I would get your friend at the body shop to invoice you for the full amount.

Do you have a 'small claims court' equivalent in the States, Just a judge and no lawyers type thing -
When you win - you decide what to do with the money, your friend can always cancel the invoice.

NormanB

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NormanB
230 TE (W124) 1989 with 153,000 miles on the clock - hoping for at least another 100K