Car broken into when parking on Hotel parking lot.

[dave8338]

What is the name of your state? NJ

I live in CT but this incident happened in NJ. I was staying at the Sheraton in Iselin, NJ from last Thursday thru Monday. I found out on Monday morning that my car was broken into. The thief used something to ply the car door open. The car door was damaged. My car is a 2000 Lexus 300. The police came and took a police report. I took some digital pictures of the car door as evidence. I told the front desk that I intend to file a claim against the hotel. The front desk was evasive and told me call back to talk to Assistant Manager.

I haven't made the call yet. I want to know beforehand if there is a legal basis for me to hold the Sheraton responsible for the cost of repair to my car. I was also travelling on business if this makes a difference.

Thank you for your help.What is the name of your state?

 

[outonbail]

Generally, you have to prove damages, which you are obviously able to do. Then you have to prove why you believe the Sheraton is responsible for those damages.

So, the first thing you should ask yourself, is how was the hotel negligent? Then, in what way did their negligence contribute to your unfortunate situation?

What standard of care would be expected from other hotels which is not practiced by this Sheraton? (For example, if they never installed lights in their parking area)

Does the hotel offer valet parking to their guests and was your car parked in the valet parking area by one of the hotel's employees?

If you were parked in the general guest parking area which is open to the public, did you notice any signs posted advising guests that they are not responsible for theft of property or damages to vehicles parking in their lot?

Do they have any security cameras in the parking area which may have captured the incident on video?

 

[stephenk]

Open parking lot with no guard or security entrance? If yes, then you really don't have a claim against the hotel.

File a vandalism claim with your own carrier. You may be out your deductible. Any personal items taken out of the car? If yes, you can make a claim against your homeowner's insurance for those items.