Community Chat

[pommom]

My DS met some friends for dinner and used valet parking.  Earlier in the day he had placed his London Fog windbreaker on the back seat of his car.

It wasn't until New Year's Day when he went looking for it and remembered he had left it in the car that he discovered it was gone.

He called the establishment he visited the evening before and spoke with the manager who then gave him the valet service owner's name and number.  He talked to the owner and the owner told him that he could not take responsibility for the missing jacket.  Asked DS for the name of the valet parker and, of course, my son didn't know it.  The restaurant is reputable and upscale, family owned.  So, it isn't in a sleazy part of town - quite the contrary.

Bottom line:  it's gone forever.  

Has this ever happened to you?

[Desertdi]

At work.............

[Plaid Pants2]

I'm sorry that your son jacket was taken.

But the business isn't responsible for stuff that goes missing while the car is being valet parked.

If anyone has ever read the back of the ticket stub, it states that the business is not responsible for lost or damaged items.

The onus is in the car owner to make sure that any and all valuables are secured in the trunk, and it is always best to do a once over before driving off the property. 

[BabyYoda]

That's a real shame the valet took his jacket. It is true they have no responsibility for your personal items in your car. If I know I have no choice but to valet my car, I take my personal items out and lock my glove department or put them in my trunk (I have a valet key that only works for the door and to start the engine but they cannot get into the glove dept or the trunk)

When I was young I have had sunglasses stolen, money (roll of quarters), a coat, even a fleece throw I kept in my car. I learned real fast either to take my things with me if I must valet or I park my car myself. 

[123SuzyQ123]

Pommom, if your son has homeowner's insurance, he can file a claim with them for the jacket.  Or if he is still a member of your household, perhaps your homeowner's insurance will cover it.  Depending upon the deductible you might have and the cost of the coat, of course.  Because your deductible could be higher than the value of the coat.  But it won't hurt to call your/his insurance company and see!  Sorry that this happened to your son.

[chrystaltree]

Everyone knows that you never leave anything of any value in your car when you valet park. Everyone knows that, we also know that there is always a disclaimer on your ticket.  Your son messed up, lost his jacket but he learned a valuable lesson. I don't understand how the section of town or the menu prices  affect this.  Theft happens everwhere.....especially in nice towns.  To anwser your question...yes.  I have had expensive items stolen but not from my car, I don't leave things in my car, not even when it's parked outside my door.  I once had an expensive leather jacket stolen from the coat rack where I work  Another time, I carelessly left my handbag on a chair in my office and someone snuck into my office and stole my wallet.  It was a secure building with a security guard and id's required for entrance and no public access to the floor.  But....stuff happens.. 

[songbird]

At school....almost.  I was in a lounge (waiting for a ride after work) and took off my leather jacket. (my lamb moto jacket from Nordstrom)  I remember seeing a girl eyeing the jacket.  I wondered over to some magazines & started talking to someone I knew.  From the corner of my eye, I saw her move over where the jacket was.  She reached out for it.  I promptly left my freind and asked do you want something.  She mumbled nother and scurred away.  I contacted the security desk and described the student.  But I never heard anything.  Needless to say I stopped taking it off at any of the public places on campus. Still wear it to work though

[ValuSkr]

I'll use valet parking only as a last resort or if I've had a chance first to empty the car of all things valuable / things I wouldn't mind being taken.

[Abrowneyegirl]

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@pommom wrote:

My DS met some friends for dinner and used valet parking.  Earlier in the day he had placed his London Fog windbreaker on the back seat of his car.

It wasn't until New Year's Day when he went looking for it and remembered he had left it in the car that he discovered it was gone.

He called the establishment he visited the evening before and spoke with the manager who then gave him the valet service owner's name and number.  He talked to the owner and the owner told him that he could not take responsibility for the missing jacket.  Asked DS for the name of the valet parker and, of course, my son didn't know it.  The restaurant is reputable and upscale, family owned.  So, it isn't in a sleazy part of town - quite the contrary.

Bottom line:  it's gone forever.  

Has this ever happened to you?

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I would go online and give an accurate and cautionary report of what happen when I used XYZ valet at ABC restaurant as a way to REMIND others not to leave anything in their cars.

The valet company and rest. may pony up some money just to make the review 'go away'.

NOTE: only state true facts or it could be considered slander. He can not write a scathing angry review, just the facts.

[gabstoomuch]

Has anyone ever watched those hidden camera shows? There have been ones that show valet parkers going through people stuff in cars. Taking change out of coin holders, and anything else they find. Creeps me out to watch those shows, but they are certainly informative.

His jacket is most likely gone forever. Good lesson though.

Thanks for posting this also. It is a good reminder for people like me who still believe the world is honest. I have never used valet parking, not because I wouldn't but because I never go to places that have it Now if I ever do, I will remember