| Offering valet services to compliment your parking | | | | damage done to cars or property. This insurance can |
| equipment investment is a great way for a company | | | | range, but make sure that the company's insurance |
| to enhance their customer's experience and leave a | | | | fits the demographic of cars they will be handling. |
| lasting impression. Your valet service is your first and | | | | You wouldn't want to be covered for only $50,000 in |
| last point of contact with your customer, and the | | | | damage if you were driving Lamborghinis everyday! |
| valet company will be viewed by your customer as | | | | 2. Are they a member of the National Valet Parking |
| an extension of your company. For this reason it is | | | | Association (NVPA)? |
| important to take some time to find the company | | | | All members of the NVPA must satisfy a high level of |
| that holds a similar set of values as your company. | | | | standards for the following criteria: safety |
| Here are five questions you should ask: | | | | procedures, security procedures, employment, |
| 1. Is the company insured? | | | | insurance, claims management, and customer service. |
| This is the most important question to ask the valet | | | | Being a member of the NVPA is a giant stamp of |
| company bidding on your business. | | | | approval. It means the NVPA has already asked all |
| "Even the smallest accidents can create a lawsuit in | | | | the hard questions for you, and that the company |
| today's environment...it could potentially ruin the | | | | adheres to a very high set of standards. |
| company", Dale Easton, President of Valet Insurance | | | | 3. What parking equipment will the company use? |
| Professionals LLC explains. "It is difficult for | | | | Specify what parking equipment is acceptable. You |
| companies to protect themselves when insurance | | | | don't want a valet company showing up at your red |
| companies typically side with the claimant." | | | | carpet event with a three year old, beat up valet |
| In the unlikely case of an accident, the customer will | | | | podium. Make sure they are using a valet podium or |
| form an opinion about your company based on how | | | | key box that will compliment your company's image. |
| your valet service handles the issue. If the valet | | | | 4. What uniform will the valet's where? |
| company handles the situation poorly or cannot | | | | A polo shirt might be too casual for an upscale |
| compensate the customer in the event that the | | | | restaurant or bar. However a suit and bowtie might |
| valet company is at fault it could severely damage | | | | be overdoing it! Make sure your valet's dress code |
| your relationship with the customer and your | | | | fits the occasion. |
| company's image. If the valet company handles the | | | | 5. What is the minimum age of the valet company's |
| situation correctly, your company's reputation and | | | | employees? |
| your relationship with the customer will be salvaged, | | | | Your customer may not be very comfortable |
| if not strengthened. | | | | watching an 18 year old valet take off in his brand |
| There are two types of insurance your valet service | | | | new Rolls Royce! |
| should have: | | | | If you ask these 5 simple questions, you will put |
| Garage liability insurance- This will cover anything the | | | | yourself in a better position to decide which valet |
| company is liable for other than physical damage. For | | | | company is suited for your business. With the right |
| example, if someone was injured the company would | | | | company, you can create a positive experience for |
| be covered. The company should have general liability | | | | your customers, ensuring they will want to come |
| insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000. | | | | back with all their friends! |
| Garage keeper insurance- This will cover any physical | | | | |