If a random cart hit your car, it is normally considered a standard hazard in a parking lot and no one is liable. A store usually has signs stating as much either in the store or around the shopping cart return area.

However, depending upon state laws the store may not need to post signs. In many states because the lot is private property and driving on it is at your own risk, signs stating that the store is not liable for damages from carts or other vehicles is not their responsibility.

If you think that the grocery store though should be responsible since their cart return area is set up on a hill that allows carts to roll out and down towards parked cars you may want to speak with a manager to see if a claim can be made with their insurance company.

If you took pictures of the scene with the carts up against your car and showed the manager or at least reported the damage to the manager that same day then there would be more of a chance of the claim being accepted by the grocery stores insurance then if you come back days later to report it.

So it will really depend upon state laws and if the grocery store or its insurance company accepts responsibility for the issue with the shopping cart return. We have heard of stores not taking responsibility while others have.

If the store is found not responsible then you could place a claim through your collision coverage for the damages. Your damages would then be covered after you pay the deductible associated with this physical damage coverage.