Clonk! Crunch. Oops
Dec. 11th, 2023 01:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
So, pulled off the M6 Toll, into the Norton Canes services, entered the car park, and there was a nasty loud crunching noise, as the car hit the raised kerb at the car park entrance that Flick couldn't see because it was dark. Tried backing away a bit. Turns out one wheel was pointing one way the other pointed another.
Oh dear. The other issue was this was blocking the entrance to the car park a little. People could get past but not easily.
I went in and spoke to the receptionist at the on-site hotel to find out if there was an admin office. Debbie at reception was extremely helpful and called the duty manager, impressed on him how urgent this was. Phil the duty manager and a colleague came out in high vis and directed traffic as we waited for the AA. Phil was very understanding.
The AA man was a very nice man. But unfortunately wasn't able to do a lot except shift the car into the car park proper.
Called the insurance company. After a lot of work trying to establish whether flickums was covered, we eventually got a tow truck sorted. And then waited. Went inside to get something to eat. Flick attempted to buy a coffee for me but left her wallet in the car and phone payment wasn't working. A very kind stranger offered to pay after hearing what a rubbish evening we were having.
Tow truck driver eventually came. He was grumpy and didn't seem very nice. He told us they'd arrange a hire car which contradicted what we'd been told, so he gave us a lift back to the depot. And drove like an absolute idiot! There's no need to bully someone approaching the toll plaza at 30mph in the 30 mph section. And the guy really wanted to fling the truck round corners.
Eventually we arrived at the depot and the receptionist said that we weren't getting a hire car after all... Thanks for that. But the insurance would pay for a taxi, so we booked an Uber. Tow truck man didn't give clear instructions about what to do when it came to unloading stuff from our car to his, so he waited down the road. Eventually flick walked up and explained the situation. Javid, the Uber driver zipped us along the motorways smoothly and quickly, and dropped us off outside home.
So that was the end of that adventure. It was late by that point but we managed to squeeze in a short cartoon.
Only remaining task is to deal with the insurance.
Have to say, aside from the tow truck driver, this really restored faith in humanity. Several people came along to try and offer help - they couldn't do anything but they offered. Debbie the receptionist was very kind and contacted the relevant person directly. Phil the duty manager was very understanding and even offered to buy us a coffee. The lady who bought us a coffee was very kind and the Uber Driver was eager to make us comfortable.