Valet parking and your car insurance

Are valet drivers covered under your car insurance?

According to Defaqto, 48% of 345 comprehensive car insurance policies won’t cover damage by valet parking staff, and 54% of 195 TPTF policies also won't cover damage caused by a valet driver.^[1]

If you don’t have valet parking cover, you won’t be able to make a claim if your car’s damaged while using the service.

The driver of the car, whether they're the main driver or a named additional one, must be declared on your certificate of motor insurance.

If anyone else decides to get behind the wheel, you’re not covered.

However, your policy will sometimes allow for the car to be parked by a hotel, restaurant or car-parking service.

Even then, you may only be covered for certain damage, for instance, if the windscreen cracks or the windows are broken, or if your car’s stolen.

If you’re asked to leave your keys in the car, be aware that many car insurance policies will not cover car theft if you’ve left them on the seat or in the ignition.

Read your policy documents or speak to your insurer so you're clear on what cover you have.

Valet operator’s insurance

Even if you’re not covered under your own car insurance, the valet company should still have its own insurance.

But our motoring expert, Lee Griffin, explains that you still need to be cautious.

“Read the valet parking operator’s terms and conditions, because it’ll outline what insurance cover, if any, the operator offers, including the exclusions and excesses.

“Operators offer very limited cover for damage to your car, which you’ll need to spot and report to them when you collect your vehicle.

And possessions left in your car are usually excluded."

Choosing a safe valet parking service

If it’s not a compulsory service provided by the venue, a parking valet will usually ask you to pre-book. You’ve got plenty of opportunity to find the right operator to look after your car.

Remember to check:

• That all members of staff hold a full, clean UK driving licence
• That it’s a reputable valet services and part of Park Mark Safer Parking, or the British Parking Association
• Whether the car is parked on public or private property
• What security systems and staff are monitoring the car park

If you’re asked to hand over your keys at a venue unexpectedly, be cautious and check the valet’s credentials with the event organisers.

By Amanda Bathory-Griffiths