u/mealspeck23

I was hit by a drunk driver on April 19 while my car was parked on the street overnight in Southern California. She also hit another vehicle and a street sign (city property). Fortunately, she has insurance (Geico), but since she damaged so much property, her insurance does not cover all of the damage to all three items.

Before I found out Geico couldn't cover the cost, my car was assessed by Geico, deeming it a total loss and I was given a settlement amount of approximately $21,300. There was a miscommunication and I did not find out that they could not pay out the settlement until about a week after they gave me the the settlement number. During this time, I bought a new car, since I have a child and cannot get to work without a car. I put down $7k on the car, feeling comfortable with that, as I owed $16k on my totaled car, which would only leave me paying a little less than $2k out of my own pocket ($21,300 - $16,000 = $5300 - I was assuming I would be getting a check for $5300 for after my loan was paid off).

Now, I am being forced to go through Progressive, my insurance company, for the settlement. I have read horror stories about Progressive severely undercompensating people for their cars, but I feel like I have a leg to stand on, as Geico had already offered a $21,300 settlement. Progressive wouldn't honor that number, took possession of my car, and did their own inspection. I am waiting to hear this week what they come back with.

I have pretty much sworn off the $7k, which is a huge bummer, it was pretty much all of my savings. I know I acted quickly and it is my own fault I did not wait to have the check in my hands before I purchased a new car, but I also felt like I had no choice. Is there anything I can do to get Progressive even remotely close to the number Geico gave me? I know I can enter into settlement negotiations, but it has already been a month and I am getting to the point I will have to make 2 car payments. I just have a gut feeling Progressive may only offer around $16k, which feels unacceptable knowing another insurance agency offered so much more. Any advice is appreciated!

My husband and I are going back to Playa del Carmen for 4 nights in June. We were there 10 years ago, but everything I'm reading is making me nervous to go back. The sargassum seems to be so bad in recent years and from what I've read, it is especially bad this year. I'm from San Diego so laying on the beach is not a huge deal breaker (I can do that at home), but our room (at the Viceroy north of Playa del Carmen) is literally directly on the beach, as is the resort pool. I'm worried about smell and views. We are going to Holbox the second 4 days of our trip and from what I understand the sargassum is not nearly as bad there - should I extend our Holbox portion of the trip? I've also read going north the sargassum isn't quite as bad, will it be lighter north of PDC?

I also wanted to ask about the restaurants we plan to go to - Alux, Ictio Fish House, and Axiote. I am trying to stay away from SUPER touristy spots - I've read Alux is pretty touristy, however, I've also read it doesn't matter because it is a really cool spot. I'm fine with slightly touristy, but trying to stay away from the "Senor Frogs" vibe, if you catch my drift.

Also looking for recommendations for a chill beach club - our resort pool is very nice, but I would like to explore more this time around.

Any insight will be helpful!