State-by-State Guides

Valet Damage Laws & Protection by State

Valet damage liability, small claims limits, and bailment law differ by state. Choose your state for a detailed guide on how to protect your car and what to do if a valet damages it.

📊 View the full 30-state bailment law comparison →

California

Small claims: $12,500 · Strong bailment law

New York

Small claims: $10,000 · NYC valet density

Florida

Small claims: $8,000 · Tourist corridor claims

Texas

Small claims: $20,000 · Highest limit in US

Illinois

Small claims: $10,000 · Chicago valet hub

Nevada

Small claims: $10,000 · Las Vegas Strip

Pennsylvania

Small claims: $12,000 · Restatement bailment

Georgia

Small claims: $15,000 · Atlanta airport hub

Ohio

Small claims: $6,000 · Contract bailment

Michigan

Small claims: $7,000 · No-fault complexity

Washington

Small claims: $10,000 · Seattle valet

Massachusetts

Small claims: $7,000 · Boston valet hub

Arizona

Small claims: $3,500 · Resort valet risk

Colorado

Small claims: $7,500 · Denver growth

North Carolina

Small claims: $10,000 · Charlotte/Raleigh

Tennessee

Small claims: $25,000 · Highest limit

Virginia

Small claims: $5,000 · Fee-based bailment

Maryland

Small claims: $5,000 · County regulation

New Jersey

Small claims: $5,000 · Municipal licensing

Indiana

Small claims: $10,000 · Indianapolis

Wisconsin

Small claims: $10,000 · Hire vs gratuitous

Minnesota

Small claims: $15,000 · MSP downtown

Missouri

Small claims: $5,000 · KC & StL

Connecticut

Small claims: $5,000 · Strong precedent

Oregon

Small claims: $10,000 · Portland valet

Alabama

Small claims: $6,000 · Birmingham

Louisiana

Civil law (Napoleonic) · $5,000

Hawaii

Small claims: $5,000 · Resort valets

Alaska

Small claims: $10,000 · Limited services

District of Columbia

Small claims: $10,000 · DCRA licensed

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