Who is at fault if a shopping cart hits your car?

If a shopping cart hits your car, the at-fault party depends on who let go of the cart or how it moved, though stores are rarely held responsible.

Responsible Parties

• Another Customer: If a person left a cart loose and it rolled into your car, that individual is legally at fault for negligence. Proving who it was can be very difficult unless caught on camera.
• You: If you were moving a cart or if your own vehicle struck a stationary cart, you are typically considered at fault or it is treated as a single-car collision.
• The Store: Grocery stores and businesses are generally not liable for runaway carts because returning carts is considered the customer's responsibility. A store might only be at fault if you can prove gross negligence, such as an employee pushing a cart into your car or ignoring a severely overflowing corral during high winds.

Insurance Coverage

• Your Own Policy: Most drivers file a claim through their own auto insurance using comprehensive coverage (or collision, depending on the exact state and insurer guidelines) if the responsible person cannot be found.
• Deductibles: If the repair cost is lower than your insurance deductible, paying out-of-pocket is usually cheaper than filing a claim.