What happens if my car is damaged when airport parking?

Leaving your car with a meet and greet parking provider can feel like a leap of faith. After all, your vehicle is often one of your most valuable possessions. Many customers worry about potential damage—whether it's wheel scuffs, dents, or mystery scratches—when handing over their keys. But while these concerns are understandable, choosing a reputable, professional service like I Love meet and greet can put your mind at ease.
Let’s take a closer look at why customers often worry, what types of issues can realistically occur, and how I Love meet and greet goes the extra mile to safeguard your vehicle while you’re away.
Common Vehicle Issues
It’s important to recognise that vehicles are prone to a range of issues—regardless of whether they’re in an airport car park, a supermarket bay, or your own driveway. Many of these problems can occur naturally over time and are often unrelated to how the car was parked or handled.
Some of the most commonly reported issues include:
- Wheel Scuffs – Minor cosmetic damage typically caused by brushing against a curb.
- Dents and Dings – Often a result of doors being opened into the vehicle or objects coming into contact with it.
- Paint Scratches – These can occur from keys, sharp objects, or even grit in high winds.
- Stone Chips – Small chips in the paintwork caused by loose gravel or road debris.
- Tyre Punctures – Sharp objects such as nails or glass can puncture tyres, and the issue may not be obvious until the tyre fully deflates.
- Flat Batteries – If a vehicle’s battery is nearing the end of its life, sitting idle for several days may be enough for it to go flat.
- Key Fob Battery Failure – Keyless entry fobs can run out of battery unexpectedly, leaving customers momentarily stranded.
Many of these problems can go unnoticed before your trip and only come to light upon return. This can understandably cause frustration and lead to assumptions that the meet and greet service is to blame. However, most of these issues can and do happen independently of parking services.
The I Love Meet and Greet Difference
What sets I Love meet and greet apart is their clear, customer-first approach to vehicle handling and accountability. With over 38 years of experience in the airport parking sector, the company understands the importance of trust and transparency.
Here’s how they ensure your vehicle is protected:
1. Photographic Evidence at Hand-over
To avoid disputes, photos of your vehicle are taken at the airport at the time of handover. This provides a timestamped record of the car’s condition before it’s driven away. If any concerns are raised upon your return, this evidence provides clarity for both parties and reduces misunderstandings.
2. Secure Storage
Your vehicle is parked in secure, Park Mark-accredited car parks that are monitored and operated to high safety standards. The areas are designed to prevent incidental contact that could lead to cosmetic damage.
3. Trained, Professional Drivers
All I Love meet and greet staff are fully trained and insured. Vehicles are handled with care and professionalism at every stage of the process, from pick-up to return.
4. Clear Communication and Terms
Their terms and conditions are transparent, outlining the responsibilities of both parties. I Love meet and greet is clear about what is and isn’t covered, including any damage caused through their own negligence, which they will take responsibility for. (Read their terms here)
Sometimes Issues Happen – and That’s Okay
It’s important to remember that many vehicle issues—especially punctures, key fob batteries, and minor scratches—can happen at any time. A tyre might have picked up a slow puncture before your trip. A flat battery could simply be a result of an ageing unit. These problems often occur naturally and can be completely unrelated to the meet and greet process.
That’s why services like I Love meet and greet prioritise visual documentation. It’s not about avoiding responsibility—it’s about ensuring that any claims are supported by facts.
What You Can Do as a Customer
To make your experience as smooth as possible, here are a few things you can do before and after your trip:
- Take your own photos: While the team will photograph your vehicle, having your own shots provides peace of mind.
- Note down dashboard alerts: Record any alerts or issues showing before drop-off.
- Check your key fob battery: If it’s been a while since it was changed, replace it before your trip.
- Inspect the vehicle on return: Report any issues while still at the airport so the team can assess them on the spot.
Peace of Mind with I Love Meet and Greet
At the end of the day, leaving your car in someone else’s hands always requires a degree of trust. But with I Love meet and greet, that trust is earned—through professionalism, experience, and a well-documented, secure process.
Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, you deserve to start your trip without added stress. And when you choose a company that values your vehicle as much as you do, you can travel with confidence, knowing that you’re in safe hands from the moment you arrive at the terminal.
By stephen forster at 2 Jul 2025