Choosing the Best NYC Parking Garages

Selecting a parking garage can be challenging. Follow our simple parking garage guide to select the best parking garage!

Key Points When Selecting a Parking Garage in NYC, Boston, Chicago

The parking garage should have lots of light. Avoid parking garages that are dark or dimly lighted.
The parking garage should be spacious with the cars parked in neat rows. Avoid parking garages where cars are parked randomly without order.
A safe parking garage is easy to enter and exit. There should not be any cars parked on the entrance ramps.
In a quality parking garage the parking garage attendant circles your car and makes a note of any damage.
When you park in a parking garage it is always a good idea to remove / conceal all valuables.

Finding a safe parking garage in New York City is possible, but unfortunately it’s a game of trial and error. Often when parking in a parking garage you select a parking garage based on convenience. This could be a frightening experience, especially if you have a new car. At some point we have all felt the trepidation of leaving our new car with a perfect stranger. You know the routine, the parking garage attendant gets in revs the engine, pulls into a parking garage elevator and the car is out of sight. In many of the older buildings the parking garages are nothing more than basements that are converted into parking garage use. They all have the familiar narrow entrance, with a steep descent into the abyss below. Most people who enter these parking garages end up parking there because it’s extremely difficult to back out. Some common attributes of these parking garages include the dimly lighted space with cement columns everywhere and pipes hanging from the ceilings and walls. The floors are usually covered with dirt and the walls bear the scars of painted bumpers. Overcrowding is generally more pronounced in a basement parking garage because there is less space. The limited space in basement parking garages means cars are parked dangerously close to one another.

The reality is that not all parking garages are created equal. Some are better than others. Accidents happen and every parking garage will have their share of fender benders. The thing to remember is, there are many good quality parking garages, but finding one is a challenge. In a place like New York there are thousands of parking garages to choose from, so the big question is, how does one differentiate between parking garages locations? What are some of the things to look out for when choosing a parking garage? There is no guide to safe parking garages out there, so we can only take proactive measures and try to find the best parking garage using some basic criteria as guidance. Always look for a parking garage that’s well lighted with clear signage. Look for spacious parking garages with few columns and neatly stacked rows of cars. The open space will make maneuvering the cars easier and safer. Parking garages with tight space usually park cars in a staggered fashion, a sure sign of trouble. Always look for parking garages with entrance and exit ramps clear of parked vehicles, makin it easy to enter or exit. An entrance ramp lined with cars is a giveaway that the parking garage is close to capacity. Once you enter the parking garage, the parking garage attendant should walk around your vehicle and mark any damage on the parking ticket. You should also walk around your vehicle and take notice of any scratches or marks. You want to be sure that all prior damage is noted, so there is no confusion later. Also, make sure you take the parking attendants name. When you pick up your vehicle you should always walk around the vehicle and check for new damage. If there is damage, report it immediately to the parking garage attendant and manager. Many parking garages have a protocol for damaged vehicles. Often times they will say you should return tomorrow when the day manager is there. Before leaving make sure you have something in writing identifying the damage. Many parking garages have claim forms that you fill out. Always be sure to get the parking garage attendants name.

In an increasingly competitive market, parking garage owners have recognized the importance of parking garage safety. To this end, many parking garage owners have invested major capital and expense to try and reduce the number of customer complaints. They do this by (1) investing is good fluorescent lighting (2) hiring responsible employees (3) wrapping columns with shock absorbing material and (4) covering walls and any sharp extrusions with rubber padding or protective materials.

Always use common sense when parking in a parking garage. If you had a bad experience in a parking garage, you should notify the parking garage office. Make sure you take down the parking garage attendants name and the manager’s name. If your car was damaged, make you file a claim with the parking attendant before leaving, otherwise you will have no proof. Try to resolve things amicably with the parking garage. If they are clearly at fault the parking garage will usually fix any damage they caused. Do not expect the parking garage to repaint your bumper for a screw mark or minor scratches. Read the parking ticket before parking and if you do not accept the terms don’t park there. Most parking garages have big signs that clearly say they are not responsible for painted plastic bumpers and valuables left in the car. So, if you have a problem with these terms look for another parking garage.

Useful Links
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dot/html/motorist/parking/prkintro.html
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/consumers - NYC Dept of Consumer Affairs
http://www.bbb.com -Check the status of a parking garage for complaint history
http://www.nyc.gov/nypd - If you have to file a complaint or get copy of accident record