NYC Car Parking
NYC car parking isn't quite the same as small-town car parking. You can't always plan on finding a parking space at the side of a street. Sometimes you'll be lucky and find a space near a parking meter, but for the most part NYC, car parking usually involves using one of the more than 100,000 commercial parking garages in the city.
NYC Car Parking Precautions
Almost every garage issues claim checks that state, "garages are not responsible for items left in cars.” Though garages recognize that having a reputation for employee theft is not exactly good for the business, it is the car owner's responsibility not to leave their valuables in their parked vehicles. If you can't bring these valuables with you, at the very least don't leave them clearly displayed inside the car.
Before leaving your car, inform the parking valet regarding any existing damage your car may already have sustained. Confirm each damage with the valet and have them documented. This documentation may provide proof that any other damage you may find afterwards has occurred while the car was parked in their garage. It may be a good idea to use bumper guards to prevent further damage to your car. Many people buy their own bumper guards to ensure NYC car parking safety. Try to find out if the parking garage can rent them out to you for a small fee.
Before you leave, make sure the claim check is with you. Write down the address and phone number on it if the information isn’t provided there.
Dealing with the Parking Valet
The unwritten rules of NYC car parking state that you should tip your parking valet. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a New York City valet earns an average of less than $20,000 per year. This is less than half of the average yearly salary in NYC.
If that's not a good enough reason for you to tip them, consider too that parking valets tend to provide better service to good tippers. This means that it's better for you and your car if you tip parking valets when you leave them your vehicle (instead of the usual custom of tipping after the service), as the tip adds further assurance that your car will be in good hands.
As for the amount of the tip, $2 or so should suffice. However, garage users who park on a monthly service sometimes tip a larger amount during the Yuletide season.
NYC Car Parking without Valets
Some parking garages do away with valets altogether. If you wish to park on your own to save on cost, then you can park in self service places, such as 3875 9th Ave, 103 W 62nd St, Lincoln Center, 218 W 31st St. Chelsea, and 55 Water St, Financial District. There are dozens of such places in New York City and you will probably find one near the place where you are headed. However, if you want convenience and you want to ensure the safety of your vehicle, it is better to opt for parking areas with valets.
