Yup, I drive from Canada to SoCal each year. Can't believe how lucky and I am to be able to do this. It helps put the damage to my car into perspective, right?

 

The first thing I did was read the back of the valet ticket. It states their liability limitations but having someone hit your car with their person seems to fall between the cracks. From talking to the police, who were very nice, they informed me legal action would most likely involve me having to appear in court at some time. Figure out the cost me flying to Las Vegas from Canada to appear in court - not my thing. Thanks for the input though.

 

Oh yeah, that will show them.

Its easy to spend other people's money. Just let it go. This is going nowhere and everyone knows it. File an insurance claim and pay the deductible and move on.

Jim

 

Not sure how car insurance works in the US but in Canada if you have damage more than $1000 you must have a police report (which I do) to have car work done, which is then automatically forwarded to the insurance company. Regardless of what the insurance companies say in Canada, any "claim" results in a review of your premium status and a likely increase in premium costs. I foolishly went down this road, trying to be honest, about 10 years ago and my premiums jumped for about 5 years. Car insurance, in Canada at least, is best used when there is considerable personal or property damage. Sucks, I know.

 

Good thought, will see if someone here can recommend a shop. I'm not familiar with shops in San Diego.

 

The police won't even come out in CA unless the cars are undriveable or there's an injury/road blockage. That's not the law, but its the practice.

Jim

 

You are right. This is a finished issue and I've moved on (why I'm not into making a legal issue out of it). Just wanted to pass on the information about my valet parking experience in case it might prevent even one person from having their P car damaged.

 

Just to clarify, in Canada we must go to the police station with our accident information, get the needed form, and then proceed with the damage repair. No form for over $1000, no repair. Hope this helps if you are ever in a similar situation in Canada.
Thanks for your input.

 

Actually the valet guys were very cool and parked my car in one of the few covered spots close to their parking station but it was still just out of sight. But I get your point that in some cases their can be yahoo valet, just like their are yahoos everywhere (not referring to you).

 

I never drive my own car in a foreign country. Not even Canada. I stop at the border, take a shuttle across and get a rental with full coverage for as much liability as they will sell me. Its not cheap but its peace of mind. I can play Dukes of Hazard and just toss them the keys. Of course, with the situation in Mexico, I don't go there at all anymore. I think that today people who even go to Cabo or Cancun are insane. At some point, the gangs and imported terrorists are going to want to make a point by slaughtering tourists at some hotel. We've got nice beaches of our own.

Jim

 

The guy, and the police agreed, was never going to have the resources to pay me (recall I don't live in the US). A young guy, just out of prison, no job, debts, just married with a young boy....do I need to add this guys misery. I won't do it. When I was in my 20s I wasn't much better and headed downward until someone gave me a break - so I "pass it on" when I can. I watched this guy sober up in the holding room and reality of the situation hit him and it wasn't pretty - and while this may sound strange, it was easy to forgive him.

The cost of repair is non-issue with me as is engaging in a legal battle from another country. I guess I'm naive when I expect people to just do the right thing - although many do. And I meet lots of excellent people during.

Keep driving and keep smiling - just passing on information that may be useful to those of us who are a bit "car crazy."

 

He probably learned nothing. If prison didn't teach him to stop screwing the pooch, waking up in a drunk tank with no consequences isn't going to do it either. Since you aren't local, you did the right thing for you. But don't expect this to change him. 99% of criminals are selfish. He obviously never thought about his wife or young child. He just wanted to get high or drunk or whatever.

What might change him since its Nevada is that there are lots of armed people there and next time someone might shoot at him.

Jim

 

In CA you are also required to fill out a report for anything over $500.

 

If you are lucky enough to live in San Diego I agree with no need to go south of the border. The city, people, and climate are fantastic. I wouldn't dream of taking my car to Mexico.

 

Know the difference between giving your keys to a 20-something dude & a 20-something valet? The valet has a company behind him to help avoid liability. Here in So.CA most of the hotels & restaurants hire independant valet "companys" to avoid liability for anything the valets do. When the Big one happens either the guilty individual quits & disappears or the company does.