Valet parking creates a lot of happiness and convenience for customers, but it comes with some pain points for our clients who run valet parking services. The biggest challenge we find our clients face is when claims are made, it causes stress on the team and disrupts operations. Although, the occasions are rare for claims, any mitigation techniques are welcomed by our clients to remove the most significant pain point in running valet parking operations.
We work across many industries and every site is different, but our technology, teamed with efficient operations, creates an environment of reduced claims and mitigating false claims. Reducing claims saves team morale, brand reputation, and frees up time for the crucial element of providing the best customer experiences for valet parking customers.
These are the First Class Valet processes we use to prevent claims:
Technology – our mobile-powered technology means we can scan vehicles as soon as they come in, creating a digital record of the car before our team drives the car. We are the only Australian licence holder of this technology that encompasses all the information in one system. Our rigorous vehicle inspection process using digital technology and is best in class. Attendants inspect vehicles upon arrival and document any existing damages or issues with photo’s, and observation notes that are date and time stamped. This helps avoiding disputes over pre-existing damage.
Driver background checks – we conduct thorough background checks on valet parking attendants before hiring them. We ensure they have a good driving history, and no history of criminal activities. All drivers hold manual car driver’s licences and have experience driving all types of vehicles.
Training – at our First Class Valet Academy we teach our team how to identify hazards, communicate with each other, and how to use the technology and all the safety elements that come with driving different vehicles all day. We enforce safe driving practices in parking lots or garages, including obeying speed limits, pedestrian awareness, using turn signals, and being cautious in tight spaces. Our valet parking attendants avoid aggressive driving and unnecessary risks.
Clear policies and procedures – Over the many years of operation of First Class Valet, we have established clear policies and procedures for valet parking operations. These include guidelines for handling customer vehicles, documenting existing damages, and reporting incidents promptly. Claims cause much stress on teams, and can be very time-consuming to process. The fewer claims, the better, but having a good process can reduce the strain associated with claims.
Insurance coverage – Whether it is your services or ours, any valet parking service has to have the appropriate insurance coverage. Make sure you get the insurance right with your provider or broker.
Reporting – Our clients all have multiple management layers they need to report to. Our technology reports on any claims made. In an ideal world, we work towards zero claims but sometimes they can’t be prevented. However, if you can track the claims effectively you can work towards reducing claims and measuring your success.
Mitigating claims is a crucial part of running a valet parking operation, and importantly, the less claims that happen, can help to protect your company’s brand and reputation.
At First Class Valet, we are the experts in valet parking so give us a call 1300 1 VALET to find out how we can help you mitigate claims. or contact us today here
