Valet parking is one of the most convenient amenities a business can offer its guests. Whether you are arriving at a hotel, restaurant, hospital, or special event, handing your keys to a professional attendant saves time and eliminates the hassle of finding a space. But for many guests, there is a lingering question in the back of their mind: what happens to my valuables while my car is parked?
At Parking Management Services of America (PMSA), we believe that trust is the foundation of every great valet experience. Here is what you should know about protecting your valuables — and what to look for in a professional valet parking company.
Remove High-Value Items Before You Hand Over the Keys
The single most effective step you can take is to remove valuables from your vehicle before the attendant takes the wheel. This includes:
- Wallets, purses, and cash — Never leave these in the center console, glove box, or seat pocket
- Laptops, tablets, and electronics — Take them with you or lock them in the trunk before arrival
- Sunglasses, jewelry, and accessories — Small items are easy to overlook and easy to misplace
- Important documents — Registration, insurance cards, and any personal paperwork should travel with you
This is not a reflection of distrust toward your valet attendant — it is simply a smart habit that eliminates any possibility of confusion or loss.
Only Leave What Is Necessary
When you hand your keys to a valet, you are granting access to your vehicle. A professional attendant will only drive your car to and from the designated parking area — nothing more. However, it is still wise to keep the following in mind:
- Detach non-essential keys from your key ring before arrival. Your house key, office key, and other personal keys do not need to be on the same ring as your car key
- Avoid leaving prescription medications in the vehicle — take them with you
- Do not leave garage door openers in plain sight, as these can be linked to your home address via your registration
What to Look for in a Trustworthy Valet Company
Not all valet operators are created equal. When choosing a parking management company, look for these key indicators of professionalism and accountability:
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
A reputable valet company carries valet parking insurance that protects both the client and the guest in the event of an incident. Always confirm that your valet provider is fully licensed and bonded before signing a contract.
Background-Checked Attendants
Professional valet companies conduct thorough background checks on every attendant before they are hired. At PMSA, all of our parking attendants are screened, trained, and held to the highest standards of conduct.
Secure Key Management
Ask your valet provider how keys are stored while vehicles are parked. A well-run operation uses a secure, numbered key management system that matches each key set to a claim ticket — ensuring your vehicle is returned to the right person, every time.
Membership in Industry Associations
Companies that are active members of the National Parking Association (NPA) are held to a published code of ethics. This membership signals a commitment to professionalism that extends to every attendant on the team.
What to Do If Something Goes Missing
Even with the best precautions, issues can occasionally arise. If you believe an item is missing from your vehicle after a valet experience, take these steps immediately:
- Report it on-site — Speak with the valet manager or supervisor before leaving the property
- Request a written incident report — Document the claim with the valet company in writing
- Contact the venue — The business that hired the valet company may have additional resources to assist
- File a police report if necessary — For high-value items, a police report creates an official record
If you used a PMSA-managed valet service and have a concern, you can also submit a report through our claims page.
Trust the Professionals at PMSA
For more than 20 years, Parking Management Services of America has delivered professional, courteous, and accountable valet parking services across Los Angeles and Orange County. Our attendants are trained to treat every vehicle — and every guest — with the utmost respect.
From hotel valet parking and restaurant valet services to hospital valet parking and special event valet, PMSA brings the same standard of care to every engagement.
If you are also wondering whether your homeowners or renters insurance policy would cover items lost during a valet experience, our post on homeowners insurance and valet parking claims walks through exactly what most policies cover — and what they do not.
Ready to work with a valet company your guests can trust? at 1-800-552-PARK (7275) and let us show you what professional parking management looks like.