Valet Parking - Beware

kel2004 Posted: Aug 09, 2005 01:40 PM

Valet Parking - Beware

I just wanted to share my experience with future brides, so hopefully you can avoid this happening to any of your guests.

One of my wedding guests bought a brand new Infiniti and picked it up the Thursday before my wedding. There was a spare tire in the trunk. The day after the wedding, he noticed that the spare tire was missing.

He called the Hamlet and explained what happened. The Hamlet asked him how he could be sure that it was stolen there, and he explained that the car was brand new. Then they asked why he hadn't given the valet the valet key. Why should he have to?? Why should he assume that his tire is going to be stolen at a catering hall?

They refused to pay because they use an outside valet company. The valet company also refused to pay.

He is in small claims court today. I hope he can get his money back.

Just wanted to warn everybody - talk to your catering halls and find out what their policy is when something like this happens.

Blu-ize Posted: Aug 09, 2005 01:43 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

I have to say, that I always give the valet key. I've heard about this before. It's a shame, but not everyone is honest.

mbm750 Posted: Aug 09, 2005 01:49 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

That really stinks! Good luck to him in small claims court! Let us know how it turns out.

Soon2BMrsA Posted: Aug 09, 2005 01:49 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

I usually never have the valet key on me but I do hate to get my car valet parked because I hear stories like this all the time and have seen how some pple abuse your car when they are parking it! I hope your friend gets reimbursed! But it is a good question to ask your hall.

gina674 Posted: Aug 09, 2005 02:03 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

You should also never leave ANY info with your name and address in your vehicle.. Such as Insurance card, registration, and or any mail.... I went to auto crime school with in the Police dept, and there have been instances at catering halls where people will copy your keys, get your address from your info in the car, and go to your house and steal your vehicle with a copy of your key they made....

WARNING!!! THIS HAS HAPPENED!!! Don't let yourself or your guests be victims.....

JPC1125 Posted: Aug 09, 2005 02:28 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

Im so naive....whats a 'valet key'???

suven Posted: Aug 09, 2005 02:29 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

holy friggin crap! That's scary!

Let us know how he does in court!!

suven Posted: Aug 09, 2005 02:30 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

Posted by JPC1125

Im so naive....whats a 'valet key'???

valet key only opens the door and starts the engine. It won't open the glove box or trunk

hmpena Posted: Aug 09, 2005 02:31 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

A valet key is a separate key that will only have access to the ignition and door. My car has locks for the trunk, glove compartmen gas tank,and rear seats so that things cannot be stolen.

glinda_goodwitch Posted: Aug 09, 2005 02:32 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

Posted by JPC1125

Im so naive....whats a 'valet key'???

That's exactly what I was thinking!

Beth1210 Posted: Aug 09, 2005 03:04 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

My car didn't come with one- and it's a pretty fancy German car

Plus you can open the truck from the inside on most cars these days- I have a switch to pop the truck by my door- so it wouldn't matter

Mrs. dleeny Posted: Aug 09, 2005 03:30 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

That is terrible!!

I HATE valet parking! I always have. I try to avoid it whenever possible.

I hate the idea of handing over my car to a complete stranger. at least when I hand my mechanic my car keys, I know him.

Mrs. dleeny Posted: Aug 09, 2005 03:32 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

Posted by Beth1210

My car didn't come with one- and it's a pretty fancy German car

Plus you can open the truck from the inside on most cars these days- I have a switch to pop the truck by my door- so it wouldn't matter

you can't open the glove box using a valet key. my trunk release is in the glove box.

Beth1210 Posted: Aug 09, 2005 03:48 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

Really!
mine is by the door- of every car I have ever owned a Ford, Nissian ( both suv's though) and now a Mercedes seden

it's kind of dumb- I am going to say something when I bring my car in next week for my $120 oil change- it's a Mercedes you would think it would have something to protect your stuff ( and it isn't really so great)

maybe the valet will steal the whole thing it- I could only be so lucky!

Mrs. dleeny Posted: Aug 09, 2005 03:50 PM

Re: Valet Parking - Beware

Posted by Beth1210

Really!
mine is by the door- of every car I have ever owned a Ford, Nissian ( both suv's though) and now a Mercedes seden

it's kind of dumb- I am going to say something when I bring my car in next week for my $120 oil change- it's a Mercedes you would think it would have something to protect your stuff ( and it isn't really so great)

maybe the valet will steal the whole thing it- I could only be so lucky!

You should take a look in your owners manual. I'm sure a Mercedes has many safety and security features. every car is different. your valet key might disable something ....