I’m Absolutely Traumatized

Hi Scott,

While I was away for two weeks, a packet of chicken thigh fillets somehow ended up under the driver’s seat of my car (from a grocery shop before I left). I came back to an exploded packet of horrific, rancid, smelly chicken, maggots, and an absolute disaster. I tried to clean it myself with my boyfriend, and even paid someone from AirTasker to steam clean it, but it just made everything worse—the smell is unbearable. I have tried doing it myself as a Jim’s Cleaning guy came over and quoted me a whopping $570. At this point I'm considering setting my car on fire to claim insurance and never smell the horrific mess again (just kidding... but also...). The whole situation feels way out of my depth financially, and I have no idea where to start. Do insurers even cover this kind of thing? Is there a way to fix this without spending a fortune? And most importantly, how do I stop something like this from totally derailing me again? I know you’re a busy guy, but I’d really appreciate any advice you can share but this situation has thrown me for a loop. 

Tina

Hi Tina

I actually read this out to my kids over dinner, (granted, possibly not the best timing), to show them how good they’ve got it with only a farting kelpie.

(It didn’t work).

So, to answer your questions.

I wouldn’t go with the insurance fraud option, that’s an entirely different stink that will really cost you. That being said you should check your policy: it’s highly unlikely but some comprehensive policies cover interior damage from unforeseen events. 

What would I do?

I’d wind down the windows and bloody well get on with it!

Umm, no I wouldn’t. 

I’d reframe the situation: think of it as a $570 mechanics bill you need to pay to get it back on the road.

(I’d also ring around local detailers and get their advice about a professional deep clean with an ozone treatment, which may end up being much cheaper (and possibly more effective) than old Jimbo).

If you’ve followed the Barefoot Steps, hopefully you have some money in your Mojo account. Rancid exploding chicken thigh fillets are one of the reasons you’ve got it.

Good luck!

Scott.