The Valet Damaged My Car — Now What? | Capital One Auto Navigator (2024)

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By giving your keys to a valet attendant, you're trusting that your car will return to you in the same condition as it was when you arrived. If you discover that your vehicle has been damaged by a valet attendant, however, it can be helpful to know what to do next.

While the responsibility for these damages may vary depending on the valet company's policies and the location where the incident occurred, there are steps you can follow to help ensure your car is taken care of properly.

Check Your Vehicle After Using Valet Services

If you decide to use the valet services at a hotel, restaurant, or event, you may be concerned about your vehicle's safety in the hands of a stranger.

When you receive your car back from the valet attendant, you should consider taking a few extra steps before driving away to make sure everything is as you left it. Take a quick walk around your vehicle, for example, to inspect it for any potential damage.

Some common types of damage to keep an eye out for include:

• Bumper damage
• Flat tires
• Broken windows
• Scratched paint
• Door or body dents
• Window damage
• More serious signs of a crash

In addition to external damage, you should be aware of what your odometer reading was before and after using a valet service. While highly unlikely, a Ferris Bueller-style joyride is probably not impossible, so you should consider checking to be sure there isn't a significant discrepancy in mileage.

You shouldalso check for any personal belongings you left behind.If you're concerned about potential theft, you may want to proactively remove any precious possessions prior to leaving for the evening.

What to Do if a Valet Damaged Your Car

In the event that you inspect your vehicle and discover damage, the first step is generally to photograph the physical evidence, preferably before you leave. This is important if you plan on filing an insurance claim with your own insurance.

After you've documented the damage, you'll want to alert the attendant of the suspected issue. This may lead you to speak with the valet company's manager, who may offer you a claim form to fill out. If this is the case, be sure to get a copy for your records.

You might also want to ask about the location where your vehicle was parked, as well as who was handling your car. Sometimes valet companies use parking garages or flat lots that have security cameras. If available, this footage could be beneficial to your claim.

Lastly, you'll want to contact your insurance company to see what your policy covers for this type of damage. Depending on the level of damage, you could also file a police report. Although not every city or jurisdiction will file reports for parking lot damage, it could be beneficial to ask.

Who May Be Responsible for Valet Damage

Some restaurants and hotels typically partner with third-party valet companies. If a car is damaged, the valet company may be responsible for handling any potential claims. Some states require parking-services companies to carry minimum amounts of valet insurance. Texas, for example, requires valet parking companies to hold a minimum of $300,000 in both comprehensive liability coverage and garage insurance. Keep in mind that liability coverage may only be reserved for claims where the valet attendant is considered at fault for damages.

Some parking companies may also hold primary insurance that covers damages that occur while your vehicle is under the care of valet attendants, regardless of fault. Both liability and primary coverage may fall under the garage keeper's legal liability insurance, which is commonly held by parking companies.

In some cases, depending on the damage, the ticket you receive in exchange for your keys at drop-off could have a disclaimer that protects the valet company from liability. However, you may still be eligible for a claim. These policies typically apply to damage caused by others, such as another vehicle striking your car in an accident. They may not, however, cover damage caused by valet negligence.

If the valet company does not hold or has an insufficient amount of garage keeper's legal liability insurance, you may still be covered by your own policy. Collision coveragemay handle these types of claims, but you may not have the amount necessary to fully cover the damage or you might not want to file a claim that could impact your insurance premium.