Can anyone recommend an independent motor engineer, preferably in West Yorkshire. I am battling my insurance company following a non fault accident (rear end shunt whilst stopped at traffic lights) since when my car has been difficult to start and the diagnostics check shows a failed catalytic converter with fracture as a possible cause.

Essentially my insurer (Admiral, I'll never go near them again after this experience) are saying it is not related to the accident and have paid an independent engineer to look at the car. He came along and didn't even look under the car but decided it was not accident related. I have a letter from a garage who have experienced similar failures explaining why this happens on the particular car (Jaguar XK8) but because the person who wrote the letter doesn't have letters to put after his name this apparently does not count. So what I need is someone who has letters after their name which match or trump something I discovered to be A level equivalent in engineering to give their opinion.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated as I currently feel somewhat powerless and am likely to be very out of pocket for stopping at a red traffic light.

Malcolm Reed 07779 781458. The first page of his reports are like an A4 sized list of letters after his name!

Don't be put off by his age, appearance or chain smoking!

And great luck. Anyone fighting the power of dirty tricks insurance companies deserves help.

Hope it works out for you. Glad to be of help.

He's old school and a man of his time - and people in his line of business are not so easily found these days.

Quick update, I finally got a cheque from the insurers as they couldn't say the damage was not accident related. Malcolm's report really helped.