Nowadays, it’s quite common to spot signs in parking areas of shopping centers, retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses. These signs often state, “The company is not responsible for damage to your vehicle or the theft of valuable items.”
Many of us have grown accustomed to seeing these disclaimers, accepting them as an unquestionable norm. As a result, when thefts or damages occur, we often don’t pursue claims against the business. But the question remains: do these signs truly absolve companies of responsibility for potential damages to customers’ property?
Controversial points regarding these claims at Costco or other stores
Actually, this practice raises a few controversial points. Consumers who use these parking facilities might feel resigned to the idea that these signs are unchallengeable.
However, the legality and enforceability of such disclaimers can be subject to debate, especially when it comes to determining whether these notices genuinely free businesses from liability for any property damage or theft experienced by their customers.
Learn More About Your Rights in Public Parking Facilities
According to the Law of Commercial Establishments in Mexico City, as outlined by Condusef, the operators or owners of public parking facilities are mandated to have civil liability insurance or bond.
This insurance is crucial as it ensures compensation for any damages users might encounter, whether to their persons, vehicles, or third parties, up to a limit of 9,000 times the current Unit of Account of Mexico City per vehicle. This insurance is structured under the following modalities:
Auto-Service Parking
- Total theft responsibility
- Partial theft or damage to the vehicle
- Fire damage to the property where the vehicle is stored, when attributable to the owner or operator
Valet Parking Services
- Total theft responsibility
- Partial theft or damage to the vehicle
- Theft or damage of accessories as displayed during vehicle handover
- Fire damage to the property where the vehicle is stored, when attributable to the owner or operator
Important! The ticket provided by the parking facility to the user must include the following information:
Essential Information for Parking Service Providers
Key Details for Parking Service Providers
When offering a parking service, it is critical to ensure that all necessary information is clearly communicated to users. Here are the essential elements that should be included:
- Name or Business Name and Address of the parking service provider
- Federal Taxpayer Registry Key
- Contact Numbers for reporting complaints, both for the parking service itself and those established by the Department of the Federal District
- Classification of the parking facility and the applicable rates based on this classification
- Ticket Number
- Details on how the provider will address damages sustained by vehicles while parked
- Space to record the entry time
- Space to note the exit time
- Space to write the license plate number
Important Notice from Costco
Costco has specific regulations regarding its parking facilities. Pay close attention the next time you visit Costco:
- The parking service provided by the Club is not public and is intended for members and visitors only while they are at the Club.
- The Club is not responsible for items left inside parked vehicles, nor for any theft or damage to the vehicles.
- Parking in non-designated areas is strictly prohibited.
- The speed limit for vehicles in the Costco parking area is 10 Km/hr.
- In the event of an accident, involved members must reach an agreement without mediation from the Club.
- Costco will implement sanctions for members who do not comply with these regulations.
