What Is A Valet Key And Why You Should Worry About It

Never heard of a valet key before? That’s OK because not all cars have them. But if yours does, you might want to do something with the key.

“Most of us are probably not familiar with the concept of valet keys, but they are a blessing in disguise; a smart security feature that limits access to certain parts of your car while still allowing someone to drive it,” Sara Sam an auto expert at Way.com.

But, unaccounted for valet keys can also pose a security risk. So it’s important to know if you have one, and if so, to keep it in a secure place. Here’s how to find your valet key, and what to do with it next.

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• What is a Valet Key?
• Why You Need to Worry if You Have a Valet Key
• FAQ
• About the Experts

What is a Valet Key?

A valet key is essentially a spare key that comes with a vehicle but there are some varieties to the valet key. Brands like BMW and Audi feature valet keys. Several sports cars also have smart technology valet keys. In essence, the key is intended for people to give to valets to park their cars or to repair shops to use. The valet key will open the car door and start the car but will prevent someone from unlocking the glove box or the trunk.

Why You Need to Worry if You Have a Valet Key

Valet keys have long been a target for thieves. Many people will leave the valet key inside their glove box with their owner’s manual and thieves know this. It’s even a different type of crime if a thief breaks into a car and steals it with a valet key.

With some Audi vehicles the valet key comes in the glove box and thieves caught on to that. Audi has warned drivers to remove the valet key from the glove box to prevent thefts.

Some key fobs feature a mechanic key that can be removed from the fob as well.

FAQ

What should I do if I lose my valet key?

It depends. If you think someone will find it and know whose car it goes to, then you might want to contact your manufacturer to have your locks changed, to prevent possible theft, says Sam. But if you lose it and don’t typically use valet service, or don’t keep valuables in the glove box or trunk, then you probably don’t need to worry about it, says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer. “Just keep driving using your primary or spare key,” he says.

Can I get a valet key for my car if it doesn’t have one?

Yes, a local dealer or an automotive locksmith can make one for you; but it’s only useful if your trunk and glove box are equipped with lock cylinders.

About the Experts

• Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer since 2006, where he answers hundreds of car maintenance and repair questions a day.
• Sara Sam is a senior writer and auto expert with the Way.com auto app.