Valet services are common in the UAE. Check whether your insurance has you covered in this area.

What is it?

Valet parking cover is an auto-insurance policy that can refer to:

Liability coverage for a valet business or a company with a valet service, or

Coverage for a person’s car when they make use of a valet service.

The second is the more common kind. Many people make use of valet parking nowadays, as it is a convenient, time-saving service. But what if something happens to your car while it is under the care of a valet steward? Will you be able to claim on your car insurance?

Does my car insurance include Valet Parking Cover?

Many car insurance policies do not have insurance covering valet parking services. When you insure a car in the UAE, you must provide the name of its main driver – as well as any additional drivers. Generally, if the damage is done to the vehicle while it is being used by an unlisted person, the cost won’t be covered by insurance.

Policies usually allow for your car to be in short-term custody of an auto repair company, for servicing and repairs. However, this basic cover rarely applies to valet parking services. Some insurance companies offer valet parking as add-on coverage, while others include it as part of a comprehensive insurance policy.

It is always good to check the terms and conditions of your policy. It should state clearly whether you have valet parking cover, as well as any exclusions or limitations to it. If your insurance does not cover valet parking at all, you will not get a pay-out if your car is stolen or damaged while being used by a valet. Furthermore, some policies will cover damages incurred, but not theft of the car or any valuables inside it. It’s best to take any valuables with you from the car, as they are rarely covered by vehicle insurance.

Do valet services have insurance?

Valet services certainly should have valet parking cover. However, as always, it’s worthwhile reading their terms and conditions to note any exclusions. The cover is often limited to small damage claims, so it’s wise to do a little research before using a valet service, to assess risk.

How to valet safely

There are several things you can do to valet safely, including:

• Check your car insurance policy to see if valet parking is covered.
• If it isn’t included, ask your insurance provider about obtaining it, if you feel it’s necessary.
• If you plan on using valet parking, carefully check the arrangements and the terms and conditions in advance
• Don’t leave valuables in your car
• Check for any damage when you pick up your car
• If there is any damage, report it to the valet company and your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Whether or not your car insurance covers valet parking, Compare Insurance makes it easy to find insurance that suits you. Visit the Compare Insurance site to quickly and easily compare multiple quotations.