Valet Parking NOT covered by Car Hire Insurance

[jmt]

Have never read the full T&C for hire cars but have always thought that this would be the case. In over 20 years we have NEVER valet parked and deliberately didn't stay at some hotels as this was the only option (stayed at Hilton Bonnet Creek rather than Waldorf Astoria next door). We also never pull up at the reception drop off area and use porters; I like to be in control of my luggage. We usually go and park, take the hand luggage to check in then DH and DS go back to the car for the rest of the luggage.

[tspill]

Alamo just responded as follows -
"At this time, Alamo does not offer additional insurance to cover damage when leaving the vehicle with valet parking. Due to the amount of variables in this, it is not a coverage that we currently offer. "

[RickT]

Originally Posted by tspill

Alamo just responded as follows -
"At this time, Alamo does not offer additional insurance to cover damage when leaving the vehicle with valet parking. Due to the amount of variables in this, it is not a coverage that we currently offer. "

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There you have it...

If you wanted to be sure... You would have read the full terms and conditions of every valet parks liability insurance papers..

It's one thing never knowing or never had a issue.. But that time when 2 valet Parking drivers smash into each other in the garage playing rental car racing in $30k hire cars...

Sounds like a can of worms has been opened.

But.. Maybe valet parking are insured to the eyeballs state side...

[Kateg28]

I always buy car hire insurance. If there is an issue and the rental company charge you the excess, then at least this insurance kicks in and pays out and then fights your corner.

The company I use is £100 for annual cover for USA, never bought the US option before as never been but always have had the Europe one and always been happy with the service (although never had to claim from it, even driving in Naples where the drivers are mental, lovely people, mental drivers)

[welsh wizard]

Originally Posted by mossyflossy

In view of the title to this thread, OP, please let us know if this is the case with all of the car hire operators, or if it's just Alamo.

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Poor OP I think that would take them forever

[Pinchy]

I have never used valet parking since I had an almost brand new car returned damaged at a London hotel. What a surprise they denied all knowledge despite me talking to all those involved. I had to make a claim on my own insurance that cost me a packet. It is more annoying because you know someone is lying to your face.

BTW it was whilst going through this incident that I learned that insurance doesn't cover you when any third party is involved, such as when leaving luggage with a hotel. If you lose anything or it is damaged the insurance doesn't pay out.

[7SeasSailor]

Originally Posted by bighal

You could also say the same about the car getting damaged after you have parked it. The insurance company could refuse your claim saying you didn't look after it in accordance with the rental agreement, but how likely is this? If the valet company says they didn't damage it then it must have been "in your care" in which case the insurance would payout.
If it was stolen then the valet company would be liable as they have the keys and it was in their care. With how sue happy Americans are I some doubt that any reputable valet company would risk not having any insurance.

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Yes, but you don't know.

[jdybnsn]

I don't want to worry people unduly, but last trip my DH self parked and hit a bollard !
We had rented with Budget. When we returned the car early (we wanted to get the issue sorted before driving to AMI ) the Budget office told us we were going to be liable to pay for the damage, as no other party was involved. A bit of a shock as we always though that an inclusive polcy was just that.

Luckily our broker we hired through (Auto Europe) managed to resolve the issue for us, and we didn't end up paying anything ...but don't think you are necessarily off the hook if you self park either !

[littlefeet1972]

Would this mean that the meet and greet service at the airports would not be insured either. As you are passing the car keys over here too.

[Guest]

This is really interesting, we have never valet parked anywhere in the world before. but have booked airport meet & greet at this end for our next trip and are planning to buy Tables In Wonderland, not just for the dining discounts, but were also going to take advantage of the free valet parking that comes with it and were thinking of using valet parking in other locations not just at WDW.

Planning to rent through Alamo too, so might follow up with the contractor who does WDW valet parking to check their T&Cs beforehand, that way we can make an informed decision.

OP thanks loads for posting this, it is clearly a big financial risk, and as you say even though it might be possible to pursue a claim from the valet company, it would still involve paying the rental company for repairs until that claim could be sorted which could take some time and considerable outlay in the interim.