Can't live with it, can't live without it...

Car insurance, that is.

I just found out tonight that my car insurance went up because of an accident I had 6 months ago (long story short -- snow and unfamiliar windy, hilly roads don't mix). At the time, insurance was a lifesaver because the accident totaled my car (because it was a cheap car, not necessarily because there was a lot of damage), and they paid for the value of the car -- which was more than enough to cover what I owed on my loan with some left over to put towards a down payment on a new car.

When I bought my new car, I was amazed that my insurance hadn't been affected by the accident -- but apparently I spoke too soon. Now, 6 months later, my insurance is being surcharged with a "chargeable accident" fee. I expected it to go up, yes. But 1. I thought I got away with it somehow -- maybe that "accident forgiveness" thing they talk about all the time, which now seems like a bunch of BS to me, 2. It went up MORE than just the surcharge, so WTF is up with that? and 3. It was my first accident EVER since I started driving, like, 7 years ago -- it sucks enough already without my monthly payment going up over 30%! Give me a break!

Car insurance is a pain. But it's one of those things you hate until you need it, and then you L.O.V.E. it, so I definitely wouldn't do without. (Not like I have a choice anyway.) It's just that as soon as I think I've got it all behind me, it comes back to bite me in the ass. It's like that person who keeps telling you, "I told you so," when you've already realized you made (and paid for) a mistake. I feel bad enough already, thank you; I don't need your help.