Airport car valet cowboys

[wondabar]

We got an airport valet parking company via a comparison site and whilst it wasn't the most expensive, it wasn't the cheapest either. Alarm bells should have rung when we got to the airport and couldn't get hold of the company. Luckily we had a lot of time before our flight and did eventually get hold of them and gave them the keys to the car and went off on our 4-day holiday.
Upon return, we waited for our car to arrive at the designated spot for at least two hours, along with another whole group of people who were equally frustrated. Every time we called the company they'd give us excuses as to why the car was delayed and assured us that it would be there shortly. We were tired, cold and just wanted to get home. Eventually they told us that our car had broken down and was in a lay-by. We had to take a taxi to the lay-by and saw that the car had clearly been there for a few days due to leaves, mud etc. When the valet representative came and saw us, he was very short with us, gave us the key and admitted that the car had been towed there on the day of our departure due to 'engine failure'. They hadn't even thought of calling us to let us know in which case we could have got our vehicle insurers to tow away the car. We had to pay over £200 to take a taxi home and the car was towed to a local garage a few days' later. It looks as though it is irreparable and will need to go to scrap. This whole experience completely ruined the end of our holiday. Not naming the company, the airport or the car make as we are wanting to go down the legal route, but just don't know how we can link the valet company to the damage. The car had been serviced back in April and was working well. AIBU in thinking that we have a case against the valet parking company?

What was the agreement you made with them? When exactly did the car break down? Have you seen where they car should have been parked for eg.?

There’s been lots of publicity recently about these dodgy parking companies. I’m assuming it’s not an official airport one otherwise you’d probably be able to claim against the airport.

You’ll need to have a close read of the terms and conditions that you signed to see what they’re liable for. Did you take a photo of the mileage or do you have a tracker so you can tell if/how far the car has been driven?

I can’t see how you would have a case against the valet company for your breaking down, unless it was very obviously linked to their actions - and if it was, I’m sure you’d have said here.

I had a brake calliper go when I was parked at LHR once - hardly NCP’s fault!

What do you think they actually did to your car?

What has the garage said is wrong with it?

They sound like an unprofessional shitshow, yes. But I’m not seeing anything from you that suggests why they should be responsible for your car breaking down or being un-repairable.

I don’t think you’d have a case for the £200 taxi, because it’s not their fault you needed it, and a more usual approach would have been for you to be recovered with the car.

They definitely should have called you immediately, had a policy for managing breakdowns, and known where it was though.

I lived on a run down street in South London. Every week, very high end cars were parked there that were not in keeping with the area.

Our neighbour was running an airport parking and valet service and parking them in our street. He would use a hose pipe out of his kitchen window to wash the cars in the street.

They were very high end cars, think Hummers and brand new Land Rover Defenders. I am shocked that they were never stolen. I also wondered where the owners thought their cars were.