My shopping cart scratched someone's car

[Jocker]

Jurisdiction

Kansas

I was putting my groceries into my car when my shopping cart (a smaller and lighter version of it) accidentally gently rolled into a vehicle parked next to mine. It wasn't anything major, a slight ding among other scratches that they had (they had an older vehicles that showed wear and tear) but the person inside went out and expressed they weren't happy. They took photos and said we needed to exchange info. I gave them my phone number and (not even sure why) allowed them to take a picture of my auto insurance card.
What is the worst case scenario for me in this situation? Thank you.

 

[Zigner]

You pay for the damage you caused.

 

[Jocker]

You pay for the damage you caused.

thank you . and what is the procedure?

 

[adjusterjack]

Ask for a written estimate. Pay by check. Get a signed receipt that releases you from any further liability before you hand over the payment.

You can find sample property damage release forms on the internet.

 

[army judge]

thank you . and what is the procedure?

After the victim contacts her/his insurance carrier, they'll contact you.

In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt you to report the matter to your insurer.

An old song (as in the early 1940s said it all,

DUKE ELLINGTON -
Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me.wmv

[Verse 1]
Do nothing 'til you hear from me
Pay no attention to what's said
Why people tear the seam of anyone's dream
Is over my head

[Verse 2]
Do nothing 'til you hear from me
At least consider our romance
If you should take the word of others you've heard
I haven't a chance

[Bridge]
True, I've been seen with someone new
But does that mean that I've been untrue?
Though we're apart, the words in my heart
Reveal how I feel about you

[Verse 3]
Some kiss may cloud my memory
And other arms may hold a thrill
But please do nothing 'til you hear it from me
And you never will

 

[Jocker]

After the victim contacts her/his insurance carrier, they'll contact you.

In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt you to report the matter to your insurer.

Thank you! what does my auto insurance have to do with it?

 

[adjusterjack]

Actually, your auto insurance won't have anything to do with it because you were not operating a motor vehicle.

This has to do with your personal liability for damage or injuries to others due to negligence. That's covered by your homeowner or renter policy.

An at fault claim on your homeowner or renter policy can result in surcharges just like it could on an auto policy.

If at all possible, you want to get this resolved quickly and privately and avoid getting insurance involved.

 

[Jocker]

Ask for a written estimate. Pay by check. Get a signed receipt that releases you from any further liability before you hand over the payment.

You can find sample property damage release forms on the internet.

Estimate issued by who is acceptable? Also if their estimate seems super high, what can I do? I am very sure they are not going to repair this "damage" simply because it makes no sense in the circumstances.

 

[EeeeekitsaMouse]

The cart must have hit their car pretty hard if it left a dent. It doesn't really matter if their car has other wear and tear on it, you are responsible for fixing the damage your negligence caused.

 

[Jocker]

The cart must have hit their car pretty hard if it left a dent. It doesn't really matter if their car has other wear and tear on it, you are responsible for fixing the damage your negligence caused.

Oh no, it didn't leave a dent, it was a little spot that is barely visible. But sure, I undertand your point. No, the cart didn't hit it hard at all .

 

[army judge]

Thank you! what does my auto insurance have to do with it?

I said NOTHING about your auto insurer.

I simply suggested you contact YOUR INSURER, assuming you'd be knowledgeable enough to contact the CORRECT insurer.

 

[Zigner]

I am very sure they are not going to repair this "damage" simply because it makes no sense in the circumstances.

They are under no obligation to have the damage repaired. They simply need to be compensated for the value of the damage you cause. Also, please note that damage should not be in quotes. You acknowledge that you damaged the car. Now it's just a matter of what it would cost to repair the damage.

 

[adjusterjack]

Estimate issued by who is acceptable?

A repair shop.

Also if their estimate seems super high, what can I do?

It's very likely that it will be higher than you expect. That's because you have no clue as to how much repairs cost.

If the car owner tries to gouge you, you have no leverage if you don't want your insurer involved. Or you can turn it over to your homeowners claims department and they will handle it.