Honestly, when it rains, it pours. A few weeks ago, I was in a minor car accident on my way to work. On the approach to the GW Bridge, the car in front of me stopped short. Luckily, I was paying attention and stopped in time. But the car behind me was not so lucky. They hit me from behind with enough force to push me directly into the car in front of me.

I was so mad, but everyone seemed okay. So we exchanged information and got on our way. The car that hit me from behind is the one that was found at fault. Their insurance company agreed to get me a rental and fix my car, so I didn’t really have much to complain about. All was good.

I dropped my car off at the body shop the insurance company told me to, and I went on my way with the rental. That was a little over a week ago. They kept me updated with repairs and estimates, and all was going fine. Last night, they texted and said they were painting my car and it should be ready in a day or so.

Awesome!

Cut to today, I got a call from the body shop that while they were painting my car, the painting booth caught on fire. And my car is now a total loss.

I honestly can’t make these things up. They are going to pay the value of my car and most likely help replace the things I had in my car (because as most people will tell you, I basically live out of my car most days with the amount of driving I do), but that still will most likely not be enough to buy me a new reliable car. I was the only owner of this car; it’s been maintained and cared for, but it was older. I live in Jersey City now. I still work in the Bronx, and my partner and our kid live out by Philly, so I drive a lot. I can’t be without a car. And I need one that isn’t gonna break down on me every five seconds.

I need to come up with enough to get myself a reliable car. I just wasn’t prepared for this. I was expecting to have this car until it died, and I took care of it so that wouldn’t happen for at least a little while.

I'm not in a place to even buy a car right now. I just went bankrupt, I had to move, and I’m still trying to get back on my feet. And I was not prepared for any of this.

At this point, I feel like something is out to get me, and I could use a little help.

Anything at this point helps. Thank you.