Fark, that stuff usually happens to me. Sorry to hear the bad news. I'd be trying to make a phone call to the insurance company involved and ask for a claim form - it might be worth a shot. It will depend on how much the excess is as well but it would be good to get something back to go towards a replacement backglass.
Gives me shivers now Gav thinking of what I need to get to you somehow although the packing will be a fair bit better than what was under your mate's backglass.
