Kate

You don't have to tell them if you wear glasses or not, but if you have to wear glasses/contact lenses to pass the test then you have to wear them when driving.

As far as kit goes, the helmet has to be replaced brand new and the insurance can't quibble with that, its a safety thing. You are unlikely to be able to claim the whole amount back for your gear, they quote 'wear and tear' which can be about 15%.

I went back to the shop where I bought my gear and they printed out a statement of the gear and what they are worth and I submitted that with the receipts.

Tbh, your solicitor sounds like s/he doesn't have a clue. Sorting this stuff out for bikers is very different to car drivers!

It can also take time unfortunately. In my accident where it was 100% the other person's fault (he was asleep at the wheel when he hit me) it took about 3 weeks for payment for the bike but almost a year for the personal injury claim which included the compensation for the bike gear too.

HTH