When a valet company takes the keys, it takes responsibility for the car. Insurance is how that responsibility is backed up. This guide explains the coverages property managers, boards, and venues typically require. It is general information, not insurance or legal advice, so confirm requirements with your own agent and attorney.
Garage keepers coverage
Garage keepers insurance covers damage to customers' vehicles while they're in the valet's care, custody, and control, including collisions, theft, and vandalism. There are two important versions:
- Legal liability: pays only when the valet company is found legally responsible for the damage.
- Direct coverage (primary or excess): pays for covered damage regardless of fault, which usually means faster, simpler claims for residents.
Ask which version the company carries and what the per-vehicle and per-location limits are.
General liability
Covers injuries and property damage arising from the valet operation, such as a guest who trips at the valet stand or damage to the building's gate or garage. Ask that the association, management company, or venue be named as additional insured.
Workers' compensation
Valet is physical work around moving vehicles. Workers' compensation covers attendants injured on the job and protects the property from being pulled into an injury claim. Florida requires most employers with employees to carry it, so ask for proof.
Hired and non-owned auto
Covers liability when attendants drive vehicles the company doesn't own, which is exactly what valet does. It helps protect against third-party claims from an accident on the road or in the garage.
Umbrella or excess liability
Adds limits above the underlying policies. High-value vehicle environments, like luxury condominiums, often justify higher limits.
How to verify coverage
- Request a certificate of insurance (COI) listing each coverage, limits, and policy dates.
- Ask to be named as additional insured, with a waiver of subrogation where appropriate.
- Confirm the COI directly with the issuing insurance agent.
- Calendar the expiration dates and request renewed certificates each year.
Intrak is fully licensed and insured, and every vehicle is scanned and photographed at check-in and at check-out, so any claim starts from a clear before-and-after record of the car's condition. Ask us for the documentation your property requires. Read: 10 questions to ask a valet company.