My trusty CR-V (the “Excelsior,” because I name my cars after spaceships) recently got dinged in the back.  The damage isn’t too terrible but it’s in a lousy spot.  Thus, I had to deal with my insurance company (Progressive) and rent a car.  Along the way, I noticed a few things:

1. 

   #5. *Angry Bear Noises*

   The lady that hit me seemed to be pretty impatient while I got Progressive on the phone.  MAYBE YOU SHOULDN’T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF YOU’RE IN A HURRY, LADY.

2. I didn’t even think about calling the police. This was a low speed accident and not worth their time.
3. She eventually gave me her info and drove off in a huff because “I have kids in the car.”  I don’t know about y’all but I tend to drive extra-careful whenever I have passengers…just saying.
4. Insurance company Ding #1: To be fair, I was getting impatient with Progressive too.  Pick up the phone, guys!
5. It wasn’t a bad dent, but in just the right spot for water to get into the hatch.
6. I’ll get a call back in 24 hours. Cool.
7. Ding #2: The claims rep was supposed to call me ‘within 24 hours.’  2 days later and still no call.
8. I posted an angry tweet about that lack of communication and got a response within a few hours. Modern times and all that.
9. Lady’s insurance is taking full responsibility (as well they should) Woo-hoo!
10. Stuffed a plastic bag into the hole to keep water out. Lucky it hasn’t been raining lately.
11. I was initially going to pick a shop to take it, but decided to punt and the insurance guys handle it. I have other things to worry about.
12. Ding #3: The last time this happened, I got to pick a rental.  This go-round they threw me into a Toyota Corolla.
13. I got everything I needed from the CR-V…except for the garage door opener. >.<
14. The heck with giving me both car keys on a key ring that I can’t remove them from?
15. It’s a little bit of an adjustment going from a small SUV to a car, but I’m (mostly) handling it. Lucky for me I don’t have any long trips coming up.
16. When did car air conditioners get so complicated?
17. 

    15. Me in the rental

    This is a newer vehicle, yet the backup camera looks terrible compared to my 2012 CR-V.

18. Having an in-car touch screen does not work very well. At the risk of getting technical: The user interface is poop.
19. Ding #4: The repair guy was supposed to call me ‘tomorrow’  Didn’t happen.
20. Yeah, it’s probably time to start looking for a new insurance company.
21. Thing I miss most about my CR-V? Legroom.
22. I’ve given up on getting any calls from my insurance company at this point, just going to check their website every so often.
23. If you are going to tell somebody you are going to call them and you don’t, that is rude and unprofessional.
24. Unless you’re a recruiter, then it’s par for the course. (obligatory job-related item)
25. Auto headlights should NEVER turn on the high beams…just sayin’
26. Had a funny moment when it rained and I tried to turn on the rear wiper that wasn’t there.
27. Also, the ‘beep’ it makes when I turn on the alarm can barely be heard.
28. The day before the repair is due to be completed, the app says “2 days left until repaired.” Huh?
29. (Finally) Got a call that afternoon saying it will be ready when scheduled, woo-hoo!
30. 4pm and the app now says ‘Repairs complete.’ Maybe I’ll get lucky and get my ride back a day early?’
31. Ding #5: Of course they call me 15 minutes before they close (and I’m already at home from work) to schedule the pickup the next day, grr.
32. Since the lady’s insurance is taking full responsibility, this little adventure isn’t going to cost me any money, just a little time and aggravation.
33. I also got a blog post out of the deal, too 😀
    

    35. Looking good!

34. Ding #6: Scheduled the appointment for 1230, get there at 1231 and I have to wait 😛
35. Holy cats, the Excelsior looks good when it’s cleaned up.
36. Feels good to be in my own vehicle again. I had to re-learn some habits, like having cruise control settings on my steering wheel instead of on a stick thingie.
37. Time to shop for new car insurance!