Valet Parking stole my car

[chris student]

What is the name of your state? CA

Last night my brother vent to a restaurant/bar in Palm Springs CA. When he was ready to leave after 3 hours the Valet not only did not have his car but they did not even have his car keys.

My brother obtained a police report and the Valet gave him a blue card stating they're responsible for his car missing.

My brother's car was a leased car and he does not have coverage against theft. His 22 years old and he has heard his lecture from me.

But for now, it the Valet responsible for the cost of the car?

Thank you ahead of time.

[CdwJava]

The issue of civil responsibility is a matter for the insurance companies and the courts to decide.

The restaurant or valet service may argue that they cannot be responsible for every car ... the dealership that holds the lease is going to want the lessee to take care of things ... etc.

There are a lot of possibilities here, and no immediately clear liability.

He needs to speak to speak to the dealership (or whomever he holds the lease through) and find out what they expect of him. Chances are they are goin to expect him to maintain payments unless THEY have a theft clause at their end of the paperwork. He should also speak to the valet service or restaurant representative and see what they are going to do to make this all right.

He will likely need the services of an attorney.

- Carl

[chris student]

are you an attorney? if so, can you quate me an approxiamte cost?

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by chris student

are you an attorney? if so, can you quate me an approxiamte cost?

Nope ... just a cop approaching middle age.

And I wouldn't know what an attorney might charge. A consultation might run the gamut between free to $250 for a sit-down. Your brother might first want to check with the restaurant/valet service and see if they or their insurer will cover the loss. But he probably shouldn't sign anything until he has consulted an attorney.

- Carl

[gawm]

Originally Posted by CdwJava

Nope ... just a cop approaching middle age.

- Carl

MIDDLE AGE? It's not like you to lie in your replies Carl, is everything okay?

[racer72]

I see one problem that could snowball into a big problem. All companies that provide vehicle leasing required the vehicle to be fully insured, this includes theft. Because your brother failed to live up to the term of the lease, the leasing company very well may require full payment for the vehicle, due immediately.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by gawm

MIDDLE AGE? It's not like you to lie in your replies Carl, is everything okay?

I said, APPROACHING middle age

I'm not there yet ... but some days I feel like it!

- Carl

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by racer72

I see one problem that could snowball into a big problem. All companies that provide vehicle leasing required the vehicle to be fully insured, this includes theft. Because your brother failed to live up to the term of the lease, the leasing company very well may require full payment for the vehicle, due immediately.

I was wondering about that. Not having ever leased a vehicle myself, it would seem to make sense to protect the L/O. However, I recall that in at least one instance I heard of that insurance was rolled into the Lease plan ... but, I may have gotten the information askew.

- Carl

[efflandt]

Any vehicle that has a loan or lease is required to have collision and comprehensive to cover the vehicle (within deductable limits). Hopefully the valet service will come through with something. But if your brother has no theft insurance, he is likely violating the terms of the lease and has no one looking out for his interests in the matter.