My alarm sounded at 5 am, I had to get up early to avoid the mad traffic in Lagos. I still need someone to explain how we all survive in Lagos daily. I like leaving my house before 6 am so I ensure all I need is always ready the day before. That morning, I decided to have a hot drink to help my system come alive as I didn’t sleep early enough the previous night.
Lagos is an extraordinary city. Like most white-collar job owners, I also wake up at 5 am, leave the house at 6 am and there is still a chance I wouldn’t get to my office till or after 9 am for a drive that shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. I am convinced the traffic in Lagos should be studied in tertiary institutions but that’s not why I am telling this story.
In Lagos, everybody gets served breakfast albeit, the dish and type of meal are just different for everyone. Little did I know that I was about to be served. I like to avoid issues with my car, so I endeavour to routinely check my car from time to time. My papers are usually complete although, I don’t possess auto-insurance cause I know I drive as safely as anyone can.
Luckily for me, that morning, there wasn’t a lot of traffic and I felt good while driving. I was playing my favorite songs in my car and vibing on my way to work. As you could have guessed, I was playing the latest hits in town. The Popular ‘Last Last’ by Burna boy was playing and, as I was shouting “Last Last na everybody go chop breakfast” I heard a bang, which came with a hit right at the back of my car. Immediately, I parked the car and I kid you not, my eyes began to tear up. I didn't even tell my brain to do it.
A Danfo driver crushed my trunk and broke my lights. I couldn’t believe the new shape of my baby. This guy not only damaged my car but crushed my heart. He still had the effrontery to tell me I was blocking his way and he only intended to hit my car a little but he claimed I didn’t move quickly enough. I was shocked to hear what he said. I was livid and continued arguing with him, I told him how wrong he was to even think it was right to say that. As we were arguing, an incoming vehicle ran into a puddle of water and splashed the water on me. I almost knelt to ask the heavens what I did wrong to deserve a day such as this.
During these events, the danfo driver didn’t bother to step out of his car. All he did was reverse his vehicle and drive off at top speed. There was a voice in my head singing “Last Last” with so much violence. Some minutes later, I looked up and saw a billboard about auto insurance and I couldn’t help laughing at myself. I spent the rest of that day crying and wishing I at least had insurance before the events of the day.
I spent almost half of my savings fixing the car and had to sell it eventually. I got another vehicle several months later and, as you probably guessed, I got auto insurance to cover potential damages to the new one. With my experience, I can assure you that insurance is much cheaper the cost of repairing that car.
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