The possibility of using valet parking is still relatively new in the Netherlands. However, it has been around for a long time in the United States. You can use a valet service since the 60s. In recent years, this service is only emerging in the Netherlands and Belgium. Because of this service, you don’t have to look for a place to park your car yourself. But who is liable for damage to your car during valet service, should this occur?

Who is liable for damage to your car?

Who is liable for the damage when it was in the hands of a valet service varies by insurance. However, most insurers hold the valet service liable for the damage. This means that the valet company must pay for any damage they caused. However, you will have to prove that the parking company caused damage to your car. Can’t you do this? Then you will not be able to recover the damages from the valet service.

It can also happen that your car gets hit while it was on its way to the parking lot. There is nothing the valet driver can do about this, so you cannot hold the valet company liable. For this you will have to recover the damages from the person responsible for the accident. Is this not possible? Then you will have to solve the damage with your own insurance. This will cost you claim-free years. Your premium will go up because you will lose claim-free years.

What should you do in case of damage during valet parking?

Before you can hold anyone liable at all, there are actions you must take first. This is why we recommend taking photos of your car before and after parking. When you get your car back from the valet service, you can check if your car was damaged during parking. Is this the case? Then you can prove it with the photos you took beforehand. In addition, we recommend that you ask for the valet driver’s details and the insurance of the valet service. Make sure you report the damage to your insurance company within 24 hours. They will then proceed to find out who they can recover damages from.

Go for convenience with valet parking!

So using a valet service is incredibly convenient. For example, with The Valet Guys, you won’t have the stress of finding a parking spot at Schiphol before your flight. Always check in advance whether the valet company is insured for damage. At The Valet Guys you can always assume that!

In addition, it is always wise to take photos of your car before and after. This will give you proof if damage that the damage was not on your car before the valet service. This makes it much more likely that the valet service will be held liable for the damage. Otherwise you will not be able to prove that the damage was done while the car was in the possession of the valet service.