For parkers
How do I know exactly which spot is mine?
Look at the photo — the arrow marks your spot. After you pay we text you the address plus a link that opens the photo again. Still not sure? Email support@parkthebeach.com. Don't guess.
When do I get the address?
The second you pay, by text — the address, plus a link that opens your live timer and the spot photo. We don't show addresses on the map. That protects owners.
What if someone is already parked in my spot?
Email support@parkthebeach.com right away. Don't park somewhere else and don't argue with anyone. If your spot isn't free, we refund you in full — email us and we'll take care of it. Then grab another green pin.
What happens when my time runs out?
We text you 15 minutes before your time ends. Leave on time — this is someone's home. Cars that stay late can be towed at the driver's cost.
Can I cancel?
Free for 30 minutes after booking — one tap from your text. We don't actually take the money until that window closes, so cancelling in it releases the hold on your card and you're never charged — no waiting on a refund. After 30 minutes it's final. If the owner cancels, you always get all your money back.
Is there a weather refund if it rains?
No rain refunds. Booked is booked — same as the town meters.
Why is there a card processing fee?
That's the card company's charge (2.9% + 30¢). We pass it through at cost. No markup.
Is my car insured while it's parked?
Your own car insurance covers your car, like in any lot. We don't provide insurance. You park at your own risk. Lock up.
Why do you need a photo of my car?
Two reasons: it shows the owner it's really you (not a random car), and it proves you parked in the right spot without blocking anyone — which protects you if there's ever a question later. Takes two seconds at booking.
Do you sell my information?
No — we never sell or rent your information. Your phone, plate, and card are used only to run your booking: text you the address, confirm your spot, and process payment. We don't share your number with anyone for marketing. Details in our Privacy Policy.
For owners
How much do I actually make?
You set the price. We take 20% — but the first 50 hosts pay $0 through 2027 and keep it all. Parkers pay the card fee, never you. Money goes straight to your bank.
Do I have to offer my spot every day?
No. Most owners pick weekends & holidays — the days parking is worst and prices are best. You can also open or close any single day with one tap, or choose "only when I turn it on."
What if I need my driveway back after someone booked it?
One button. It refunds the parker in full and texts them — no conversation needed. You can also pause your spot any time.
What if a car overstays?
Rare — parkers get a warning text, and we have their plate and phone. Still there? Email support@parkthebeach.com first. Towing is your right, but the last resort.
If something's missing or damaged, can I find out who parked here?
Yes. Your dashboard keeps a Past parkers list for 12 months — every car's make, model, license plate & state, phone number, and the photo they took in your spot. If there's an incident, you have their info, and we'll cooperate with a police report. We keep records for 12 months, then remove them.
What if a parker damages my property, or claims we damaged their car?
Take photos right away — car and plate in the shot — and email support@parkthebeach.com within 24 hours. We have the driver's plate, phone, and payment on file. Claims are between you and the parker, but we hand over the records.
Am I insured? Does my homeowner's policy cover this?
No — we don't provide insurance. Everyone lists and parks at their own risk. Ask your insurance agent one question: "If someone pays to park in my driveway, am I covered?" A parked car is very low risk — but ask, don't assume.
Do I owe taxes on this money?
Yes — it's income. Stripe sends tax forms if required, and your dashboard shows your earnings. Tell your tax person.
I rent my home / I'm in an HOA — can I still list?
Only if you have the right to. Renters: ask your landlord first. HOA rules are on you to check.
Who are these parkers? Can I say no to someone?
Every booking has a plate, a phone, and a real card — no strangers with cash. You can cancel any booking or pause your spot, no penalty.
Will this annoy my neighbors?
It's one car in a driveway — that's what driveways are for. Be a good neighbor: don't list spots that block anyone, and if a neighbor has a concern, email support@parkthebeach.com early.
What do I actually have to do on a booking day?
Nothing. A car comes, a car goes, money hits your bank. Glancing out the window is the whole job.
Do you give anything back to the beach?
Yes. 10% of our platform fee goes to the North Carolina Coastal Federation — at no extra cost to parkers or hosts. It comes out of our cut, never out of a host's payout. They're the folks who rebuild oyster reefs and living shorelines here. This coast is the whole reason any of this works.
Do you sell my information? Is my address public?
No — we never sell or rent your information. Your exact address is only revealed to a parker after they book and pay, so they can find the spot — it's never shown publicly on the map. We don't sell your data or share your number for marketing. Details in our Privacy Policy.
How do I report a listing that shouldn't be here?
Email support@parkthebeach.com. If someone listed a spot they don't own or control, or a spot that's unsafe, we pause it right away while we look into it.