motor Insurance claim - is this the best way to go?

[waggledancer]

My car was hit whilst parked over the weekend. The car that hit mine was hit by another car which pushed it in to mine. The driver who caused the accident was arrested, and has been deemed at fault. All claims from the cars involved will go to his insurers.
I began the claim process with the company I am insured with, who have passed me to an accident management company who will provide a car and organise repairs to mine.
They have sent me a document to sign which says I acknowledge that I am not claiming through my comprehensive insurance, and that the vehicle I will be provided with is done on a credit basis and is not a courtesy vehicle.
I haven't had to claim on my insurance before and am wondering if this is the norm now, and if it could have any repercussions for me to go this route rather than claim direct on my policy?
Any advice from anyone with current motor insurance expertise gratefully accepted.

No!

Please do not go down this route, stick with your insurance company. I was offered the same option and stupidly took it. They trick you into dealing with an external company who charge hugely inflated rates for the hire car. Which the other insurers dispute and then follows a game of ping pong between the 2 companies, court action is threatened and you are ultimate liable! It’s a corrupt business method and advice you against it. My case took 2 and half years to be resolved.

Are you insured with Hastings direct?
In your shoes I would go straight to the insurers of the responsible car. They should sort out your repairs and give you a courtesy car.
There is no reason for you to have to sign credit hire agreements or use an accident management company

In your shoes I would go straight to the insurers of the responsible car. They should sort out your repairs and give you a courtesy car.

Absolutely this. The third party insurer will bend over backwards to help you as it will mitigate their costs. They should organise a hire car for you and you should be able to use a repairer of your choice.