Sister’s fender bender sends insurance skyrocketing

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister “Ruth” and I were both supposed to help a friend settle into her new home, but Ruth backed out after getting a last-minute invite to brunch. Our plans to help our friend had been scheduled long in advance. Ruth’s SUV was packed with furniture and other items that we were expected to bring over, so she asked if she could borrow my car and meet me at our friend’s place later. I agreed reluctantly and drove Ruth’s car over with all of our friend’s belongings.