Got it from the horse's mouth this morning, i.e. the insurance co. Made a mistake last night in a place where, last week there was no metal bollard but last night a new one had been installed. Have made a turn there several times. Anyway made a mistake and damaged the passenger door (not even at speed) so badly that it needs a replacement door. Asked the insurance co that, if I made a claim, and my bonus was protected,would my basic premium go up.... "very possibly". I said that's hardly fair you get your money back no matter what. She said that if the claim was below €1500 it would not go up much. I said what if it was say €4k (I'm sure new Merc doors are crazy prices), she said "yes that would make a significant difference to your basic premium, but you would still get your NCB off that, but you would have to pay your €500 excess also, then when you look for another quotation from another company you will be asked if you have had any claims in the last 3-5 years, and wont be quoted if you have. We won't quote if you have had a claim in the last 5 years". So it looks like I'm looking for a second hand door for a guy who says he will paint and fit for €500, but he is booked up until March 5th. Cancelled NCT for this Thursday, Licence expires April 4th...... what a life this taxi driving lark.