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My first goal to start off the New Year is...

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Retired Broker/Owner AZ Broker BR030809000

It's been a doozy of a ride this past few weeks!  As I've mentioned in a previous post, we were hit by a gal who was talking on her phone while having a fight with her sister. Yes. she actually told both us and the cop this fact!  She crossed over 3 lanes to take a right, didn't bother to look if anyone was in the way and BAM, hit us.  The good news, Gary slammed on the brakes fast enough so it wasn't as bad as it could have been.  Enough of that story.... what has been challenging is working with her insurance company.  It took quite awhile to find out my car was totaled.  Then they mentioned that we would have a check  within days.   Well ok that was good news...

Here it is January 4th and no check yet.  Add to that we have a rental car that they kept telling me I had to turn in....blah blah blah or be charged for it.  Sorry, that's not going to happen.  I let him know exactly how I felt about that yesterday January 3rd!  "So your client hit us a week before Christmas, got a ticket for her negligence, my car is totaled, I have no car to get around in after hip surgery that I can get into - and now you want the rental back?  No. You need to make this right for me.  Period.  I do have an attorney on standby, if needed, and if that's where you want to go with this, ok.  He changed his tune.  He extended the rental.

And that's my first goal for 2025 - have a new car in my garage!  Actually I'm pretty excited about getting the new car.  And no it's not a yellow BananaTUDE looking car!!!  I picked out a Lincoln Nautilus at our local dealer (that we've been using for years) and put a down payment on it to hold it while we wait for the insurance company to get their ducks in a row. I hope that on Monday January 6th I have a deposit in my account from that insurance company and I can make my first goal a reality. Pick up my new car and move on with my life in 2025. I am so ready to begin anew and get back on the road with my new wheels!  Yes!

A big thanks to Leanne Smith and Will Hamm for hosting the January Challenge. I've hosted many a challenge over the years and I know the time and effort it takes to do so.  So thanks to both of you for going the extra mile for the rest of us!

 

 

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June Piper-Brandon
Coldwell Banker Realty - Baltimore, MD
Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

How awlful, I know how difficult it can be navigating the insurance companies, I have heard some horror stories but the good thing is you are okay.

Jan 04, 2025 01:19 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi June Piper-Brandon well not actually ok. I had hip surgery 6 weeks before accident and the accident set me back about a month or so and made it difficult again to walk.  But the good news is we're picking up new car today.

Jan 06, 2025 09:47 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Been there battling with insurance companies Miss Anna "Banana" Kruchten 

I am thankful for my paralegal background and know how to play their game. 

Cheers to you, your new wheels, and to a GREAT 2025! 

Jan 04, 2025 03:46 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist yes it's just another game and it's a shame when I had zero fault to this whole mess.  But the good news is I played it the way I know how to and results happened this morning.  Picking up car this afternoon!

Jan 06, 2025 09:49 AM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

OOOOO! A Lincoln Nautilus! A B-E-A-U-TIFUL vehicle Anna "Banana" Kruchten I would want the twin-turbo V-6 BUT that's me...lol

Jan 04, 2025 03:48 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Doug Dawes that must me a guy thing!   I think it's a V6 but not the turbo stuff you're talking about.  Picking it up today!

Jan 06, 2025 09:50 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Anna- let me guess...do I hear you and Gary singing "Good bye 2024, don't let your A__ get hit by the door!!!!!    Glad you and Gary weren't hurt. My niece was hit about the same time you were. Her Explorer was totaled. 

Jan 04, 2025 03:48 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

That's too bad about your niece Kathy Streib ......ugh.  Well I am ever so happy it's 2025 and 2024 is totally behind us!  I'm also thankful I have the 'thought process' to let all that go and move forward quickly.  That is the true gift for me.

Jan 06, 2025 09:53 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Anna:

What an ordeal to deal with, first being hit by an irresponsible driver and then having to deal with a pokey insurance company. Such fun - NOT!

Hopefully that bank account of yours will show the insurance check deposit very soon and you will have a new car in your garage without further delay. Keep us posted!

Jeff

Jan 04, 2025 04:27 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Jeff Dowler, CRS well being in our business we know when we need to pull out the stops to get things done, right!  And it worked, picking up new car this afternoon.

Jan 06, 2025 09:54 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Ykes Anna. Well at least they did not put any dents in your Bananna Mobile. Keep the rubber side down in 2025. Jeff

Jan 04, 2025 06:32 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Exactly Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI heaven forbid should they put a dent in the BananaTude Mobile!  LOL

Jan 06, 2025 09:55 AM
Dorothy Griggs
Keyes Group - Coral Gables, FL
LoveMiamiRealtor

Texting while driving is an epidemic in Miami, my son's rental car was totaled whe someone hit him from behind. He does have a lawyer and working with insurance is a nightmare. I love your positive attitude and I hope you enjoy your Navigator...you deserve it!

Jan 04, 2025 07:07 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Sorry to hear about your son's incident Dorothy Griggs - such a pain for him.  As for me, I am grateful I have my TUDE and know how to move forward quickly and not get bogged down with craziness!  I don't think our paths have crossed here on AR.  Are you newer to the community?  Glad to see you today!

Jan 06, 2025 09:57 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

What drama, Anna "Banana" Kruchten  Diane hates insurance companies and I am afraid to share your story or she will get all worked up again.... as to the new car not familiar with it, will need to ask MR Google:)Endre

Jan 04, 2025 09:36 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Endre Barath, Jr. well it is and it isn't 'drama'.  I don't get caught up in that part.....all I can do is put it simply to them and 'suggest' we settle this up, as in now.  And the good news that is happening today. Picking up car later today.  Now back to the new year and  creating lots of fun!  Cheers!

Jan 06, 2025 10:05 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Anna. You will enjoy your new Nautilus as it is one fine vehicle. As one who in 2024 was hit by an undocumented illegal without a license and suspect insurance in the Sanctuary City of Chicago, a close to third world nation, I can feel your pain. My goal was to move and I did. Enough! Enjoy your day.

Jan 05, 2025 03:19 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

OMG Wayne Martin now that's a whole other set of problems.  Sorry that happened to you. And glad you moved on.  I have as well and will be picking up the car this afternoon. Next.....onto a great 2025!

Jan 06, 2025 10:07 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Anna - your 

Hello Anna - the saying, when it rains, it pours comes to mind while reading your post.  However, you seem prepared to take on 2025.  Boots on, umbrella ready plus more than ready with your can do/will achieve attitude.  Good luck and much success in achieving your goals this year.  Step by step.  🌧🥾☔ 

 

 

 

Jan 05, 2025 04:21 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Well Michael Jacobs you summed it up very nicely!  Love it!   And I am ready to move on and pick up the new car this afternoon and get back to a fantastic year ahead!   Cheers!

Jan 06, 2025 10:09 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Anna... a new year, a new car! Of course, it's not the best of ways to get a new car. 😉Insurance companies can be a bear to deal with but if you hang in there they will "give in." Wishing you many safe trips in your new ride.

Jan 05, 2025 05:50 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Nina Hollander, Broker I sure didn't need a new car as my other one was pretty new and it great shape.  Well it was! And now, on to the new and picking up new car this afternoon!   Back to having fun....:)

Jan 06, 2025 10:10 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

OH my, working with insurance companies can be a real problem. Good for you for getting them to back off on the rental car issues. I hope you get your non-yellow car tomorrow!

Jan 05, 2025 06:23 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Done Kat Palmiotti picking up the non-yellow car this afternoon!

Jan 06, 2025 10:11 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Anna, I did not know you were in a car crash, so sorry to hear.   Hope you are healing, and hope you see that check for the new car SOON!

Jan 05, 2025 01:28 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thanks Joan and yes moving forward and picking up the car this afternoon!

Jan 06, 2025 10:12 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

Wow Anna what a way to head into the new year I wish you all the best and enjoy the new car.

Jan 05, 2025 05:37 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Well let's just say there is a LOT of good happening so far in 2025 Charles Stallions and for that I am very grateful! 

Jan 06, 2025 10:13 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Ana,

Glad to know that you and Gary weren't hurt.  Yes, totaling your car and having to get a rental is a major inconvenience, but you can look on the bright side and know that you'll get a new car out of this!

Jan 06, 2025 06:03 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Jeffrey Richman thank you!  I wish I could say I wasn't hurt but it has set me back from healing on the recent hip surgery,  It will take another month or so for it all to calm down the Ortho doc thinks plus some PT.  You know, I didn't need a new car as the other one was fairly new.  But at this point it  "Is what Is" and I've moved on and will be picking up the new car later today.  Happy New Year!

Jan 06, 2025 10:16 AM
KAREN SANCHEZ
Reputable Realty - Apple Valley, CA
...Marketing your home like no one else will.

CRAZY story!   So glad you are OK!!!! 

Jan 06, 2025 02:20 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Yup it's crazy KAREN SANCHEZ !  And finally the new car is in it's new car, our garage and looking great! Now onto 2025!

Jan 06, 2025 02:58 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - Oh, I know the domino effect all too well having been there 3 times in 2024. Reading your story gave me deja vu! Fighting with the person's insurance company and the rental company is absolutely brutal and time consuming. It seems like insurance companies have employees trained to fight the innocent and they have no heart or soul. 

There are way too many reckless drivers who put other people's lives at risk and they don't seem to feel bad about it because when it is a me-me-me generation of drivers who use their phones while driving everyone else becomes vulnerable and at risk. I think talking and/or texting while driving is just as dangerous and drinking and driving. 

Jan 08, 2025 01:20 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

I agree Patricia Feager talking and texting is as bad as drinking and driving.

Jan 12, 2025 02:48 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Love your choice of motor vehicle Anna "Banana" Kruchten Sorry to hear about your recent misfortunes.  Speedy recovery on your hip replacement.

Jan 11, 2025 10:24 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thanks Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 I am enjoying the new ride.  Very sturdy and smooth. As for speedy I pray that is the case! Something else popped up so I may have to get an attorney involved after all. But if so, it is what is.

Jan 12, 2025 02:50 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

You go Anna "Banana" Kruchten those insurance companies, you do have to know how to handle them. My friend did not get her car back for 2 months, and they tried not to extend her rental car. They do take your money every month..   just like you, someone totaled her car  -- cannot wait to see a picture of your new car 

Jan 13, 2025 11:54 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

So you retired, you had hip surgery, AND your car got totaled? Boy, things have been exciting for you and Gary! I hope by now you have your new vehicle and you are well underway on recovery from your surgery and getting your mobility back.

Jan 16, 2025 07:58 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty not sure I'd call some of that 'exciting'!!!  But I sure am enjoying the retirement part!  Fun is just getting started!

Jan 16, 2025 01:14 PM