My crazy collision story

MONDAY:

In the morning driving the kids to gymnastics camp, while on the Fairfax County Parkway, a woman in her gold colored Lexus hit my car.  It was very minor and thank G-d no one was hurt, but it was an accident none-the-less. 

We pulled over to the side of the road and the first thing the woman says to me is, "Do you know what happened?"

Me:  Yeah, you hit my car.

Woman (who I come to find out is named, Judy):  I'm so sorry.  I am starting teaching again next week and I have so much on my mind.  I was thinking about everything I have to do.  It doesn't look like a lot of damage; why don't you get me an estimate and I'll write you a check?

Me (looking at the damage on my car and it was really, really minor.  You could barely tell anything was amiss unless I specifically pointed it out):  That's fine.  Let me get all your info. 

Judy apologizes profusely and tells me how bad she feels on how much I am getting inconvenienced.  "Hey, these things happen and the important thing is no one was hurt.", I reply back.

So we exchange info and I get back in my car to continue to Herndon for the kids' camp.  First thing out of Ian's mouth was, "We just lost 3 minutes."  heheheheee.  "Yes, Ian.  Don't worry, we've got plenty of time to get there."

After dropping the kids off at camp, I found an auto body shop nearby and got an estimate on the damage. It came to $495.  Yowzer!  It really didn't look like that much happened to my car.

As I made my way back home, I stopped at another body shop (much closer to home) and got a second estimate.  $487.  Wow!  Maybe it really is going to cost this much.  And believe me, I told both places not to worry about the slight scratch on the black bumper...it looks like normal wear and tear of a car that is almost 10 years old.  No need to replace it.  Both places said it would take 2 to 2.5 days to fix.

I made it home and went to the passenger door to get my stuff out of the front seat.  It was then that I noticed the door wasn't completely aligned and a loud creaking noise was being heard when I opened and closed the door.  CRAP!!  I am almost certain both body shop places wasn't aware of this either and now I was going to need to go back and make sure the estimate would cover this getting fixed before submitting the estimate to Judy.


TUESDAY:

I couldn't handle going back out there again on Monday.  I decided I would tackle this the next day.  I wasn't going all the way back to Herndon for the re-estimate, but decided I would go back to the place in Fairfax and a new one very close by on the same street.  On my way to the body shop place in Fairfax, I come to Collision Specialists and decide to get the estimate from them first.  I hadn't been there yet and would be starting from scratch.

While in the parking lot with Al who is looking at my car, a woman comes up to me and says, "Robyn?" 

Me:  Hi Judy! 

Judy:  I thought it was you.  I'm dropping my car off here.  I have to tell you, I was driving my husband's car yesterday.  Normally, I drive a 15 year old SUV.  I've gotten a ding in it before and brought it here.  They are wonderful and will take good care of you. 

Me:  Thanks, Judy.  If you are okay with me just getting this one estimate, I'll have them fix the car.

Judy:  That is fine.

Me:  I'll tell them to put the repair on your credit card.  They said it will only take 1 day to fix.  I am going to get a rental car for the day.

Judy:  Just let me know how much the rental car is and I'll reimburse you.  I am so sorry that you have to do all this.  I feel awful.  I wish there was some way I could compensate you for your time.

Me:  That's ok.  The important thing is, no one was hurt.  Everything else can be fixed.

While Al is working up the estimate, Judy and I take a couple of seats and have a great 10 minute conversation.  Seriously, we bonded over everything from Fairview to cancer to marathons.  It was like talking to an old friend.   Al came back with the estimate.....$105.  Seriously!!  I couldn't believe it.  A good $380 less than the other places.  I told Al I'd be back the next day so that they can have a full day to fix it.  Judy and I said our good-byes and I left.


WEDNESDAY:

I drop off the car at Collision Specialists and get the rental car.  All goes well and at the end of the day, I go back and pick up my car.  I see Al and he gives me my car key and we walk out the car to inspect the work and make sure it is satisfactory.

ME:  Al, what are the odds that the woman who hit me would be at the same body shop, at the same exact time as me getting her car fixed?  Isn't that crazy?!?!

AL:  Yes, it is.  She's been here 3 times before with that car.  She is very nice, but always in a hurry.

ME:  Ha, I thought so.  She must be some driver.  Al, you guys are great and I have a big mouth, so if I ever hear of anyone needing body work, I will definitely recommend you.

AL:  Thanks, that's how we stay in business.


THURSDAY:

Collision Specialists of Fairfax calls and leaves a message for me.  They want to make sure everything is okay with my car.  OH MY GAWD!!  I am seriously impressed with these guys.  Their customer service rocks!  As Jeff said, this whole experience was sort of worth it just to know a place like this exists.

All's well that ends well.  I put in the mail the receipt for the rental car.  I wrote a little note to Judy and said, I hope our paths cross again, just not in a car.

And, that is my crazy collision story.