Watch out for flying chunks of ice and rock salt on the roads this winter. On I-95 heading out of NYC, a truck with an improperly tied down tarp on its open container of rock salt just sent me to the body shop with a fingertip-sized dent and a half inch gouge to the sheet metal on the hood of my Mini!

I called Geico and am visiting an adjuster today, then most likely up to the dealership to schedule repair. What a lovely way to spend the holidays. But then again I am very glad I opted for $100 deductible on my comprehensive coverage, and rental reimbursement, since Mini only gives loaners for breakdown repair (or my dealership doesn't loan for body work).

Here's the damages. As usual it is a lot worse in person, and I don't think ClearBra would have saved me from a fist-sized chunk of rock flying at me. I tried evasive maneuvers but made the bad choice of hiding behind another semi truck- and its slipstream aimed the rock right at me. With 2 lanes there was nowhere to go, and I'm glad it didn't come through the windshield at me. Though a new windshield would probably be less of a headache.