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Shopping cart hit and walk-caught on Sentry cam

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What’s a quarter? I haven’t carried change with me for 20 years. The shopping carts would need to take credit cards or PayPal.
That's fine. Passive NFC that is powered by your phone and unlocks the cart, or use a quarter. The NFC will work the same way a Chargepoint station unlocks the charging cable. If you don't return the cart, they keep your $1 since you're too pompous to bring a quarter with you.
 
That's fine. Passive NFC that is powered by your phone and unlocks the cart, or use a quarter. The NFC will work the same way a Chargepoint station unlocks the charging cable. If you don't return the cart, they keep your $1 since you're too pompous to bring a quarter with you.

I know by pompous you mean, not a loser that carries change in his pocket to jingle like a 90 old man that sucks his gums at the same time.
 
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An update on this - I filed an incident report with Costco and was told I'd be reached by the company that handles their parking lot claims in 2-3 days. They finally reached out about a week and a half later. The rep was nice and ask me what happened. I told her my side of things and then mentioned the video. She asked me to forward it to her which I did. I'm now waiting to hear back once they see the video. I will continue to keep you posted as I hope my experience can help other Tesla owners in the future. Thanks!

I'm very interested in hearing how this turns out.

I wonder if that kid got fired. Leading to his downward sprial into a world of crime.
 
I know by pompous you mean, not a loser that carries change in his pocket to jingle like a 90 old man that sucks his gums at the same time.

You apparently have never shopped at an Aldi before, or purchased enough goods to need a cart there. This isn't a new thing, it's been around for years and Aldi parking lots exhibit no random carts scattered throughout.
 
You apparently have never shopped at an Aldi before, or purchased enough goods to need a cart there. This isn't a new thing, it's been around for years and Aldi parking lots exhibit no random carts scattered throughout.

At the risk of showing my age-- Price Club, one half of the entities that made up today's Costco, had this insert-a-quarter type of cart management system (at least at the stores in CT) before the Price Club/Costco merger in early 90's.
 
You apparently have never shopped at an Aldi before, or purchased enough goods to need a cart there. This isn't a new thing, it's been around for years and Aldi parking lots exhibit no random carts scattered throughout.

Definitely haven't. I did live in the UK for a while in the 90's, and you had to put a quid to get a cart, so I know what it's like. Seemed petty to me at the time. Very glad they didn't have that system in the US.

I especially disliked the whole cart arrangement in that country because there the rear wheels swivel too. That is the dumbest idea. Yes, it makes the cart more maneuverable for those rare occasions that you need to go sideways, but it makes it a complete pain in the arse the rest of the time to push it around the whole market.
 
Definitely haven't. I did live in the UK for a while in the 90's, and you had to put a quid to get a cart, so I know what it's like. Seemed petty to me at the time. Very glad they didn't have that system in the US.

I especially disliked the whole cart arrangement in that country because there the rear wheels swivel too. That is the dumbest idea. Yes, it makes the cart more maneuverable for those rare occasions that you need to go sideways, but it makes it a complete pain in the arse the rest of the time to push it around the whole market.
Thought so, but now I'm certain. You're just one of the types that's nearly impossible to please. ;)
 
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I especially disliked the whole cart arrangement in that country because there the rear wheels swivel too. That is the dumbest idea. Yes, it makes the cart more maneuverable for those rare occasions that you need to go sideways, but it makes it a complete pain in the arse the rest of the time to push it around the whole market.

Next firmware update you can turn on "aisle departure avoidance" mode and the rear wheels will not swivel unless you apply sideways pressue on the handle.
 
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Well, after about two months it looks like this saga has drawn to a close. I promised I'd report back whatever the outcome so here goes.

After filing the incident report with Costco, I was put in touch with a third party who manages Costco's parking lots. I told them my story, sent the video and they declined to cover. I went as high up in that company as I could but they still declined, claiming that Costco was not negligent, but the customer was. It didn't matter that the cart attendant walked past the lady and didn't take the cart from her - he wasn't the one who pushed the cart into my car. The parking lot company recommended I contact my insurance company.

So, I gave Progressive a call in hopes that they would either get Costco to cover the damage or work with me to get the contact of the lady who left the cart that rolled into my car. Unfortunately, Progressive did neither of those things. Progressive reiterated Costco's stance that Costco was not liable for this at all. When we park in a parking lot, we assume pretty much all the risk. In the end, all Progressive offered to do was file a claim under my insurance (which would raise my rates) to have the dent repaired.

While I was talking to the adjuster at Progressive, I was trying to determine how this particular incident is different than any other crime that was caught on camera. She pointed out two things: 1. The cart lady's vehicle was not involved so Progressive didn't have an insurance company to go after for reimbursement. However, if, for example, her kids opened their door into the side of my car and dented it, Progressive would have gone after her. 2. Since my only recourse at this point would be to find the lady and sue her, I would have to try and get the police to compel Costco to help find this lady's identity so I could sue her. That's obviously not going to happen which pretty much leaves me with no cards to play at this point. So, that's that.

To everyone who posted on here saying I was crazy and Costco will never pay me a dime, you were right! Thank you for your input. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I wanted to share this whole saga because most of the Tesla owners I know are pretty passionate about their cars. I hoped that sharing this story would help inform other Tesla owners on best practices in respect to parking lot damage. I was hoping to report back that Costco covered the damage and I could share a useful roadmap for other Tesla owners should they find themselves in the same unfortunate position. But, unfortunately, Costco isn't going to cover this and the only advice I can offer is to park waaaay far away from the cart corrals even if there's a cement median between your car and the corral. Thanks again to everyone who joined this discussion!
 
Well, after about two months it looks like this saga has drawn to a close. I promised I'd report back whatever the outcome so here goes.

After filing the incident report with Costco, I was put in touch with a third party who manages Costco's parking lots. I told them my story, sent the video and they declined to cover. I went as high up in that company as I could but they still declined, claiming that Costco was not negligent, but the customer was. It didn't matter that the cart attendant walked past the lady and didn't take the cart from her - he wasn't the one who pushed the cart into my car. The parking lot company recommended I contact my insurance company.

So, I gave Progressive a call in hopes that they would either get Costco to cover the damage or work with me to get the contact of the lady who left the cart that rolled into my car. Unfortunately, Progressive did neither of those things. Progressive reiterated Costco's stance that Costco was not liable for this at all. When we park in a parking lot, we assume pretty much all the risk. In the end, all Progressive offered to do was file a claim under my insurance (which would raise my rates) to have the dent repaired.

While I was talking to the adjuster at Progressive, I was trying to determine how this particular incident is different than any other crime that was caught on camera. She pointed out two things: 1. The cart lady's vehicle was not involved so Progressive didn't have an insurance company to go after for reimbursement. However, if, for example, her kids opened their door into the side of my car and dented it, Progressive would have gone after her. 2. Since my only recourse at this point would be to find the lady and sue her, I would have to try and get the police to compel Costco to help find this lady's identity so I could sue her. That's obviously not going to happen which pretty much leaves me with no cards to play at this point. So, that's that.

To everyone who posted on here saying I was crazy and Costco will never pay me a dime, you were right! Thank you for your input. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I wanted to share this whole saga because most of the Tesla owners I know are pretty passionate about their cars. I hoped that sharing this story would help inform other Tesla owners on best practices in respect to parking lot damage. I was hoping to report back that Costco covered the damage and I could share a useful roadmap for other Tesla owners should they find themselves in the same unfortunate position. But, unfortunately, Costco isn't going to cover this and the only advice I can offer is to park waaaay far away from the cart corrals even if there's a cement median between your car and the corral. Thanks again to everyone who joined this discussion!

Unfortunately this was the likeliest outcome, but you know what? - You don’t know until you try, and stranger things have happened. Thanks for the update. As frustrating as the whole scenario was for you, it’ll be a distant memory in no time.
 
Well, after about two months it looks like this saga has drawn to a close. I promised I'd report back whatever the outcome so here goes.

After filing the incident report with Costco, I was put in touch with a third party who manages Costco's parking lots. I told them my story, sent the video and they declined to cover. I went as high up in that company as I could but they still declined, claiming that Costco was not negligent, but the customer was. It didn't matter that the cart attendant walked past the lady and didn't take the cart from her - he wasn't the one who pushed the cart into my car. The parking lot company recommended I contact my insurance company.

So, I gave Progressive a call in hopes that they would either get Costco to cover the damage or work with me to get the contact of the lady who left the cart that rolled into my car. Unfortunately, Progressive did neither of those things. Progressive reiterated Costco's stance that Costco was not liable for this at all. When we park in a parking lot, we assume pretty much all the risk. In the end, all Progressive offered to do was file a claim under my insurance (which would raise my rates) to have the dent repaired.

While I was talking to the adjuster at Progressive, I was trying to determine how this particular incident is different than any other crime that was caught on camera. She pointed out two things: 1. The cart lady's vehicle was not involved so Progressive didn't have an insurance company to go after for reimbursement. However, if, for example, her kids opened their door into the side of my car and dented it, Progressive would have gone after her. 2. Since my only recourse at this point would be to find the lady and sue her, I would have to try and get the police to compel Costco to help find this lady's identity so I could sue her. That's obviously not going to happen which pretty much leaves me with no cards to play at this point. So, that's that.

To everyone who posted on here saying I was crazy and Costco will never pay me a dime, you were right! Thank you for your input. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I wanted to share this whole saga because most of the Tesla owners I know are pretty passionate about their cars. I hoped that sharing this story would help inform other Tesla owners on best practices in respect to parking lot damage. I was hoping to report back that Costco covered the damage and I could share a useful roadmap for other Tesla owners should they find themselves in the same unfortunate position. But, unfortunately, Costco isn't going to cover this and the only advice I can offer is to park waaaay far away from the cart corrals even if there's a cement median between your car and the corral. Thanks again to everyone who joined this discussion!
Thanks for the update.

Unfortunately, the median probably contributed to the cart hitting you, since it blocked the cart from returning to the corral. Of course, you had no way of knowing that humans are super-lazy! It's like a public trashcan, they just throw the trash nearby. People figure getting the cart visually close, is close enough.

Stay away from cart corrals, and always park on the high ground.
 
Well, after about two months it looks like this saga has drawn to a close. I promised I'd report back whatever the outcome so here goes.

After filing the incident report with Costco, I was put in touch with a third party who manages Costco's parking lots. I told them my story, sent the video and they declined to cover. I went as high up in that company as I could but they still declined, claiming that Costco was not negligent, but the customer was. It didn't matter that the cart attendant walked past the lady and didn't take the cart from her - he wasn't the one who pushed the cart into my car. The parking lot company recommended I contact my insurance company.

So, I gave Progressive a call in hopes that they would either get Costco to cover the damage or work with me to get the contact of the lady who left the cart that rolled into my car. Unfortunately, Progressive did neither of those things. Progressive reiterated Costco's stance that Costco was not liable for this at all. When we park in a parking lot, we assume pretty much all the risk. In the end, all Progressive offered to do was file a claim under my insurance (which would raise my rates) to have the dent repaired.

While I was talking to the adjuster at Progressive, I was trying to determine how this particular incident is different than any other crime that was caught on camera. She pointed out two things: 1. The cart lady's vehicle was not involved so Progressive didn't have an insurance company to go after for reimbursement. However, if, for example, her kids opened their door into the side of my car and dented it, Progressive would have gone after her. 2. Since my only recourse at this point would be to find the lady and sue her, I would have to try and get the police to compel Costco to help find this lady's identity so I could sue her. That's obviously not going to happen which pretty much leaves me with no cards to play at this point. So, that's that.

To everyone who posted on here saying I was crazy and Costco will never pay me a dime, you were right! Thank you for your input. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I wanted to share this whole saga because most of the Tesla owners I know are pretty passionate about their cars. I hoped that sharing this story would help inform other Tesla owners on best practices in respect to parking lot damage. I was hoping to report back that Costco covered the damage and I could share a useful roadmap for other Tesla owners should they find themselves in the same unfortunate position. But, unfortunately, Costco isn't going to cover this and the only advice I can offer is to park waaaay far away from the cart corrals even if there's a cement median between your car and the corral. Thanks again to everyone who joined this discussion!

Years ago, I had a <sort of> similar situation at Home Depot. A rogue wind blew some wood fence panels into my new van causing $3200.00 damage. I filed a claim with risk management and, after three months, they denied the claim... "act of God". I told the store manager and he said, "I see you in here all the time, I'll pay it!" The check came out of the the same office that initially denied it.
 
I do not park near the corrals (and, like everyone here, I always carefully return my cart to the corral) and I don't park in a spot if there is a loose cart nearby unless I can get it out myself, but I always worry that someone will hit me anyway, since so many are careless.

And if I start a trend, I want credit for it-I always jump on the back wheel support bar of Costco carts and ride them back to my car, at least partway. If the slope is wrong, I ride them on the way into Costco. They are basically impossible to steer like that, even for a former waterskier, so sometimes the trip is short. I can't do this on most grocery store carts as they lack a sufficient foot support bar. No, I have never hit a person, car or other object. Occasionally another older person smiles and if someone is with kids, I usually tell the kids not to do this. Unfortunately, I do not have my bike helmet with me when I do it.
 
Thanks for the update.

Unfortunately, the median probably contributed to the cart hitting you, since it blocked the cart from returning to the corral. Of course, you had no way of knowing that humans are super-lazy! It's like a public trashcan, they just throw the trash nearby. People figure getting the cart visually close, is close enough.

Stay away from cart corrals, and always park on the high ground.
Aslo park upwind.
 
Well, after about two months it looks like this saga has drawn to a close. I promised I'd report back whatever the outcome so here goes.

After filing the incident report with Costco, I was put in touch with a third party who manages Costco's parking lots. I told them my story, sent the video and they declined to cover. I went as high up in that company as I could but they still declined, claiming that Costco was not negligent, but the customer was. It didn't matter that the cart attendant walked past the lady and didn't take the cart from her - he wasn't the one who pushed the cart into my car. The parking lot company recommended I contact my insurance company.

So, I gave Progressive a call in hopes that they would either get Costco to cover the damage or work with me to get the contact of the lady who left the cart that rolled into my car. Unfortunately, Progressive did neither of those things. Progressive reiterated Costco's stance that Costco was not liable for this at all. When we park in a parking lot, we assume pretty much all the risk. In the end, all Progressive offered to do was file a claim under my insurance (which would raise my rates) to have the dent repaired.

While I was talking to the adjuster at Progressive, I was trying to determine how this particular incident is different than any other crime that was caught on camera. She pointed out two things: 1. The cart lady's vehicle was not involved so Progressive didn't have an insurance company to go after for reimbursement. However, if, for example, her kids opened their door into the side of my car and dented it, Progressive would have gone after her. 2. Since my only recourse at this point would be to find the lady and sue her, I would have to try and get the police to compel Costco to help find this lady's identity so I could sue her. That's obviously not going to happen which pretty much leaves me with no cards to play at this point. So, that's that.

To everyone who posted on here saying I was crazy and Costco will never pay me a dime, you were right! Thank you for your input. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I wanted to share this whole saga because most of the Tesla owners I know are pretty passionate about their cars. I hoped that sharing this story would help inform other Tesla owners on best practices in respect to parking lot damage. I was hoping to report back that Costco covered the damage and I could share a useful roadmap for other Tesla owners should they find themselves in the same unfortunate position. But, unfortunately, Costco isn't going to cover this and the only advice I can offer is to park waaaay far away from the cart corrals even if there's a cement median between your car and the corral. Thanks again to everyone who joined this discussion!
I am so sorry this happened to you and your car. People are just thoughtless and downright do not care. What I have found is while I do park WAY out from the stores but I also consider the grade of the parking lot. The best thing I have found to do is to park beside a curbed island on the side that is lower so IF an errant cart should be left in the parking lot, I am protected by the higher curbed island. NEVER park downhill without a curbed island to protect your car from a cart that WILL roll downhill....and if one DOES, it will hit the curbed island on the other side of the curbed island and STOP. Also NEVER park next to a cart corral.
Hope this makes sense and again, so sorry about your car.
Seems to me that an insurance company would have covered this the same way they would cover a "hit and run" or similar damage where you cannot know who hit your car.
I know my company, Selective would have covered it because I have had a similar accident and they DID cover it.
Good luck to you!
 
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I have a question, as I'm a bit late to the discussion, but is there a specific reason you said,

"In the end, all Progressive offered to do was file a claim under my insurance (which would raise my rates) to have the dent repaired."

Issues like this are one of the reasons we carry insurance, so is one claim going to make your rates go up?

I had a similar issue happen to me recently, with a nasty ding from a Walgreen's parking lot (I parked far away from the entrance). Never saw the incident as this happened in week 2 of ownership, before my memory cards came from Amazon (thanks COVID-19), so there was no Sentry Mode video.

Anyway, filed a claim with Farmers, got my repair ($900!), and I had to only play $250 deductible for Collision damage. Since I declined a rental car, and it took 4 days, I got another $200 credit; giving me a net cost of $50. This only happened 2 weeks ago, so I have yet to see any insurance rate changes. But I would only expect an increase if you had some threshold of multiple claims in some time span. Much like how points on your license increase insurance, but a single ticket will not.
 
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Well, after about two months it looks like this saga has drawn to a close. I promised I'd report back whatever the outcome so here goes.

After filing the incident report with Costco, I was put in touch with a third party who manages Costco's parking lots. I told them my story, sent the video and they declined to cover. I went as high up in that company as I could but they still declined, claiming that Costco was not negligent, but the customer was. It didn't matter that the cart attendant walked past the lady and didn't take the cart from her - he wasn't the one who pushed the cart into my car. The parking lot company recommended I contact my insurance company.

So, I gave Progressive a call in hopes that they would either get Costco to cover the damage or work with me to get the contact of the lady who left the cart that rolled into my car. Unfortunately, Progressive did neither of those things. Progressive reiterated Costco's stance that Costco was not liable for this at all. When we park in a parking lot, we assume pretty much all the risk. In the end, all Progressive offered to do was file a claim under my insurance (which would raise my rates) to have the dent repaired.

While I was talking to the adjuster at Progressive, I was trying to determine how this particular incident is different than any other crime that was caught on camera. She pointed out two things: 1. The cart lady's vehicle was not involved so Progressive didn't have an insurance company to go after for reimbursement. However, if, for example, her kids opened their door into the side of my car and dented it, Progressive would have gone after her. 2. Since my only recourse at this point would be to find the lady and sue her, I would have to try and get the police to compel Costco to help find this lady's identity so I could sue her. That's obviously not going to happen which pretty much leaves me with no cards to play at this point. So, that's that.

To everyone who posted on here saying I was crazy and Costco will never pay me a dime, you were right! Thank you for your input. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I wanted to share this whole saga because most of the Tesla owners I know are pretty passionate about their cars. I hoped that sharing this story would help inform other Tesla owners on best practices in respect to parking lot damage. I was hoping to report back that Costco covered the damage and I could share a useful roadmap for other Tesla owners should they find themselves in the same unfortunate position. But, unfortunately, Costco isn't going to cover this and the only advice I can offer is to park waaaay far away from the cart corrals even if there's a cement median between your car and the corral. Thanks again to everyone who joined this discussion!