Subj : Re: How is everyone?
To   : Deon George
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Mar 19 2021 01:18:00

Deon,

 DG> Wow, not a good year for you. Sorry to hear about it. Hope things work
 DG> out...

  Well, I got a call from Geico Thursday. The guy who was at fault in the
wreck apparently only had "very basic liability insurance". So, all they
offered to do was:

A) Pay the chiropractic medical bills (which were quite expensive).

B) Pay the Uber back and forth to the clinic (14 cents a mile, per IRS
rules).

C) Pay me for the pain and suffering (I think it was more economic than
physical).

  They can NOT pay for loss of property (my car was totaled -- noted
below), or any other expenses...because the guy had very basic coverage.
I have heard of cases where folks get minimal insurance, then cancel
it; but keep the card, showing they have it. Yet, the police can track
that down, and cite them for driving without liability insurance.

  To get one's license tags in Arkansas, you must prove that:

1) You have assessed the personal property tax on the vehicle.

2) You have insurance on the vehicle (most just do basic liability,
and don't pay for things like collision, medical, etc.)

3) If acquiring the vehicle new or used, you must provide the title.

4) You must pay the sales tax on the vehicle (I think 7.5% of the
total price).

5) Have a valid Drivers License in the State Of Arkansas.

  You have 30 days after the purchase to get the license tags. At
least I can renew them online, without having to go to the Revenue
Office.

  My previous car was totaled out, and I got $5287 for it. Combined
with some money I had from the insurance after my late Mom's death
in August, 2019, I bought a pre-owned vehicle from a family owned
dealership that has been in business for 35 years. Yet, in Arkansas,
most, if not all, pre-owned cars, are sold AS IS, with NO WARRANTY.
I paid $9950 for it, but had to pay $729 in state sales tax. But,
the car is paid in full...so no finance charges.

  The first one was a 2009 Volvo 2 door hard top convertible, which 
would have cost more on insurance and repairs. When I took it in for
service, there was a parts shortage, and I still hadn't gotten it
back 3 weeks later. I had been taking Uber back and forth at $40 a
day. So, the dealership did an exchange for a 2013 Chevy Cruze 4 door
sedan...which is much bigger and nicer. Plus, it'll be cheaper on
repairs and insurance.

  Unfortunately, they found a bunch of stuff wrong with it, and it
cost me over $3500 on that. Then, I had to replace the windshield,
which had developed a crack in it. Safelight had set me up for a
Friday, but the location was Memphis, Tennessee, instead of Little
Rock, Arkansas. So, they rescheduled it for this past Saturday, and
I told them "as compensation, install 2 of your best windshield
wipers, and give them to me, to where I just have to pay the $100
deductible on the windshield, and we'll call it even"...they took
my offer.

  Then, this past weekend, the battery on my keyless door lock at
the house died, and I was locked out of the house after 10pm. So,
I had to call an emergency locksmith to get me in, and it cost me
$165. I have to get a tamper proof small star screw, with the 
screwdriver, so I can change the battery again...but this one
lasted 3 years.

  With all that, I was on the potential of being overdrawn for my
birthday on Monday (not the best birthday present, even with having
overdraft protection...they pay the transaction fee, but hit you with
an overdraft fee for each one). But, they'll be able to get me $817,
which will pay the rest of the bills for the month, provide the co-pay
on my colonoscopy next month, and pay the income tax preparation fee.
When the COVID-19 stimulus comes in, I can just hold that for savings.

  Had I known then what I know now, I would've just canceled the car
insurance, and just taken Uber everywhere...but that money would've
run out sooner or later. Then, it would've eliminated any social
life...as I'd have to take Uber to medical appointments and to the
Post Office Box, and I'd have to get groceries and prescriptions
delivered. But, it would've eliminated car insurance, repairs, and
gasoline. However, you're at the mercy of someone else for any needed
transportation.

  So, while it's far less than I wanted, it'll save me a lot of
financial grief later. One of the law enforcement agencies in
central Arkansas has a "hot check division", and folks go to jail
for that.  

 DG> What's Gatornet?

 DG> I'm happy to help if its useful.. I've got the kit here doing a couple
 DG> of other nets, so one more should be a quick setup...

  I would appreciate that. I'm at 1:19/33 in FIDONet (a regional
independent...my hub is 1:396/45)...and my email is wx1der at
gmail dot com -- however, Gmail won't allow programs to be sent
in emails.

  However, with being in our spring tornado season now...plus I had
to delay a complete physical, and a low-T procedure, due to two
back to back winter storms in February (clinics were closed at 
least a week, with some having significant water damage from burst
pipes), that they are so backed up right now. So, I'm waiting until
after the colonoscopy in early April before I worry about those
others.

  I feel like the deal from Hee Haw..."if it weren't for bad luck,
I'd have none". I noticed a dead tree had fallen over in the yard,
and I went to try to move it via one of the branches, it snapped
off, and had I not had glasses on, I might have gouged my right
eye out.

  I never remarried after my wife died 14 years ago, and I sure
could use some help now. But, at this stage of life, so many have
so much "baggage", and I don't want or need all that "drama".

Daryl

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