When the keys are handed to the valet attendant by a customer, a bailee relationship is created (care, custody and control) of the customer’s vehicles and the valet operator may be responsible for any resulting damage or injury. The valet attendant forgets to close the vehicle’s door, another vehicle being parked hits the door causing severe damages. A customer slips and falls while walking on an oil spill on the lot controlled by the parking operator. The valet attendant inadvertently left the keys inside the customer’s vehicle and parked it near the entrance from where it was stolen during business hours. A valet attendant unfamiliar with a new model vehicle, abruptly hits the gas pedal causing the vehicle to speed out of control, injuring other pedestrians in the area.
Those are just some examples of the typical risks faced by parking operators. Damages to the vehicles and injuries because of the fast-paced environment of the business can affect the success of any parking operation if not properly covered. Our insurance programs can help you the coverage your parking operation needs.