You’ve finally made it. Tickets booked, bags packed, passports in hand. The last thing you need when heading off for a much-needed holiday is to worry about your car. That’s why thousands of Brits turn to airport “meet-and-greet” parking services every year – handing over their keys with the expectation of convenience and peace of mind. But what many don’t realise is that this simple handover could turn into a holiday horror story.
Welcome to the wild west of airport parking, where rogue operators are taking unsuspecting travellers for a ride – sometimes quite literally.
And with airport parking prices soaring, the temptation to go for a cheaper alternative is understandable. Turn up at Heathrow’s short-stay car park without a booking and you could be hit with a jaw-dropping bill of £616 after just a week away. No wonder many travellers are turning to off-site providers.
There are plenty of reputable options out there. Whether it’s a Park and Ride setup where you hop on a shuttle to the terminal, or a meet-and-greet service that promises a slick experience: drop your car off at the terminal, a uniformed driver whisks it away, and you stroll off to check-in stress-free.
But with the good comes the bad, and sometimes the downright criminal. Because what happens after your car disappears? For some holidaymakers, the answer is deeply disturbing.
Driven, dinged and deceived
Investigations have revealed a catalogue of dodgy dealings among rogue parking firms. Some have been caught speeding in customers’ cars. Others have been accused of helping themselves to glovebox contents, loose change, and even sat navs. There are also reports of damage and mysterious mileage increases – proof that your car’s been on more of a road trip than you have.
In one shocking case reported by Auto Express, a rogue operator was accused of hitting another car while joyriding in a customer’s vehicle. Instead of owning up, they allegedly fled the scene, leaving the owner to deal with the fallout.
Our Howden colleague Catherine was even stung by one of these (well reviewed!) meet-and-greet services, having used similar services years ago with no issues.
She was shocked to receive two penalty notices for around £200 on her return from holiday.
The parking service had driven her car to park at a nearby hotel, but was caught in the ULEZ zone when it drove off an hour later. Additionally, they weren’t permitted to park her car at the Holiday Inn, so she faced a fine for that too, totally unaware anyone had even taken her car there. Fortunately, Catherine disputed these and won, but to return home to a pile of fines was a stressful experience.
That’s why it’s so important to read the small print. Often, these companies will waive any responsibility and make you liable for theft and damage in the T&Cs.
And if you think you’re protected by insurance, then think again. According to the British Parking Association (BPA), very few meet-and-greet firms actually have the insurance required to operate legally.
Many aren’t insured at all. And when something goes wrong, they’ll often tell you to claim on your own policy – an uphill battle if you can’t prove how the damage occurred or who was driving at the time.
How to spot dodgy airport parking companies?
Shockingly, many of these companies appear high up in Google search results. Slick websites, stock images of happy families, and glowing (possibly fake) reviews mask the reality: your car could end up in a muddy field, a hotel car park, or worse, being thrashed around London by someone with no insurance and no accountability.
Which? investigators even found cars left unlocked, parked on residential streets, or dumped in business parks with no security. Some were never moved from where they were left. Others were driven for miles.
So how do you avoid getting stung?
1. Book through the official airport website where possible. They vet their providers and offer a degree of protection.
2. Look for Park Mark accreditation. This is a police-approved safety award for secure car parks.
3. Don’t rely solely on online reviews. They can be faked or manipulated.
4. Check the T&Cs. Especially what they say about liability and insurance.
5. Take photos of your car before you hand it over, including the mileage.
And if the deal looks too good to be true? It probably is.
Don’t let parking ruin your getaway!
Your holiday should begin with a cocktail, not a claim form. But if the worst does happen, having the right insurance in place can make all the difference.
For expert advice on car insurance, travel cover, and protecting what matters most while you’re away, speak to one of our expert insurance advisors, either in branch or over the phone.
Sources: Which?, Autotrader
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.