People are jerks. In fact, anyone who is around others on a regular basis should probably have insurance because of all those assholes. As a freelancer who may work out of coffee shops more than occasionally or a 9-to-5er with a small child in school, car accidents and illness happen.
Last Thursday night, someone hit my car. Hard. Whoever it was didn't leave a note, and since I'm female, I don't linger around my car or check it for damage every night. The next morning, I walked out of my apartment to find that the side of the car facing the sidewalk had been subject to a hit-and-run.
I was shaken up, but went on with my daily activities. Later that day, I spoke with a policeman who was very kind and let me know that, though it sucks, it happens all the time. According to the inspector, the damage is more than enough to total out my car. So, for the first time since I was 19, I technically don't own any means of transportation. I've got my eye on one new-to-me car in particular, but will continue actively looking over the weekend.
Over the past week, I've gotten some funny looks for my continued cheer. Yes, I'm ticked off, but too many factors in this situation are out of my control. Allowing it to constantly affect my mood would inhibit me from taking the necessary steps to find a new car and work to earn the money to pay for it.
That said, I'm in the best possible situation to deal with the expense of a car. I have saved an emergency fund, built rock solid credit and planned to rebuild it all in type of situation. It's not convenient timing. In fact, it's incredibly inconvenient, but that's life.
On the sentimental side, the Prizm was my first car. Though you might not think she's sexy, she's been my safe place and refuge during nine moves and a couple breakups. We survived a summer without air conditioning (in either the apartment or car) together. She's weathered a few scrapes and bumps along the way, but has been incredibly reliable. I'll miss her, but in reality, a car is a means of transportation. It's not an investment*, it's a convenience. For that, I'll be just as thankful for my next car.
*That said, antique cars have historically gained more value in a given time period than stocks, but I'll stick to building my 401K. It's harder to dent.
