I was doing my normal Tuesday morning commute to Chicago yesterday in the middle of a not so fun winter storm, when I slid off the highway and hit the rail. I was OK, but my car, definitely wasn’t. Lots of scratches, dents, a broken blinker… and some major steering problems. Still, it was good enough for me to drive it to the next exit.

I had my precious little wagon towed to Chicago and awaited the verdict from my insurance company. In the meantime, I busied myself looking at other cars on Vehix.com and other sites (just in case).

I received the call today, and I couldn’t believe my ears: Total Loss! Well, maybe not total… they didn’t inspect the mechanical damage because the cosmetic damage was enough to cause the insurance company to think twice about having me as a client. At any rate, they’ll cut me a check for $2700 if I don’t want to keep the car. If I want to keep the car, the check will be slightly smaller.

At this point, I’m getting an estimate on the mechanical damage to the car. If the mechanical damage is minor, I’ll think about fixing it up and driving it in it’s new cosmetically challenged condition. If not, it will be the end of my beloved wagon. I’ve had this car for 9 years. I’m a little sad at the prospect of not having it anymore. I’m also a little scared of having a car payment again.

Lesson learned… No more driving in snow. Period. If work doesn’t like it, oh well.

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