---
title: What are my Rights if a Valet Wrecks my Vehicle?
description: One minute, you are tossing your keys to the valet...the next, you are picking up your car with an extra dent!
image: https://news.bartdurham.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/If%20Valet%20Wrecks%20My%20Car_Accident%20Attorney_Bart%20Durham%20Injur%20Law_Nashville%20TN.jpg
---
[](https://bartdurham.com/)
- Our Law Firm
- [About Us](https://bartdurham.com/about-us/)
- [Remembering Bart](https://bartdurham.com/about-us/meet-bart/)
- [Our Team](https://bartdurham.com/our-team)
- [Community Service](https://bartdurham.com/category/community-celebrations)
- [Attorneys](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/)
- [Blair Durham](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/blair-durham/)
- [Chaucey Fuller](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/chaucey-fuller/)
- [Rich Cassidy](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/rich-cassidy/)
- [Annie Berry](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/annie-berry-2/)
- News
- [News](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog)
- [Resource Center](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-law-resource-center/)
- [FAQ](https://bartdurham.com/faq/)
- [Videos](https://bartdurham.com/videos/)
- [The Law, Your Insurance & Your Rights](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/the-law-your-insurance-your-rights/)
- [Our Case Results](https://bartdurham.com/results/)
- Areas of Practice
- [Automobile Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/)
- [Car Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/car-accidents/)
- [Truck Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/truck-accidents/)
- [Public Transportation and Commercial Vehicle Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/public-transportation-and-commercial-vehicle-accidents/)
- [Motorcycle Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/motorcycle-accidents/)
- More
- [Pedestrian Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/pedestrian-accidents/)
- [DUI Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/dui-accidents-injuries/)
- [Rear End Collisions](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/rear-end-collisions/)
- [Rollover Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/car-accidents/one-car-accidents/vehicle-rollover/)
- [Personal Injury Lawyer](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/)
- [Catastrophic Injuries](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/catastrophic-injuries/)
- [Workplace Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/workplace-injury-lawyers/)
- [Product Liability](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/product-liability-lawyer/)
- [Medical Malpractice](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/medical-malpractice-lawyer/)
- [Recalls](https://bartdurham.com/recalls/)
- [Farm Equipment Injury](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/kentucky-farm-equipment-injury/)
- [Contact Us](https://bartdurham.com/contact/)
800.844.1712
- Our Law Firm
- [About Us](https://bartdurham.com/about-us/)
- [Remembering Bart](https://bartdurham.com/about-us/meet-bart/)
- [Our Team](https://bartdurham.com/our-team)
- [Community Service](https://bartdurham.com/category/community-celebrations)
- [Attorneys](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/)
- [Blair Durham](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/blair-durham/)
- [Chaucey Fuller](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/chaucey-fuller/)
- [Rich Cassidy](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/rich-cassidy/)
- [Annie Berry](https://bartdurham.com/attorneys/annie-berry-2/)
- News
- [News](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog)
- [Resource Center](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-law-resource-center/)
- [FAQ](https://bartdurham.com/faq/)
- [Videos](https://bartdurham.com/videos/)
- [The Law, Your Insurance & Your Rights](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/the-law-your-insurance-your-rights/)
- [Our Case Results](https://bartdurham.com/results/)
- Areas of Practice
- [Automobile Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/)
- [Car Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/car-accidents/)
- [Truck Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/truck-accidents/)
- [Public Transportation and Commercial Vehicle Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/public-transportation-and-commercial-vehicle-accidents/)
- [Motorcycle Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/motorcycle-accidents/)
- More
- [Pedestrian Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/pedestrian-accidents/)
- [DUI Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/dui-accidents-injuries/)
- [Rear End Collisions](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/rear-end-collisions/)
- [Rollover Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/automobile-accidents/car-accidents/one-car-accidents/vehicle-rollover/)
- [Personal Injury Lawyer](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/)
- [Catastrophic Injuries](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/catastrophic-injuries/)
- [Workplace Accidents](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/workplace-injury-lawyers/)
- [Product Liability](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/product-liability-lawyer/)
- [Medical Malpractice](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/medical-malpractice-lawyer/)
- [Recalls](https://bartdurham.com/recalls/)
- [Farm Equipment Injury](https://bartdurham.com/personal-injury-lawyer/kentucky-farm-equipment-injury/)
- [Contact Us](https://bartdurham.com/contact/)
[](https://bartdurham.com/)
# What are my Rights if a Valet Wrecks my Vehicle?
[Bart Durham Injury Law](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/author/bart-durham-injury-law) [Car Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/car-accidents), [Driver Negligence](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/driver-negligence), [Tennessee](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/tennessee), [Liability](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/liability)
## What are my Rights if a Valet Wrecks my Vehicle?
Imagine coming back from dinner to your car wrecked. Imagine hearing your valet admit (as one did to [CBS](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-risks-of-using-valet-parking/)) that he and his friends went for joy rides in other people's cars almost every night. While most valets may be honest and respectable, and you are unlikely to face such a gross example of misconduct, what do you do if a valet *does *damage your car?
One minute, you are handing over your keys to the valet...the next, you are picking up your car with an extra dent! In a city like Nashville or Bowling Green where some venues have a valet parking option, accidents can happen. It might be a small scuff or major damage. The question becomes who is liable for damaging your car, how do you prove it, and what are your rights if this happens?
## What If a Valet Wrecks My Car?
When you hand your keys over to a valet, you are trusting that they will take care of your car while in their possession. Once the valet pulls up, take a quick minute to look your car over. Look inside as well to make sure nothing is missing from inside.
If you notice any damage that was not there before, be sure to take these next steps:
1. **Get the valet driver’s name.**
2. **Get the name of the valet company and write down their information as well.**
3. **Snap a few pictures right away. A picture in front of the business where the damage occurred will help to prove your case.**
4. **If the damage is serious enough, you may want to even file a police report.**
If the driver will not give you their name or information about the company, speak to the manager of the business, and they will be able to give you what you need. Remember to be confident but polite and reasonable.
Depending on your situation, you may want to hire a lawyer. Bart Durham Injury Law has offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Bowling Green, Kentucky. With over 75 years of experience, we can help you.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4679191/e26861b3-e4c6-4ce0-b4d7-a4fe8602610c)
## What Do You Do Next, and Who Is Liable?
Contact your own insurance company within a day of when the damage occurred and explain what happened. Your insurance company will contact the valet company or business and determine who is responsible for paying for the damage to your car. Understandably, the valet company might be defensive and put up a fight. But the insurance company will work with the valet to determine fault.
Generally, whoever was driving your car at the time will be held liable. For example, if it is determined that the valet driver was driving and they caused the damage, the valet company’s insurance will likely pay for the damage.
As [Chris Hackett](https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/valets-gone-wild-who-pays), a spokesman for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America said, "Ultimately, if the car owner were to turn over his keys and while under the care, custody and control of the valet … his car was damaged, then the valet company would be responsible."
The National Parking Association requires its members to carry at least $1 million of legal liability coverage and $5 million of general liability coverage to cover injury to people or damage to property the valet doesn’t own. Likewise, the [Nashville](https://library.municode.com/TN/metro_government_of_nashville_and_davidson_county/codes/code_of_ordinances/219301?nodeId=CD_ORD_TIT12VETR_CH12.41VASE) government requires valet services to have a $1 million liability insurance policy at least. But if fault cannot be determined or it was another patron that caused the damage while in the valet’s possession, it will likely be your own insurance that covers the damage.
Whoever is responsible for the damage, car repairs are not a pleasant process. If a valet has damaged your car and you need a car accident attorney to represent you for a case, call Bart Durham Injury Law. Since 1975, we've been fighting for the rights of victims like you, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the complicated legal process, ensuring justice is done.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4679191/2068e0cc-58dd-4f38-bef9-664c5eee181a)
---
#### Tag:
[Car Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/car-accidents) [Driver Negligence](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/driver-negligence) [Tennessee](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/tennessee) [Liability](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/liability)
#### Share:
- [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/what-are-my-rights-if-a-valet-wrecks-my-vehicle)
-
- [Follow us on Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/what-are-my-rights-if-a-valet-wrecks-my-vehicle)
- [Follow us on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/what-are-my-rights-if-a-valet-wrecks-my-vehicle&text=What%20are%20my%20Rights%20if%20a%20Valet%20Wrecks%20my%20Vehicle?description=Imagine%20coming%20back%20from%20dinner%20to%20your%20car%20wrecked.%20Imagine%20hearing%20your%20valet%20admit%20(as%20one%20did%20to%20CBS)%20that%20he%20and%20his%20friends%20went%20for%20joy%20rides%20in%20other[...]&media=https://news.bartdurham.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/If%20Valet%20Wrecks%20My%20Car_Accident%20Attorney_Bart%20Durham%20Injur%20Law_Nashville%20TN.jpg)
---
#### [My Child was Injured While in Another Person's Vehicle. Do I Need an Injury Attorney? Previous Post](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/my-child-was-injured-while-in-another-persons-vehicle.-do-i-need-an-injury-attorney)
#### [8 Tips to Avoid Road Rage Next Post](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/8-tips-to-avoid-road-rage)
This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached.
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
### Category
- [Car Accidents (479)](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/car-accidents)
- [Accident (291)](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/accident)
- [Dangerous or Defective Drugs (259)](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/dangerous-or-defective-drugs)
- [Big Truck Accidents (185)](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/big-truck-accidents)
- [Design & Manufacturing Defects (184)](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/design-manufacturing-defects)
### Popular Posts
[Bart Durham Injury Law](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/author/bart-durham-injury-law) 01/29/2024 [Dangerous or Defective Drugs](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/dangerous-or-defective-drugs), [Injuries](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/injuries), [Mass Tort](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/mass-tort), [Personal Injury Lawyer](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/personal-injury-lawyer)
[Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Mounjaro, and Trulicity Linked to Gastroparesis and Stomach Paralysis](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/ozempic-wegovy-rybelsus-saxenda-mounjaro-and-trulicity-linked-to-gastroparesis-and-stomach-paralysis)
[Bart Durham Injury Law](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/author/bart-durham-injury-law) 01/28/2025 [Car Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/car-accidents), [Kentucky](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/kentucky), [Tennessee](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/tennessee), [Big Truck Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/big-truck-accidents), [Accident](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/accident), [Personal Injury Lawyer](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/personal-injury-lawyer), [Commercial Vehicle Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/commercial-vehicle-accidents)
[Do These 5 Things After a Big Truck Wreck](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/2017/06/do-these-5-things-after-a-big-truck-wreck)
[Bart Durham Injury Law](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/author/bart-durham-injury-law) 01/31/2025 [Car Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/car-accidents), [Drunk Driving Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/drunk-driving-accidents), [Fatal Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/fatal-accidents), [Accident](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/accident)
[Common Car Accidents (And Who's at Fault)](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/common-car-accidents-and-whos-at-fault)
[Bart Durham Injury Law](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/author/bart-durham-injury-law) 12/08/2023 [Driver Negligence](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/driver-negligence), [Fatal Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/fatal-accidents), [Kentucky](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/kentucky), [Tennessee](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/tennessee), [Big Truck Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/big-truck-accidents), [New Car](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/new-car), [Distracted Driving](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/distracted-driving), [Personal Injury Lawyer](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/personal-injury-lawyer), [Commercial Vehicle Accidents](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/tag/commercial-vehicle-accidents)
[Wrecks with Delivery Drivers Require Personal Injury Professionals](https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/wrecks-with-delivery-drivers-require-personal-injury-professionals)
---
Bart Durham Injury Law
406 11th Avenue North, Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37203
- [Toll Free: 800-844-1712](tel:800-844-1712)
- [Phone: 615-242-9000](tel:615-242-9000)
- Fax: 615-254-6562
- [Nashville Law Office Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNSQJU4WHTovJQdN7)
- [Kentucky Law Office Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/feadMtHztUmSUpXm6)
- [Toll Free: 800-844-1712](tel:800-844-1712)
- [Phone: 615-242-9000](tel:615-242-9000)
- Fax: 615-254-6562
- [Nashville Law Office Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNSQJU4WHTovJQdN7)
- [Kentucky Law Office Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/feadMtHztUmSUpXm6)
[Write a Review](https://www.locationrater.com/tp/5xloZz/)
Tell us how we are doing.
We are interested in your feedback.
© 2023 by Bart Durham Injury Law. All rights reserved.
[Disclaimer](https://bartdurham.com/disclaimer/) | [Kentucky Disclaimer](https://bartdurham.com/disclaimer-ky/) | [Site Map](https://bartdurham.com/sitemap) | [Privacy Policy](https://bartdurham.com/privacy-policy/)
Some services may be performed by others.
Horton - [Nashville Web Design](https://www.hortongroup.com/web-design) & [SEO Services](https://www.hortongroup.com/nashville-seo)
[](https://www.thelawyersofdistinction.com/profile/blair-durham/)
[](https://business.mybaseguide.com/business/bartdurhaminjurylaw_5655ed245c37)
[](http://thenationaltriallawyers.org/)
[](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/best-personal-injury-lawyers-nashville-tn/?award=best-personal-injury-lawyers-nashville-tn-award-2024-blair-p-durham)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Bart Durham Injury Law",
"url" : "https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/author/bart-durham-injury-law"
},
"dateModified" : "2019-09-02T19:15:09.749Z",
"datePublished" : "2019-09-02T19:15:00.000Z",
"headline" : "What are my Rights if a Valet Wrecks my Vehicle?",
"image" : [ "https://news.bartdurham.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/If%20Valet%20Wrecks%20My%20Car_Accident%20Attorney_Bart%20Durham%20Injur%20Law_Nashville%20TN.jpg" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://news.bartdurham.com/blog/what-are-my-rights-if-a-valet-wrecks-my-vehicle",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://news.bartdurham.com/hubfs/BD-VECTOR_MAIN-NAV-LOGO-WHITE.png"
},
"name" : "Bart Durham Injury Law"
}
}
```