How to Use a Parking Valet

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 17, 2020

Valet parking services are fast-paced and have their own, specific forms of etiquette that should be understood before dropping off your car. Because this is a luxury service and the workers work very hard, knowing how much and when to tip is important. Preparing your car before dropping it off, communicating well with the valet workers, and keeping your ticket on hand when picking up the vehicle are all necessary when enjoying valet services.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Ready Beforehand

1
Clean your car before entering the drop off zone. It is appropriate and courteous to pick up any trash or garbage before dropping your car off with a valet service. As the valet workers will be driving your car, it is respectful to tidy up and ensure that their experience driving your car is not a negative one. Remove any trash or leftover items of food at a gas station or service station before starting your trip.^{[1]
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- Although washing the exterior of your car is not necessary, do so if your car is extremely dirty. Valet parking is a classy service, so ensuring that your car is presentable will be a nice touch before entering the drop off zone.
- It is a nice touch to hang an air freshener in your car if you smoke or if you’ve eaten any food in the car recently.
2
Stop to get some cash for tips beforehand. Tipping your valet is an important thing to do, as valet jobs are difficult and drivers are sometimes reliant on tips to complete their full minimum wage. Plan on spending $2 - $5 (USD) on tips when you drop off your car, and 2 to 5 dollars when you pick your car back up.^{[2]
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- Taking out ten dollars in cash and saving it specifically for tipping will keep you from not having any cash on hand when the time comes.
- Although a two to five-dollar tip is average, you can tip more if your valet was particularly professional and hard working.
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3
Remove any valuable personal items from the car. Before arriving at your destination, place your valuables in a bag, or take them out of your car before you leave for your destination. Although you should not assume that the valet will steal anything from you, there is no reason to risk theft by leaving something expensive in your car.^{[3]
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- Things like electronics, wallets, or sentimental items should all be removed prior to dropping your car off.
- If you have items that you are not particularly worried about, you can tuck them under the seats of your car.
4
Call ahead for the price of the valet. The prices for valet services could vary significantly depending on where you are dropping off your car. Some businesses will provide complimentary valet parking, but others will charge you. Checking beforehand will allow you to prepare for the expense.^{[4]
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- Ask if they take credit or debit cards, or if they only accept cash.
- If you are using valet services at a hotel, they will mostly like charge you a daily rate.
5
Remove your car key from the rest of your keys. When dropping your car off at the valet, there is a chance that your key could be lost. Although this is rare, it is not worth risking your entire key ring. Either bring a spare car key to give the valet worker, or take the key off the ring and bring the rest of your keys with you, keeping them safe and secure.^{[5]
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- Giving your entire key ring to the valet worker is also a pain for them, especially if you have an abundance of keys on your ring.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Dropping off Your Car

1
Identify the drop off zone and approach slowly. Approaching the drop off zone at an appropriate speed is safe and polite. Look for a sign that says “valet parking drop off,” or any signage that indicates the drop off area. Keep an eye out for valet workers, as they will direct you and show you where to pull up. Come to a slow stop in front of the sign and gather your belongings as the valet worker approaches your vehicle.^{[6]
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- If you have trouble finding the drop off zone, do not be afraid to ask someone who works at the establishment. They will be happy to direct you to the valet parking area.
- Pay close attention to your surroundings while pulling into the drop off area. There will be pedestrians, and valet workers run around a lot.
2
Leave your car running. One of the most important pieces of etiquette when dropping your car off, aside from tipping, of course, is keeping your keys in the ignition and your car running once you’ve parked. Valet workers move very quickly, and having to restart your car will slow them down.^{[7]
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3
Let the valet worker open your door for you. Although this is not mandatory, as you can absolutely open the door yourself, it is a part of the valet parking culture for the valet worker to help you out of the car. This will also let the valet worker move at their own pace. Getting out of the car too early may throw off the pace of the worker and slow them down.^{[8]
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- Having your door opened for you is a pleasant experience and will show that the valet worker is professional and hard-working, so consider this when you tip.
- This service will also depend on your environment. If you are arriving at a luxurious hotel or restaurant, it can be expected.
4
Tell the valet worker about any problems with your car. If there is any problem with your vehicle that will impede in the process of parking the car, the valet drive will need to be informed. Do not go into too much detail, though, as the valet worker will be in a hurry. Simply and directly communicate the car’s problems or quirks and let the worker keep moving.^{[9]
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- It is a good idea, for instance, to tell your valet if you have any problems with your brakes or door latches, or if your seats have problems adjusting.
- You can tell them some other important details, too, like whether the vehicle is an automatic or manual.
5
Get your ticket from the valet and put it in a safe place. Although you will still be able to pick up your car with your driver's license, this will significantly slow down the process when you come back to pick up your vehicle. Place the ticket in your wallet, purse, or any other safe, easily reachable place.^{[10]
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- If you do not receive a ticket when dropping your car off, consider asking the drivers in case they forgot to give you one.
6
Tip the valet driver $2 - $5 (USD) before they enter the vehicle. Tipping before the driver parks your vehicle is an important part of valet etiquette. This early tip will help your chances of having your vehicle returned in perfect condition and will let the driver know that you care about the vehicle and that you appreciate the service.^{[11]
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- Save 2 to 5 more dollars to tip the driver once you return to your vehicle.
- Be sure to tip the driver who is going to be parking your car, not another employee.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Picking up Your Car

1
Call ahead if you are in a hurry. Although valet companies value their ability to retrieve cars quickly, this may be difficult during busy hours. If you have somewhere to go and do not want to wait for your car to be dropped off, calling ahead and letting the valet workers know that you are coming will expedite the process and ensure that your car will be waiting for you when you return.^{[12]
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- Give the valet drivers at least 10 to 20 minutes if you expect things to be unusually busy, or if you are leaving an event at the same time as a large group of people.
2
Hand your ticket to one of the valet workers. There will often be a valet worker behind a desk whose job it is to take tickets and inform drivers which cars to retrieve. Have your ticket ready when you approach the desk so that things run smoothly. The valet employee may ask for your name and for your basic information.^{[13]
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3
Check your vehicle for damages once it arrives. Before tipping the valet driver or receiving the keys to your vehicle, do a quick walk around your vehicle looking for damages, large and small. Check the doors for dings, the back bumper for dents, and the front of the car for any damages that weren’t already there.^{[14]
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- If there are damages to the car, inform the driver and ask to speak with a manager about the damages.
- Depending on where you live, the liable party for damages to your car will differ. Often, the driver is liable, but some companies will take on the liability themselves.
- Communicating damages right away is vital, as you will not be able to prove that the company is responsible if you drive away.
4
Tip the driver $2 - $5 (USD) again before leaving. Once the driver hands you your keys, hand the driver this second tip to meet proper valet etiquette. Thank the driver for working so hard and let them know that you appreciate their service. If you feel as though the driver did a particularly outstanding job, feel free to tip more.^{[15]
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Community Q&A

Question

Do you have to pay for valet parking?

Community Answer

Depending on the place you are parking, you may or may not have to. You must, however, always tip your valet.
Question

If you eat at a restaurant that has valet parking, can you leave your car with the valet while you see a movie?

Community Answer

Always talk to the valet beforehand, but they will usually allow this. They appreciate extra tips when they help you with services like this.
Question

Do I have to leave my keys with the valet or can I get them back so there will be no chance of them getting lost?

Community Answer

Typically you will leave the keys with the valet. This is part of the appeal, you can just hand the keys to the valet and walk into your destination. Different valets may have different policies, but most likely if you ask them to return the keys to you, they'll do it.