Honestly, I feel you on the “nearest” shop thing. My first breakdown, they sent my car to a place that looked straight out of a horror movie. I get why you’d keep your own emergency stash—it’s not overkill. Insurance is supposed to help, but sometimes it just feels like a gamble either way. I haven’t had a “preferred” shop experience that made me want to go back, but at least nothing got worse. Peace of mind costs, I guess.
- Been there with the sketchy shop drop-off. Last time, my “nearest” was a place that literally had chickens in the parking lot—no joke.
- Emergency stash in the trunk is just smart. Relying on insurance tow is a gamble, especially if you’re not picky about where they take you.
- Preferred shops? Meh. Sometimes they just rush it to get the insurance check.
- If you’re high-risk like me, “peace of mind” costs more, but honestly, I’d rather pay than end up stranded somewhere weird again.
- Next time, I’m picking my own shop, even if it means a longer wait.
