Today was a day filled with good news. Isn't that what they say Good Friday is supposed to be all about? First, it started out with getting a call from my co-worker this morning to inform me that he was feeling better, so I wouldn't have to go in to work (on my day off) to cover for him. (I went in for 3 hours anyway, to finish up some work I got behind on while covering for him earlier in the week). So it had already started well. Then, as I was preparing to get ready for work, I was looking at my insurance policy for my car online. I have been planning to downgrade my coverage now that my car is paid off and I'm no longer required to carry comprehensive coverage. While I was looking at the policy, I noticed a something I didn't know I had, "Mechanical Breakdown" coverage. Essentially, it is like an extended, bumper to bumper warranty for the innards of my car. I immediately started kicking myself, because I could've used this last summer, when I had spent $1213.84 fixing the air conditioner (and power steering) on my car. (as told here). While I was kicking myself, I decided to give them a call, just for shits and giggles, to see if there were any chance they'd cut me a break and let me claim it...9 months after the fact. So I called, gave them the details, managed (miraculously) to find the work order and receipt from the repairs still floating around in my car, and crossed my fingers. "CJ", the fellow on the line, said it couldn't hurt to try. I've heard that from my car insurance company before, just before they told me no. CJ called the place where I'd had my repairs done and then said he had to do some "processing" and that he'd call back. I had to get in the shower to get ready for work, but there was a message waiting when I got out. I called back, and got another person other than CJ, but she was just as nice. She asked for my information, and looked at my account. Now, if I were a betting man, I would've gladly wagered a large sum that they're answer would be a resounding and condescending "NO!" But, I would've lost that bet. To my amazement, the agent told me that they were going to honor my request, despite it being made 9 months late, and politely scolded me for not putting in the claim before having the repairs done. She was apparently unaware of the circumstances, because she informed me that I would have to go ahead and pay for the repairs and wait for reimbursement. I tried not to laugh. She said it was because the repair place wouldn't accept credit cards, which is funny since that is exactly what I'd originally paid with. But the gist of the story is, there's a check for nearly $1000 (there was a $250 deductible) on it's way to me as we speak. So, for at least the next few weeks, I have to refrain from my usual verbal abuse of "those scamming insurance companies" as a token of appreciation for this rare event.
Needless to say, I've delayed downgrading my coverage for at least the duration of my current policy, because I like the idea of having bumper to bumper warranty coverage for another 2 years or 40,000 miles.

ADDENDUM: I was remiss in omitting that the insurance company referred to above is GEICO. I am compelled to mention that now that I have since criticized them by name. I shouldn't call them out by name for the bad after not mentioning their name for the good stuff. (7/22/08)