him in contact with the shop at all, just show him the stimate. This would be better than going through insurane since they will make you got where they want and their shops arent always the best.