It was the end of the week before the insurance company contacted me and I was afraid to take in my vehicle before my trip to the Renaissance Festival. I did not want to drive in Atlanta traffic in a strange car and I also knew I would be parking in a field - I could just imagine the damage that could be done.
Instead, I waited until this past Monday to take my car into Elite Paint and Body. I had made plans already with Enterprise for a rental car a week in advance and I also called Monday morning to make sure everything was set for picking me up at noon. I assumed with over a week's noticed that a car would be ready for me. Not the case apparently. I had to wait about 20 minutes while they got a car cleaned up and gas.
I don't really like driving and was nervous about being in a different car (I've driven my car for 13 years). I was given a Ford Focus. Not a bad car, but hard to see out of, particularly when the flap over the trunk is half obscuring the back window because it isn't latched into place. I only drove the car a little ways before stopping to get something to eat and adjust the mirrors. The car felt like it was driving funny, but I thought it was just me driving a different car.
At the end of the day, I'm heading home on a busy highway when the low tire pressure light comes on. I had just been thinking I need to check the vent and door on the passenger side when I get home because something was vibrating loudly. The vibration - a bad tire. By morning the tire was completely flat. For how concerned Enterprise staff seemed about possible cosmetic damage to a car, you would think they would ensure they only sent out cars that were road worthy. It could have resulted in a horrible accident.
I was so dismayed and stressed about the situation. Seriously, I had drive the car less than hour total and maybe 20 miles total. I think statistically the odds of the tire issue being my fault are slim to none. I tweeted Enterprisecares. The power of social media - you got to love it. Within minutes I had a response and the next morning my local Enterprise was super helpful and apologetic. They brought me a new car to my house and I had no more problems.
I picked up my car Thursday evening and it looks good - the inside is cleaner than it has been in a LONG time. This is the first time I've used Elite Paint and Body. I'm disappointed that no one did a walk around with me when I picked it up. The body shop I used before (they are no longer in business) always went over what they did and had me look at the car to make sure I thought everything looked right.
I'm so glad to be back in my own car. Too bad insurance doesn't cover time, stress and inconvenience a little accident can incur.
Photo credit: Red Car by Laurie Williams
