Car insurance agreements are unlikely to cover any damage picked up while under the valets’ care which could lead to drivers forking out repair bills. For many agreements, damage can only be claimed if the incidents were done by a named driver which would not be the case under a valet scheme.
Daniel Briggs, a spokesperson from car experts Motorfinity said many firms “won’t cover the cost” in what could be a major blow to hundreds of motorists.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he said: “Valet services are a popular service at airports, hotels and leisure venues, making motorists’ lives easier by taking the stress out of parking.
“Letting a valet drive your car away to park can mean that if the car is damaged while under their care, most insurance companies won’t cover the cost.”
Compare the Market says most car insurance firms will allow for a car to be in the control of a mechanic for a short period of time.
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For those agreements which do provide cover, this will only be small-scale repairs such as a cracked windscreen.
Go Compare spokesperson Lee Griffin has urged drivers to always read the “terms and conditions” to outline which cover you can receive.
They have also confirmed personal belongings will likely be excluded from the cover.
He said: “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.”
Go Compare has urged drivers to remember to check that each member of staff holds a full, clean UK licence before using any valet services.
The service should also be reputable and part of the Park Mark Safer Parking Network or the British Parking Association.
Drivers should also determine whether their car will be stopped on public or private property and what security systems are in place to monitor vehicles
They warn if drivers are ever asked to hand their keys over unexpectedly, be very cautious and check their credentials thoroughly.
The AA urges drivers to give their car a good inspection before driving away to check for any new damage which wasn’t there before.
They warn any cover offered by valet services is very limited meaning the driver must report damage when they pick up the car.
Motorists should check the car’s bodywork and wheel rims for any signs of physical damage and start the car in view of the valet team to make sure the car runs effectively.