FAQ - Commuter Check for Parking
What is a Commuter Check for Parking?
The Commuter Check for Parking is a voucher that you can elect to receive as part of your employer’s benefits offering. The Commuter Check for Parking can be redeemed at participating parking operators for your daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, biannual, or annual parking payments.
How do I use my Commuter Check for Parking?
You can order Commuter Checks for Parking made out to your parking operator in the amount of your parking payment. You then provide the check(s) to your parking operator just as you would a personal check. Any parking operator that accepts personal checks can accept the Commuter Check for Parking.
Which parking operators accept the Commuter Check for Parking?
Commuter Check has an extensive network of affiliated parking operators. We work with all of the major national parking operators including Central Parking, Colonial Parking, InterPark, Standard Parking, and System Parking. We also have relationships with many local operators. Chances are your parking operator is already part of our network of participating operators. If your parking operator is not part of our network of affiliated providers, we will contact the provider to add them to our affiliates.
What if my parking operator refuses to accept my Commuter Check for Parking?
In this case, your benefits administrator can contact Commuter Check and we will contact the parking operator directly regarding use of the Commuter Check for Parking. The vast majority of parking operators will accept Commuter Check once they understand that they can deposit the Commuter Check just as they would any other check they receive. If, after our direct intervention, the parking operator continues to refuse to accept the Commuter Check for Parking, you can return the unused Commuter Check for Parking to us for a full refund or credit.
What if my parking expenses are part of our office’s monthly lease payment?
If you usually pay your office for your parking expenses, you can order a Commuter Check for Parking made out to your company. The company can accept a Commuter Check for Parking and deposit it with as it would any other check.
Can I use my Commuter Checks to pay for parking expenses?
No. Only Commuter Checks for Parking can be used to pay for parking expenses. Regular Commuter Checks must be redeemed for transit expenses. You can tell the difference between the checks because “for parking” is written on Commuter Checks for Parking. Commuter Checks used for transit expenses are generic vouchers that can be redeemed at any participating transit authority. Commuter Checks for Parking must be made payable to your parking operator and must be in the exact amount of your payment. In either case, Commuter Checks cannot be exchanged for cash nor can change be given should your expenses be lower than the face value of your voucher.
What information do I need to know to get started using my parking benefit?
If your employer is participating in Commuter Check Office, you must supply your benefits administrator with the name of your parking operator, its location, and your parking rate. Your employer then reports this information using the online order form. Your employer will distribute your Commuter Check for Parking to you when they receive their order. If your employer is participating in Commuter Check Direct, your employer will notify you to enroll in the parking benefit on the Commuter Check Direct website. You must go to the website and place your own order. Commuter Check takes care of all the administrative details based on the order you place on CCD platform.
How is the parking benefit enhanced in the Commuter Check Direct program?
In addition to being able to order Commuter Check(s) for your parking expenses, you can request direct payment of your parking operator. With a direct pay order, you no longer need to make monthly payments. Your deduction will be taken automatically from your payroll each month. Commuter Check takes care of all payment details with your parking operator. You will receive a confirmation email each month when your payment has been sent to your parking operator. After placing your initial recurring order no further action is required unless your parking operator or your parking rate changes.
What if my parking provider raises their rates, changes management, or I change parking locations?
In the Commuter Check Office program, you need to notify the office benefits administrator that you need to order a check made out to a new parking operator or need to change the amount of the check you receive. In the Commuter Check Direct program, you return to the online ordering page to modify, cancel or update your order. Using the online ordering page, you can update the amount of your order, your account number, and your parking operator’s name and billing address. You are responsible for keeping your order up to date.
Do I need to use my Commuter Check for Parking the same month I receive it?
No. The Commuter Check for Parking is good for thirteen months from its printing date. Still it is better to keep your order up to date so that you always have an accurate check to give your parking operator.