Yesterday Robbie and I tried to go get him a license so that he could start driving himself to work and wouldn't need to hitch rides or walk when I'm gone and would be able to get a better job farther away and not worry about how to work when I'm not around.
We went there with everything we thought we needed...he had studied hard and was ready for the test. And after waiting a while to be talked to, we sat down, and handed the guy his info. "Do you have proof of insurance?" he asked. "Proof of what insurance?" Robert asked. "Proof of car insurance" he said.
I asked him if my car insurance would work and he told us not unless Robert was on our insurance plan.
We sighed...took back our stuff, and walked away.
To say the least...it was a bummer.
To say the most...I was furious and ended up almost in tears with how angry I was about it all.
I don't know whether it makes sense that you need to have insurance before getting a license. When I think about it, sometimes it makes sense. But then I just get angry again.
Robbie called some insurance place just a few minutes ago and I was overhearing the conversation. "I don't know what kind of insurance they mean.......no I haven't had a license in a long time.....no I don't have a car, I don't have a license!"
He got off the phone and as he walked towards the kitchen he sighed, "No license for me". I asked what he meant and he said that insurance plans we like a couple thousand and even more for him since he isn't an experienced driver.
I don't remember having to give them proof of insurance when I got my license. And maybe you don't have to everywhere you go. Or maybe it's a new thing. Or maybe I just don't remember it.
In some ways it makes sense...and in others...it's just another thing holding him back.
He can't get a good job without a license. He can't get a license without insurance. He can't get insurance without a good job. It's a vicious circle.
And one of many. Ultimately, this particular loop doesn't piss me off...because I know I don't understand it and in some ways it seems like it makes sense. What really gets to me...is that he's used to this treatment.
He made some mistakes when he was younger. Didn't pay a ticket. Didn't pay a bank bill. Things like that. Things that yes, they were stupid....but they don't deserve this kind of punishment. You fuck up in this system and they've got you in their grasp the rest of your life.
It pisses me off. He's a good guy. He's a smart guy. And he's talented. But nobody taught him how to live amongst all this chaos...and now...."no license for me."
It's ridiculous.
Yesterday he said "I know I made mistakes...but it's the kind of thing that should be able to be reversed in a few minutes....not 15 years." And then he said "I bet if I had money...they'd get cleared up in a minute."
Anyways...I'm starving so I'm going to go eat.
Love is free
-Kate
1 comment:
Car insurance isn't so bad. It is harder if you're not an experienced driver, but not harder to get, just harder to pay for.
You have to have car insurance to have a lisence so that if you smack into somebody they'll be able to be paid to fix their car. Or their neck. You did have to have it, but you were on your mother's plan when you got your lisence so you didn't even really think about it.
I pay less than 30 dollars a month for insurance, and that's not even the best I've seen. Some people pay less than 17 dollars a month.
Don't call the insurance companies direct, most of them will quote you something pretty high. Instead, GO INTO a local insurance group and talk with them. These companies talk to all the major insurance companies and will call around to get you the best rates. Tell them you want minimum coverage and set something up. You'll probably have to pay every six months or a year, so it's something you can save for. Then, go get a lisense. Don't speed, don't drive like an idiot, and don't get into any wrecks, and before long the insurance company will start making deductions for good driving. Then you can increase coverage if you want to, or you can just pay less.
You can upset all day about it if you want to. And at the end of that day, he still won't have a lisence. So, ask around, get advice, try different places, and make it work. If it's that important to you, you'll find a way.
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