David Morey 
Valet parking can easily make you feel like a VIP and minimizes your stress when looking for a parking space. However, when you hand your keys off to the valet, you expect you to get your vehicle, along with everything else you have in it, back in the same condition.
Unfortunately, things can go wrong, and when you discover that your car has a scratch, dent, or damaged tech gear, you are sure to be upset. If you don’t know what to do if your tech is damaged while using valet services, these tips can help you.
What to Do After a Valet Service Damages Your Tech Gear
Valet services and the people they employ should handle all property with exceptional care to avoid these types of instances. If you had valuable tech gear in your vehicle and you had your keys returned to you only to discover these damages, here are the steps to take.
Create Documentation of the Damage
Just as you would for a car accident, take photos and videos of the damaged gear. If this damage was caused by the valet driver crashing your vehicle or causing other damage to it, make sure you take photos of those areas too. Make sure that you only focus on what was damaged during the time that you had the car with the valet service.
It’s good to have notes that detail the specifics of this incident. Make sure you put the date, time, location, and all the critical details you can think of in your notes. Save your valet tickets as well to prove that they were responsible for the care of your vehicle.
Alert the Manager of the Valet Service
When a valet driver has damaged your tech gear, car, or both, you must immediately inform the manager. If they are on-site, you can speak to them while you are there, though you should always put it in writing to create an official record that will serve as part of your documentation.
This report should have the manager’s name and contact information, the incident’s date and time, and the names of all employees who valeted your vehicle.
Consider Filing a Police Report
When the damage to your pricey tech gear or your car is significant, it is best to contact the police to file a report. With a formal report of the incident in place, you can show this to your insurer.
Let Your Insurer Know
You should notify your insurance company as soon as you can. Likewise, the valet service manager or owner should report the damage to their insurance agency. Make sure that you stay organized with the documents and evidence to help the claims process go more smoothly. If the valet service is at fault for damaging your laptop, tablets, or other tech devices, you should get their insurance information to file a claim.
How to Recover Compensation from a Valet for Damaged Tech Gear
If the valet ruined the items inside your car, you should be able to file a claim with the insurance that covers the valet service. These types of businesses are required to have coverage for these types of occurrences.
Before you file a claim, you will want to make sure you gather all of the documentation you acquired after the incident. This includes the photos, videos, report filed with the valet service, and police report if you contacted the authorities.
However, it may not be a smooth endeavor. The insurance company or the valet may deny any wrongdoing. In some cases, they may not offer enough to cover what was destroyed, and in others, they may completely reject your claim. You would then need to go through your own insurance company, though you’ll likely have to pay your deductible.
It should be noted that the majority of valet services will make every attempt to resolve things by covering the damages they’ve caused. If not, you can consult an attorney to file a lawsuit.
Should You Sue the Valet Company?
As mentioned, most valet services will try to resolve matters positively. However, there are instances where their insurer will deny the claim or offer a paltry sum for compensation. In these situations, it helps to have a personal injury lawyer who can investigate your claim and use the evidence you’ve gathered to build a strong case.
Lawyers will know how to calculate the amount of compensation you should receive. They will look at all repair costs for your tech gear and if applicable, for your car as well. They will also consider the diminished value of these items and the potential loss of use from the damages these tech items incurred.
Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Tech Gear by Valets
If you frequently use valet services to park your vehicle, it is helpful to take your tech gear with you when leaving your vehicle in their care. Sometimes, this isn’t always possible, particularly for larger items. 
The best way to protect these items is to take photos of them and go the extra step of taking some of your car. In this way, you can be certain that you’ll have solid proof that your gear and your car were not returned to you in the same condition.
Another crucial tip is to review your insurance policy, something every driver should do. You should know what it covers and how to contact them if you need to report an incident or file a claim.
When you valet your vehicle, be on the lookout for signage. They should have their policies clearly posted; you can take a photo of them if you need this information later. Using a valet service can be an excellent time-saver, especially when parking is limited. Always check first to ensure the company you choose is reputable, and document everything before handing over the keys in scenarios where you have no time to research.
