Complaint Review: Howard Johnson's - Romulus Michigan

In general, a parking lot is not liable for damage to your vehicle whether you paid to park or not and regardless of whether it is "secure" or not. If you cannot accept the risk of parking there, take a cab. One exception to the above is a lot where the employees park your car for you. The car is then in their custody and control and they are liable for damage that occurs during that time.

The previous poster had a good point that I did not consider. The original post said that the car was left for several days, and I assumed that your husband just left the car there. If, in fact, you paid an extra fee for "secure parking" then you should have some recourse. If your husband paid some sort of fee, I would think that he had to sign some sort of waiver for storing the car there for those days. I would ask to see any and all documents that he signed because it is probably written right there what exactly the property is liable for in regards to damage, theft, etc.

You stayed the night of March 1st. You stated your husband returned to pick up the vehicle on March 6th. 5 days later. Is this a secured lot at which you paid additional fees to park the automobile while you were away for a few days? If so, there is some liability for the business as renting you a parking space in a lot they promote as "secured" implies they will provide protection for your vehicle. If, however, you simply left the car there, without there knowledge, they not only have no liability but could have towed the vehicle, and could further charge you storage fees.

Most hotel properties have specific wording on the registration form you sign when you check in specifically stating that they are not responsible for any loss or damage to your personal property. I think that yes, it really stinks that this happened, but I don't think it's the property owner's fault this happened. I think it's similar to when you go to the grocery store and someone slams their cart into the side of your car, you can't sue the store for the damage. If this is such a secure parking lot, then did they have cameras in the lot? If so, you should ask to see security tapes. I also hoped that you filed a police report. I really don't think the property owner should be responsible for reimbursing you (that's why you have insurance in the first place, right?) because they were not directly responsible and I don't think they were neglectful in any way (stupid, maybe), but I think that whoever was on duty that night in the parking lot should be fired without a doubt. Good Luck with this!

Most hotel properties have specific wording on the registration form you sign when you check in specifically stating that they are not responsible for any loss or damage to your personal property. I think that yes, it really stinks that this happened, but I don't think it's the property owner's fault this happened. I think it's similar to when you go to the grocery store and someone slams their cart into the side of your car, you can't sue the store for the damage. If this is such a secure parking lot, then did they have cameras in the lot? If so, you should ask to see security tapes. I also hoped that you filed a police report. I really don't think the property owner should be responsible for reimbursing you (that's why you have insurance in the first place, right?) because they were not directly responsible and I don't think they were neglectful in any way (stupid, maybe), but I think that whoever was on duty that night in the parking lot should be fired without a doubt. Good Luck with this!

Most hotel properties have specific wording on the registration form you sign when you check in specifically stating that they are not responsible for any loss or damage to your personal property. I think that yes, it really stinks that this happened, but I don't think it's the property owner's fault this happened. I think it's similar to when you go to the grocery store and someone slams their cart into the side of your car, you can't sue the store for the damage. If this is such a secure parking lot, then did they have cameras in the lot? If so, you should ask to see security tapes. I also hoped that you filed a police report. I really don't think the property owner should be responsible for reimbursing you (that's why you have insurance in the first place, right?) because they were not directly responsible and I don't think they were neglectful in any way (stupid, maybe), but I think that whoever was on duty that night in the parking lot should be fired without a doubt. Good Luck with this!

Most hotel properties have specific wording on the registration form you sign when you check in specifically stating that they are not responsible for any loss or damage to your personal property. I think that yes, it really stinks that this happened, but I don't think it's the property owner's fault this happened. I think it's similar to when you go to the grocery store and someone slams their cart into the side of your car, you can't sue the store for the damage. If this is such a secure parking lot, then did they have cameras in the lot? If so, you should ask to see security tapes. I also hoped that you filed a police report. I really don't think the property owner should be responsible for reimbursing you (that's why you have insurance in the first place, right?) because they were not directly responsible and I don't think they were neglectful in any way (stupid, maybe), but I think that whoever was on duty that night in the parking lot should be fired without a doubt. Good Luck with this!