Totalled.

So our minivan is officially considered totalled after another driver crashed into us last week. This means we have lost our wonderful family car which was in great condition, and had lasted us almost 9 years with only 58,000 miles on it.

The initial review from the auto body shop said the damage totalled $8,500. The rear bumper, rear hatch, two rear quarter panels and even the roof all need repair. And because the car is supposedly only worth $5,000.... well, you get the picture.

The only good news here is that no one was hurt and the owner of the other car did have valid insurance. But overall, I am heartbroken. I feel like something has been taken away from me without my permission, and now our family has to take on the extra expense of a car payment right when we are facing high school and college tuition for two of our girls.

This was the first accident I've been involved in, and although everyone, including both insurance companies, agree it was not my fault, my confidence as a driver is shaken. Now when I drive around town I am convinced everyone is going to crash into me or I'm going to crash into someone else. I'm rattled. I feel like anything bad can happen. I know I'll get over it with time but for now, the whole thing stinks.