How to Navigate Turo Insurance: Essential Info for Turo Car Renters

PUBLISHED ON Jun, 07 2023

UPDATED ON Jan, 06 2025

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Navigating the landscape of Turo’s insurance can feel like a complex task, given its distinctive nature from conventional car insurance. This is why we’ve developed this guide, titled “How to Navigate Turo Insurance: Essential Info for Turo Car Renters.” The aim is to provide a detailed explanation of Turo’s insurance policies and how it applies to you, as a renter, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of your responsibilities and protections.

Turo, the peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, allows car owners to rent their vehicles to others for short-term use. This revolutionary platform boasts over 10 million users across more than 5,500 cities worldwide, acting as a popular alternative to traditional car rental companies. However, as with all vehicle rentals, understanding the platform’s insurance policy is crucial, as it can significantly affect your experience and potential liabilities.

Turo offers three levels of insurance coverage for renters and hosts alike: basic, standard, and premium, each carrying different deductibles and limits. It’s essential to note that not all types of damage or loss are covered under Turo’s insurance policy, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing yourself with the terms and conditions of your chosen coverage level.

In this guide, we’ll be unpacking each level of coverage, highlighting their benefits, limitations, and associated costs. We’ll also explore the implications of incidents not covered by Turo’s insurance and the options available to you for additional coverage.

By the end of this guide, our hope is that you, as a Turo renter, will have a clear understanding of the insurance landscape within Turo’s platform. With the right insurance coverage in place, Turo can indeed be a safe, convenient, and worry-free alternative to traditional car rental services. Buckle up as we embark on this insightful journey through Turo’s insurance policies.

When considering Turo for your car rental needs, it’s crucial to explore detailed Turo Reviews. These reviews provide insights from real users about their experiences, highlighting the platform’s reliability and user satisfaction. By understanding others’ experiences, you can make more informed decisions and set realistic expectations for your rental process. Whether it’s the booking process, vehicle condition, or customer service, reviews can offer valuable perspectives on what to expect when renting through Turo.

What is Turo Insurance?

Turo Insurance is a protection service provided by Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform. It offers coverage for both hosts (those who rent out their vehicles) and guests (those who rent the vehicles). Turo collaborates with reputable insurance companies, such as Travelers and Liberty Mutual, to provide these plans.

For guests or renters, Turo offers insurance to protect against physical damage that may occur during the rental period. Liability insurance is also available to protect against bodily injury the renter might cause to others during an accident.

Importantly, Turo’s insurance coverage is not automatic; both hosts and renters must actively choose a Turo protection plan. These plans supplement the user’s existing insurance policy. Because Turo is a unique peer-to-peer platform, some personal insurance providers might not provide coverage for Turo-related incidents. Thus, it’s essential for renters to carefully review their insurance policies and understand the extent of coverage provided by Turo before finalizing any transactions on the platform.

Turo Insurance provides guests with various protection plans, including up to $750,000 in third party liability protection and physical damage coverage during the rental period.

For guests or renters, Turo provides insurance to protect against physical damage that might occur during the trip. Liability insurance is also available to safeguard against bodily injury that the guest might cause to others in an accident.

Both hosts and guests must select one of Turo’s protection plans to benefit from the coverage. It is essential to remember that Turo’s insurance coverage is supplementary to an individual’s existing insurance policy. Therefore, users must understand their insurance policies and the extent of Turo’s coverage before proceeding with any transactions on the platform.

Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Turo can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your car rental needs. Turo offers unique advantages like a wide variety of vehicle options and the convenience of peer-to-peer rentals. However, it’s also important to consider potential downsides such as variable vehicle quality and fluctuating rental prices. By weighing these factors, you can determine if Turo aligns with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring a smooth and satisfactory rental experience.

Understanding Turo Coverage

Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing service that allows individuals to rent their vehicles to others. As a guest (the person renting the vehicle), you’re required to have car insurance. However, Turo also offers protection plans, in partnership with Travelers, that provide additional coverage.

As a guest, you must also have car insurance. While Turo is not an insurance company, they provide protection plans that offer coverage beyond your personal car insurance. Unfortunately, specific details about the coverage provided to guests are not provided in the referenced documents.

It’s worth noting that Turo is more akin to traditional car rentals than ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft. It’s ideal for longer journeys planned in advance, offering a more personal car experience. It can be cheaper than traditional car rentals and accommodates a wide range of budgets, tastes, and ages (including drivers under 25).

Remember that while Turo’s protection plans provide substantial coverage, they are not a replacement for personal auto insurance. As such, it’s crucial to understand your personal insurance policies, as well as the extent of Turo’s coverage, before using the platform.

Do I Need to Buy Car Insurance When Renting from Turo?

If you are renting a car through Turo, you do need some form of car insurance. However, the way coverage works on Turo is different from typical car insurance. Turo offers a few options for how much coverage you can get, which increase in price the more coverage you choose.

Turo is not a car insurance company itself, but they do offer protection plans for a fee through insurance partners such as Travelers and Liberty Mutual. As a guest (the person renting the vehicle), you are required to have car insurance, and the coverage you need can either come from your insurance policy or from a protection plan purchased through Turo.

In terms of Turo’s protection plans, the available options provide different levels of coverage with corresponding fees and deductibles. For instance, with Turo’s 90 Plan, you would be charged 10% of the trip cost, but the deductible (the amount that’s subtracted from a claim payout) is $2,500. On the other hand, with the 60 Plan, your trip cost is 40%, but you have a $0 deductible.

It’s important to note that Turo’s insurance is secondary, which means you would need to use any personal auto insurance coverage first before Turo’s coverage applies.

You should also consider that if you are relying on your personal car insurance to cover a Turo rental, you should check with your insurance provider. Not all personal auto insurance policies may cover rentals, especially when it involves a peer-to-peer car-sharing service like Turo.

In conclusion, yes, you do need some form of car insurance when renting from Turo. However, whether you need to buy additional insurance depends on the level of coverage you want and whether your personal car insurance covers you while renting on Turo.

Can you decline Turo insurance coverage as a guest?

Yes, you can decline Turo’s optional protection plans as a guest if you have your own sufficient coverage. However, there are important considerations and requirements to keep in mind before declining the insurance offered by Turo. Here’s a detailed overview:

Personal Insurance Requirement:

  • If you decline Turo’s protection plan, you must ensure that your personal auto insurance policy extends coverage to rental cars or peer-to-peer car-sharing services. Not all personal auto policies or credit cards cover Turo rentals.
  • Verify with your insurer whether damage to the host’s vehicle and liability for injuries or property damage are included (help.turo.com).

Liability Coverage:

  • If you decline, Turo still provides the state-required minimum liability insurance coverage for your trip. This coverage is provided through Liberty Mutual in the U.S. but may not cover all damages (help.turo.com).

Responsibility for Damages:

  • If you waive Turo’s protection, you are fully responsible for all costs related to damages to the vehicle or other liabilities during the rental period. This includes loss-of-use fees charged by the host.

International Guests:

  • International drivers may not be able to decline coverage, as most foreign policies do not cover Turo rentals in the U.S. In such cases, purchasing a Turo protection plan is mandatory (help.turo.com).

How much does Turo insurance cost?

It costs at least $10 per day for guests who choose to use one of Turo’s insurance plans. Because it depends on the total cost of your trip and the deductible for each plan, this sum can rise significantly. For instance, the renter would have to pay $45 for insurance for a $300, two-day trip under the “Minimum” plan. However, if you were to switch to the “Standard” plan and lower your deductible from $2,500 to zero, your total Turo insurance expenses would rise by 300% to $120.

Turo Insurance in Case of an Accident

Turo, as a peer-to-peer car rental platform, does provide insurance options in the event of an accident. However, the coverage details and liability aspects can be complex, and the processes differ for hosts (those renting out their vehicles) and guests (those renting the vehicles).

As a renter (guest), if you are involved in an accident while renting a car from Turo, you have the option to select one of Turo’s insurance plans. Turo insurance agency LLC, offers insurance from Liberty Mutual and allows you to choose from five different plans. These plans can provide you with up to $750,000 in third party liability protection and cover for physical damage that may happen during your trip.

However, it’s important to note that insurance is not automatically available. You must select one of Turo’s insurance plans to benefit from Turo coverage. If you opt-in for a Turo protection plan, their coverage will supplement your existing insurance policy. Never assume that your personal insurer will cover your interests because some insurance providers won’t protect you when using a peer-to-peer car rental app.

It’s not a requirement to purchase car insurance from Turo when you’re renting a car. You can decline coverage if you want to. But remember that most insurance companies don’t classify Turo in the same way they do when renting from a traditional car rental company. A rental insurance policy that covers you with rentals may not offer the same additional coverage when renting from Turo vehicle owners.

It’s advisable to understand your chosen coverage level and potential liabilities before using the platform as a guest. If you’re unsure about how the coverage applies in the case of an accident, it might be best to consult with a legal expert or insurance specialist.

How Does Turo Insurance Work for Guests?

Turo offers three different levels of protection for guests: premium, standard and minimum. Higher levels cost more but provide extra benefits.

Premium

  • Cost: 65-100% of trip price. Minimum $14/day.

  • Third-party liability insurance coverage: Up to $750,000.

  • Deductible: $0.

  • Restrictions: Must be 21 or older to buy. Not available for all vehicles or trips.

Standard

  • Cost: 40% of trip price. Minimum $12/day.

  • Third-party liability insurance coverage: Minimum amount required by the state.

  • Deductible: $500.

Minimum

  • Cost: 18% of trip price if it costs less than $250, otherwise 25% of the trip. Minimum $10/day.

  • Third-party liability insurance coverage: Minimum amount required by the state.

  • Deductible: $3,000.

10 Reasons to Consider CarInsuRent Car Rental Excess Insurance for Your Turo Rental

Alternative insurance options appear to provide a range of solutions for different kinds of risk management needs. These alternatives are becoming increasingly popular in today’s volatile global marketplace, where consumers are trying to establish and maintain control over their risk exposure.

  1. Zero Deductible – In the event of an accident, you do not want to pay the deductible. Your Turo rental car would also be subject to the high deductible on your auto insurance. Paying for car rental excess insurance and knowing you won’t be responsible for more than that amount may give you piece of mind.
  2. Make no claim on your personal insurance. Perhaps you’ve had a claim recently and don’t want your premium to skyrocket. You might want to err on the side of caution and purchase insurance because filing two claims in a single year will dramatically increase your insurance costs.
  3. Coverage in Foreign Countries: If you’re traveling internationally, your personal auto insurance policy may not provide coverage. CarInsuRent insurance ensures you’re covered in these situations.
  4. Theft Protection: If the Turo rental car is stolen, rental car insurance could cover the cost of the stolen vehicle.
  5. Protection Against Vandalism: Car rental insurance can cover the cost of repairs if the car is vandalized.
  6. Gap Coverage: Car rental companies may charge fees for “loss of use” and diminished value if their car gets damaged. These charges might not be covered by your regular insurance, but can be covered by rental car insurance.
  7. Personal Effects Coverage: This covers the theft of personal items from your Turo rental car.
  8. Convenience and Peace of Mind: By opting for car rental insurance, you can avoid dealing with your own insurance company, and you don’t have to worry about your premiums increasing in case of an accident.
  9. Coverage in Case of Insufficient Personal Auto Insurance: If your personal auto insurance has a high deductible or low limits, rental car insurance can provide additional protection. If you are renting a pricey car, keep in mind that the amount of coverage provided by your Geico auto insurance is limited to the policy’s maximum. For your enjoyable Corvette rental weekend, you might want to increase your coverage. Check your coverage limits frequently.
  10. Coverage for Additional Drivers: If you plan to share the driving responsibilities with someone else during your rental period, rental insurance can ensure that all drivers are covered.

See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Rental Insurance

Get Started

It is important to research and understand the coverage options and costs to make an informed decision that best fits your needs. CarInsuRent car hire excess insurance starts from as low as $6.49 per day* to $94.90 for an annual car hire excess insurance policy. Our policies covers the excess on damage and theft up to €2,500 and provide full protection that Includes single vehicle damage, roof and undercarriage damage, auto glass and widescreen damagetowing expenses, misfuelling, loss of car key and tire damage. We cover multiple drivers between the ages of 21 and 84 years.

For those new to the platform, a Smart Renters’ Guide to Turo is an invaluable resource. This guide covers essential tips and strategies to maximize your rental experience. From choosing the right vehicle to understanding insurance options and handling potential issues, a comprehensive guide helps you navigate the platform with confidence. By following expert advice and best practices, you can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable rental experience on Turo, making the most of what the service has to offer.

FAQ

Does “this” damage qualify for a claim?

First, research what is covered by the protection plan you chose for the vehicle and determine what is eligible for reimbursement. Next, learn precisely what Turo defines as wear and tear. This will determine the course of action for your claim. In the end, Turo will determine what is eligible based on your protection plan and wear and tear requirements.

Keep in mind that the host have only twenty-four hours to take pictures and submit them to Turo.

Should I handle a damage claim directly with the Host? Or let Turo handle it?

To start, if you believe claim would be justified, always advise the host about the damage as they can submit it within 24 hours of the trip’s conclusion.  Depending on the host’s response, you can choose to work directly with the host.  You might get the most accurate repair cost if you deal with the host directly in almost all circumstances. You can can ask Turo to step in if you feel that dealing with the host directly isn’t working well. It’s best to let Turo deal with irate or unresponsive hosts. You pay them to do it.

What Happens if You Decline Turo Insurance Coverage

Turo is not the same as a traditional rental car service, and many personal car insurances or credit card insurances that cover traditional car rentals may not extend their coverage to Turo. Therefore, if you decline Turo’s coverage, you might not be covered by your existing insurance.

Whether it’s safe to decline Turo’s protection plan depends on the specifics of your insurance coverage and the policy of the car owner. It’s crucial to confirm with your insurance company whether your policy covers Turo rentals before declining Turo’s insurance coverage. If your personal coverage is sufficient and does cover Turo rentals, then you may choose to decline Turo’s coverage. But if there is any uncertainty or your coverage is insufficient, it may be safer to accept Turo’s coverage.

Does my car insurance cover Turo?

Generally, many insurance policies might not cover Turo rentals because it’s considered a car-sharing service rather than a traditional rental car service. Additionally, personal car insurance policies may have exclusions for using your vehicle for commercial purposes, which might include renting out your vehicle on Turo.

However, some insurance policies do extend coverage to non-owned vehicles, which could potentially include Turo rentals. The specifics can greatly depend on your insurance provider and the terms of your policy.

If you’re considering using Turo, as a guest, and you’re concerned about insurance coverage, the best course of action would be to directly contact your insurance provider. They can give you accurate information about whether your policy covers Turo, and what restrictions or conditions may apply.

Remember that Turo also provides its own protection plans, which include liability insurance and physical damage protection. These plans can provide coverage in case your personal insurance doesn’t, or if it doesn’t fully cover a particular incident.

Can I decline Turo insurance coverage as a guest?

While it is possible to decline Turo’s optional insurance coverage, you must have a solid alternative that meets legal requirements and provides adequate protection. Failure to have sufficient coverage can lead to significant financial risks. Always review your personal or third-party insurance policies before making this decision to ensure peace of mind during your rental.

How much does Turo insurance cost?

It costs at least $10 per day for guests who choose to use one of Turo’s insurance plans. Because it depends on the total cost of your trip and the deductible for each plan, this sum can rise significantly. For instance, the renter would have to pay $45 for insurance for a $300, two-day trip under the “Minimum” plan. However, if you were to switch to the “Standard” plan and lower your deductible from $2,500 to zero, your total Turo insurance expenses would rise by 300% to $120.

Does credit card insurance cover Turo rentals?

Usually not. While a lot of credit cards cover rental cars, the majority don’t cover cars booked through peer-to-peer marketplaces like Turo. For instance, unless you can demonstrate that the car was rented from a commercial vehicle rental company, American Express (Amex) and Chase will not pay for Turo rentals. To find out if your credit card company covers car-sharing rentals like Turo, you should always check the terms and restrictions on your credit card or give the number on the back of your card a call.

4 Responses

  1. Curtis Upchurch says:

    *** ANYONE WHO HAS RENTALS ON TURO IN ARIZONA***
    My 2022 Yukon Denali was stolen by a renter off Turo. I had a tracking device that should the vehicle was taken into Mexico then tracking stops. When I attempted to report it stolen to the Phoenix Police Department I was denied. This is due to Turo not having the correct verbiage in their rental contract. This is per A.R.S. 13-1806.
    ​***13-1806. Unlawful failure to return rented or leased property; notice; classificationA. A person commits unlawful failure to return rented property if, without notice to and permission of the lessor of the property, the person knowingly fails without good cause to return the property within seventy-two hours after the time provided for return in the rental agreement.B. If the property is not leased on a periodic tenancy basis, the person who rents out the property shall include the following information, clearly written as part of the terms of the rental agreement:
    The date and time the property is required to be returned.
    The maximum penalties if the property is not returned within seventy-two hours of the date and time listed in paragraph 1.C. If the property is leased on a periodic tenancy basis without a fixed expiration or return date the lessor shall include within the lease clear written notice that the lessee is required to return the property within seventy-two hours from the date and time of the failure to pay any periodic lease payment required by the lease.D. It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the defendant was physically incapacitated and unable to request or obtain permission of the lessor to retain the property or that the property itself was in such a condition, through no fault of the defendant, that it could not be returned to the lessor within such time.E. Unlawful failure to return rented or leased property if the property is a motor vehicle is a class 5 felony. In all other cases, unlawful failure to return rented or leased property is a class 1 misdemeanor.
    My case is still in limbo with Turo a their insurance company. The theft happened in July. In the mean time I am still paying the car note while having no income on the rental. I will let you know the outcome. Please be aware if you have rentals in Arizona on Turo.

  2. Darcie Lyra says:

    What are the main differences between Turo’s basic, standard, and premium insurance plans, and how can CarInsuRent help Turo renters save money on coverage?

    • Gil Farkash says:

      Turo offers three levels of insurance coverage for renters: Premium, Standard, and Minimum (Basic). Each plan varies in cost, deductible, and coverage level:

      * Premium Insurance: Highest coverage level. Typically includes the lowest deductible. Offers maximum financial protection for renters.
      * Standard Insurance: Middle-tier coverage. Higher deductible compared to Premium but balances protection with affordability. Minimum (Basic) Insurance:
      * Least expensive option. Renters are responsible for higher deductibles and may have limited coverage. Financial liability is significant if accidents or damages occur.

      How CarInsuRent Helps Save Money:
      CarInsuRent provides affordable rental car insurance that can be an alternative to Turo’s plans. Their coverage often includes protections like tire, windshield, and underbody damage at a fraction of Turo’s insurance costs. This allows renters to save money while maintaining comprehensive protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I buy a plan for just one day?

Yes. Insurance for a single day is available.

Can I buy a plan for part of my rental only?

No. We provide a single journey plan. You are covered from the time you pick up the rental car up to the time you return it or on the last date written on your Certificate of Insurance, whichever comes first.

Can I buy a plan when I pick up my rental car?

No. You should purchase a policy before starting your travel.

Find the answers you’re looking for to the most frequently asked car hire insurance questions as well as other questions relating to our products and services.

Visit the FAQ page