The State of Liability Litigation: An Update on Social Inflation, Nuclear Verdicts, and MoreIf you’re a criminal looking for expensive cars to steal, valet parking lots are very tempting. There are plenty of luxury cars to choose from, the owners are away, and sometimes no one is watching. Unfortunately, many criminals have realized this, and valet auto thefts are on the rise.
The Trend in Valet Auto Thefts
Thefts targeting valet parking lots have been wreaking havoc across the country. According to 11 Alive News, Atlanta Police had to increase patrols after at least six cars were stolen from valets in the first month of 2019. Then in 2023, Tampa Bay Times says Tampa police were issuing a warning about valet parking lot thefts. Other areas have seen similar trends.
It’s not just valet thefts that are rising. All vehicle thefts are rising. According to the FBI, the nationwide rate of motor vehicle theft incidents increased from 199.4 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019 to 283.5 incidents per 100,000 people in 2023.
How Valet Thefts Happen
Thieves sometimes steal keys from valet booths that are left unattended. Other times, thieves check vehicles for unlocked doors and then hotwire the vehicle. Once they have access to the car, they can simply drive away. If they are noticed, people might assume that whoever is in the car is supposed to be driving the vehicle.
It’s often not until the owner returns to claim their vehicle that anyone realizes the vehicle is missing. By then, the car thief may be long gone.
Valet Companies May Be Held Responsible
If your valet company or hotel is targeted by thieves, your reputation could suffer. People won’t want to leave their cars with a company that can’t keep them safe. Even worse, you could find yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit.
According to San Antonio Express-News, a man in San Antonio is suing a valet company after his $108,000 GMC truck was stolen while he was using the valet service. Although the pickup truck was found later that evening, the insurance company declared it a total loss. The man is seeking damages of up to $1 million based on claims of fraud related to representations regarding the company’s ability to keep the truck safe, breach of contract, negligence and violation of the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
How Valet Companies Can Protect Themselves Against Car Thieves
Valet companies can take steps to protect their operations against car thefts.
- Vet your hires. An inside man could make things even easier for valet thieves. Make sure you’re hiring trustworthy employees. A hiring process that includes background and reference checks may help you avoid workers who would put your company at risk.
- Keep cars and keys secure. Just as you should never leave your personal vehicle unlocked, vehicles in valet parking lots should never be left unlocked. The keys also need to be kept safe. They can be kept in a locked case, and the booth where the case is stored should be watched at all times.
- Beef up security. Surveillance cameras may help deter thefts, and they can also help police catch thieves after the fact. Other security measures to take include having security guards patrol the lot and monitoring anyone who has access to the lot.
- Raise awareness among staff. If employees don’t realize that valet theft is a problem, they might not be consistent about following policies to keep vehicles safe. Make sure they understand the risk and why security measures are necessary. Encourage them to report any suspicious activity immediately.
- Understand your contracts. For example, if you are providing valet services for a restaurant or hotel, understand what the contract says about liability. If there is a theft and a resulting lawsuit, who will be held liable?
- Check your insurance. If you are sued over negligence, breach of contract or other claims related to a theft that occurred at your valet company, would you have sufficient insurance coverage? Check your policies, paying particular attention to your limits as well as any exclusions that might bar coverage.
Is your valet business protected against the growing threat of car thefts? Heffernan Insurance Brokers can help. We provide comprehensive and customized insurance solutions designed to protect businesses of all sizes. We also offer access claims services, loss control, risk management and more. Contact us.
