Leaving car parked with the keys in?
Discussion
Just returned from nearly 3 weeks touring in Italy.
Nearly every car park we used (hotels and public parking) was a sort of "valet" parking where you basically hand over your car and they park it, with the keys in the ignition.
Admittedly, we were visiting cities and areas where parking was limited, and my Italian even more so, but the first time I had to do it, I took some persuading. My car is not really valuable - a classic Alfa - but would be hard to replace, and I've spent more than it's worth getting it into good condition.
Now, nothing bad happened - they park the cars 2 or 3 deep, depending on how long you plan to stay - but I did wonder what the reaction would be from my insurance if the car was taken. Obviously, if I left it myself with the keys in, it would be my own fault.
My Italian is only just enough to say hello and order coffe, so I couldn't ask whether they have insurance or how it works.
I know there are some on here who work in insurance, and would be interested to hear whether they have any experience or comments.
Nearly every car park we used (hotels and public parking) was a sort of "valet" parking where you basically hand over your car and they park it, with the keys in the ignition.
Admittedly, we were visiting cities and areas where parking was limited, and my Italian even more so, but the first time I had to do it, I took some persuading. My car is not really valuable - a classic Alfa - but would be hard to replace, and I've spent more than it's worth getting it into good condition.
Now, nothing bad happened - they park the cars 2 or 3 deep, depending on how long you plan to stay - but I did wonder what the reaction would be from my insurance if the car was taken. Obviously, if I left it myself with the keys in, it would be my own fault.
My Italian is only just enough to say hello and order coffe, so I couldn't ask whether they have insurance or how it works.
I know there are some on here who work in insurance, and would be interested to hear whether they have any experience or comments.
Only slightly off topic.... I visit a number of UK hotels where occasionally the car park is full & after unloading my cases often double parking in the process the concierge asks me for my keys so car can be parked when a space becomes available. Being unashamedly precious about my car & having no knowledge as to the competence of the hotel staff I always politely refuse stating that as I plan to be in my room, bar or lounge I can be immediately available to park car myself. As a guest I do not expect to be challenged & have never been.
If you leave your car and hand over the keys at a car park,hotel or whatever,surely the car becomes their responsibility and should be covered under their business insurance.Just the same when you leave your car for servicing and hand the keys to the Dealer`s receptionist.
Mind you I`m talking about proper professional valet parking firms,not some side street cow boy.
Mind you I`m talking about proper professional valet parking firms,not some side street cow boy.
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