Again!! Second Prius to be Hit -- Back to the Same Repair Shop, I Guess

Thanks to all for your outpouring of love, affection and misdirected humor!!

Sorry to quote only Maggie and Stream, but they were the two most recent and covered the gamut to my satisfaction!

Yes, this kind of love hurts a bit. Material possessions really have no place in the world of love, but I'm just as flawed as the next Prius lover!! I'll make it . . . I think.

Truly, the good news is that no one was injured or even put in harm's way. I've lost hours of work time (and a good bit of income), but I've gained an appreciation for the good work done by some insurance claims adjusters, agents, car repair shops, and, thankfully, honest drivers!

 

Oh, the metallic carnage!

Daylight (with a better camera) provides these views:



For those who've ever wondered where an SUV would smack a Prius, if it could just reach out and slap one, here's a glimpse:



For those who like to see more than one image in a drawing or photograph, you may find more than you originally are looking for in each of these three pictures. While the distortion is just about as bad as what happened to the "hybrid" badge, there is an image of the photographer visible in the above pic. (No, he's not smiling!)

 

They do, and I guess we need to roll with them -- as best we can, anyway. As you've experienced, you know the shoe could be on the other foot tomorrow.

They ask the question because so many people will not fess up to it. In fact, my insurer said nothing would happen until her insurer determined the fault. When I said: "But, the car was parked. Against the curb. In a place where parking is allowed on a public street." The response: "OK. And nothing will happen until her insurer determines fault."

 

Ouch!!

You have my simultaneous apology, condolences, and sympathy.

My car is already in the shop.

Funny thing? The rental is through Enterprise (via the other party's insurer) and they felt like I just won a prize. The reason? I got their Dodge Charger with a Hemi in it (and 40k miles . . . and smells). They were thrilled with the car (". . .and it has Satellite radio!!"). It's OK, I suppose, but it just isn't my Prius.

 

Wow! She'd rather pay better than $1,000 than file a claim? For what other purpose did she buy her insurance?

The woman who hit me had the same desire. I took all of her insurance information, agreeing not to make a claim until I got her an estimate of the costs. She called me back before I got the estimate to her, and she had already decided to make a claim.

Even before making a formal estimate, the guy at the repair shop took one look and said: "At least $2,000."

 

Don't forget, though, that the $500 deductible applies only to repairs to her car. Her property insurance portion (the part that covers you) should be a first-dollar policy. She shouldn't have any out-of-pocket costs for your repairs (only for hers).

 

David,

Sorry to hear about your plight! That is really awful -- two weeks with your Prius is just enough to get hooked, but not enough to even experience half of the car's benefits and joys.

I'm beginning to worry a bit, myself, because the shop called yesterday to say not all of the parts were available, but they "hoped" to have them by Friday or Monday -- so my car would be available Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Still, I'd only be out one week if is was ready by Monday!

 

Thanks, Indy. I appreciate it!

I'm trying to remember a time I went into the city and didn't come out with a ding or scratch (or more) . . . Well, there was a time I just dropped my father off and drove away . . .

Parking is the killer. The ramps have very tight parking, and parking next to an SUV is a guarantee of dings -- especially if young children have to try to open those heavy rear doors and keep them from hitting the car in the next space. (That is one reason I like to park on the passenger side of a minivan -- the sliding door doesn't do any damage!)

Why not drive your brother's car?

I know the answer -- you like your Prius too much! OK, maybe not for the zip or the cush, but definitely for the mileage and cargo space. Good luck to you!

 

Enjoy!! Chicago really is a great city, particularly for a family in the summer. Plan to spend time at one or more of the beaches. Go to Millenium Park. If you don't go to attend a baseball game (Cubs are out of town this weekend, Sox are at home), you can at least drive by a stadium -- Wrigleyville offers a bit more entertainment. Get on the El for a ride (it is one way to get to Wrigley and back). Go to the Museum of Science and Industry if it is too hot or it rains. See the Art Institute!! See what neighborhoods are having art fairs or block parties and go! Take the architectural tour on a boat -- fun, interesting and a way to stay cool. Walk out on Navy Pier. Go to Pizzeria Uno's and carve your name into a bench. Leave the kids at the hotel and go to a play in one of the numerous small theaters in town. Go for some swedish pancakes and incredible cinammon roles at Ann Sather's.

Well . . . that's enough for one day, anyway.

Enjoy!