Dinged by a Shopping Cart?

There it sits. The dreaded shopping cart, unattended, just waiting to roll into the nearest parked vehicle to leave a fresh ding on the car door. It's a threat that impacts us all – the runaway shopping cart. And while we can't make folks return their carts to the corral or keep them from rolling amuck, we can provide this helpful guide on what to do if your car gets dinged by a shopping cart.

Assess, then Document the Damage

The first step after discovering a ding from a shopping cart is to assess the damage. The severity of the damage will determine your next steps. Here’s what to look for:

Surface-Level Scratches
These are shallow scratches that affect only the clear coat or paint layer. They might look bad but often don’t require extensive repair.

Small Dents
Shopping carts can cause small dents without chipping the paint. While these dents may not seem like a big deal, they can lower your car’s resale value and become more noticeable over time.

Paint Chips or Deep Scratches
If the cart has chipped or scraped away the paint, exposing the metal beneath, the damage is more serious. Left untreated, the exposed metal can rust, leading to more costly repairs later on.

Once you have a clear understanding of the damage, you can decide whether to handle the repair yourself or seek professional help. But before taking any action, it’s a good idea to document the damage. Use your smartphone to take clear, detailed photos of the ding, including close-ups and wider shots that show the location of the damage on your vehicle. This documentation can be useful if you decide to file an insurance claim or if the incident happened in a store parking lot and you need to contact the store.

If possible, take photos of the shopping cart responsible for the damage and note any identifying features, such as the store’s logo on the cart. If the incident was caused by negligence on the part of the store (e.g., an employee failed to return the cart properly), these photos could support a claim for compensation.

Consider Reporting the Incident

If the damage occurred in a store parking lot, it might be worth reporting the incident to the store manager, especially if the cart was left unattended or improperly returned. Some stores have policies in place for addressing damage caused by carts on their property. While not all stores will take responsibility, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

When reporting the incident, be polite and provide the documentation you gathered, including photos of the damage and the cart. The store may offer to cover the cost of the repair or assist you in filing an insurance claim. Keep in mind that this step may not always result in compensation, but it’s worth pursuing.

Determine If You Should File an Insurance Claim

Filing an insurance claim for shopping cart damage may or may not be worth it, depending on the extent of the damage and your insurance policy. Consider the following factors:

• Deductible: Check your insurance policy to see what your deductible is. If the cost of repairing the ding is less than or close to your deductible, it might make more sense to pay for the repair out of pocket.
• Claim History: Filing multiple small claims on your insurance can result in higher premiums over time. If the damage is minor, you may want to avoid filing a claim to keep your insurance costs down.
• Comprehensive Coverage: If you have comprehensive coverage, it should cover damage caused by shopping carts. However, keep in mind that the claim process can take time, and you may need to weigh the benefits against the potential premium increase.

Ultimately, the decision to file a claim depends on the cost of repairs and your current insurance situation.

DIY Repair for Minor Damage

For minor dings and scratches, you might be able to fix the damage yourself using some basic tools and products. Here are a few DIY options to consider:

• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): If the ding didn’t damage the paint, you can use a paintless dent repair kit to gently massage the dent out of the car’s surface. These kits are available at most auto parts stores and can be a cost-effective solution for minor dents.
• Touch-Up Paint: If the shopping cart has chipped the paint, you can purchase touch-up paint that matches your car’s color. Clean the area, apply the paint carefully, and finish with a clear coat to protect the repair. Touch-up paint is best for small chips or scratches.
• Scratch Removal Compounds: For surface-level scratches, you can use a scratch removal compound or polishing compound to buff out the marks. These products are available at auto parts stores and can help restore the shine to your car’s paint.

While DIY repairs can save money, they’re best suited for small, cosmetic damage. If you’re dealing with deeper dents or extensive scratches, it’s best to consult a professional – like the folks at Metro Motor Collision!

Professional Repair Options

For more severe damage, or if you want to ensure that the repair is done perfectly, visiting a professional auto body shop is your best option. A professional repair might be necessary for deep scratches and paint damage, large dents, or when you want the job done perfectly. Want some help with that shopping cart damage? Ask Metro Motor!

If the shopping cart has chipped or deeply scratched your car’s paint, we can properly sand, prime, and repaint the affected area to ensure a seamless match with the rest of your vehicle. For larger dents, especially those with creases, our body shop has the necessary tools and expertise to restore your car’s body to its original condition. Investing in quality work can help maintain your car’s appearance and resale value in the long term.

Preventing Future Shopping Cart Damage

While it’s impossible to completely avoid the risk of shopping cart dings, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the chances of it happening again:

Park Further Away
Parking at the edge of the lot, away from high-traffic areas and cart returns, reduces the risk of a rogue shopping cart dinging your car.

Avoid Sloped Parking Areas
Shopping carts are more likely to roll on sloped surfaces, so try to park on level ground when possible.

Use Cart Corrals
If you use a shopping cart, always return it to a designated cart corral or return area. This small act can help prevent carts from rolling into other vehicles.

Consider Parking Next to the Curb
Parking next to a curb on one side gives you protection on at least one side of your car, reducing the risk of a cart hitting that side.

Don’t Ignore Shopping Cart Dings

While a ding from a shopping cart might seem like a minor issue, it’s important to address the damage sooner rather than later. Even small dents and scratches can impact your car’s appearance, lead to rust, and reduce its resale value. Whether you opt for a DIY repair or seek professional help, taking action quickly will save you from bigger headaches down the road.

By being proactive and mindful of where and how you park, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering future shopping cart dings and keep your vehicle in pristine condition. And if a runaway shopping cart does strike, Metro Motor is here to get your car looking like new again.