Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hit-and-run

My blog was never intended to become the Wailing Wall. I lika a constructive attitude. Like to deal with problems, as part of my tuning into my (now not so new any more) Italian home country.

But one phenomenon is frustrating. Several times a year I find my Jeep scratched, when parked. And believe me, I always choose a foolproof spot. And yet… And, as always... Done by a hit-and-run driver.

Found my Jeep rammed the other day, probably by a truck. Comprehensive car insurance? Yes. But still. Have to pay the franchise. And have to go through the bureaucratic procedure – again. Inspection. Paper work. Waiting. More waiting. All the calls. Trying to find out, who is the “spider in the web”. Reminders. New calls…. Before I can hand in my car for repair. And then, more waiting…

Parking damages are a miserable business in this country. Noone seems to care. My turn today, yours tomorrow. Hit and run!


The smart Italian buys a second-hand car (dressed in graffiti) for his daily shopping. Or, perhaps, an old piaggio. A basic insurance. And then sets off… His Jeep safely put away in the garage for the holidays, coming up soon.


The not-so-clever foreigner (identical with me) buys a second (new?!) mini car for driving into town, her Jeep “in custody” at the Autocarozzeria for a couple of months. In other words… no long-distance tours for a while. But more time for my mountain bike.
Please, overlook my whining! Buon lavoro e bacione, Ingrid

7 comments:

Mandarine D'Italie said...

No, I agree... i think it may have to do with the high bonus-malus insurance policy in Italy... but still it doesn't justify... my dad was telling me the same time over the phone the other day ...even worse, in his case they left a note with the wrong telephone number ... so .. so frustrating...and the car was parked under the eyes of locals by a local bar....in the local piazza..enough said!

Les Cotrions said...

Ciao Ingrid! Thanks for your wishes! I agree with you...parking in this country is very dangerous!!! I drive not very often...I'd rather ride my bike...healthier and safer!
Big hugs
Vale

casalba said...

Well, I must be in the minority - I can honestly say - never had this problem. "Touch wood" (or iron, as the Italians say).

As for the general standard of driving: far too close, clipping in, overtaking that makes my hair stand on end, coming round the bend on your side of the road... that's another story.

I was told to beware of men who drive with their hats on - and, strange as it may seem, so far this has been true. Oh, I forgot to mention that indicating seems to be optional - and why bother stopping at those silly red lights.

Love Your Homes said...

Oh oh dear....I would be lost without my car and I rather drive myself, than to be seated next co-driving, that's for sure!

I do wan't them functional, it's only elder gents driving the convertibles, like my sweetheart...nice car and little hair. Middle aged women with grey hair drive the family car...like me.

Om Notini, så var jag på visning för en månad sedan på Stuckatörens hus, klart sevärt!

Ingela

Diana Strinati Baur said...

My darling Ingrid, whine all you want, I will whine with you! You are absolutely right. A very good idea, a second bang up car. Actually, now that I think about it, it would be better ONLY to have a bang up car here, a nice one is not worth it. Well, let's keep smiling. We have good food and wine!

(part of me would like to be in the south of sweden right now if I must be honest :) :) but only in the summer!!!)

MARIA said...

OH NO! Dear, keep om whining for a while and maybe then get the little Fiat for daily chores.

I do understand after driving in Italy, first time you know I was in the back seat. Next time I was driving, screaming...

I love the picture with your feet by the wasca or whatever you call it. Stay there and grab some new energy. Best of luck!

Maria

Ry @ Sotto Il Monte Vineyards said...

I parked my car in Siena and came back from a lovely morning in the piazza, only to find the front fender caved in. No note - nada. Very frustrating.