This week I had a day out in Liverpool.  It is a lovely city, fairly well known to me from having moored the narrowboat in Salterhouse Dock a couple of times.  But the reason I was here this time was to support my brother in law, Steve, who was going to court.

Steve had done nothing wrong.  The case was about a car accident a couple of years ago, which was not his fault but for which the two insurance companies could not agree.  And the good news is that he won.  But it was a fascinating experience for me to go to court and I learnt a lot:

1. It is really scary.  It is not like on TV.  There were no robes, wigs, juries.  But there was still a judge and two aggressive barristers.  I was glad I did not need to answer any questions.
2. Court buildings are falling apart.  After many years of under investment it really needed a lick of paint and new ceilings.
3. It can be a lottery.  Right up to the final judgement our barrister was telling us that we might win, we might lose and it could be called 50/50.  It does appear to depend on which judge on which day.
4. Insurance companies waste so much money!  The case was about repairs worth a few hundred pounds.  The legal fees cost thousands.  Surely there must be a better way to come to agreement.  It all adds to all our premiums.
5. If you have to go to court, make a day of it.  Steve and I had a day out, travelling on trains, having breakfast beforehand and lunch afterwards and even visiting a rather smart art gallery.  It was fun.

It was a really interesting day, but I will be avoiding going back if I possibly can.