If you’re like me, you might be wondering what “Turo” as, since it’s been talked about with increasing regularity over the past few months. Seeing as I had only heard of Turo in passing before one of my friends used the platform earlier this year, I decided to do a bit more research on what it’s like to rent a vehicle through them.

Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental marketplace that connects people with local car owners. Instead of borrowing a car from a traditional rental agency that inevitably doesn’t have any vehicles remotely close to what you’re looking for, you get to drive someone’s personal vehicle that they’re renting through the Turo app. Gone are the days when a rental agency promises you a full-size SUV, only to hand you the keys to a Toyota Corolla when you arrive at the lot! At least, that’s the goal with Turo. You know the make, model, and year of the vehicle you’re renting, which allows you to select your ride based on needs, preferences, or even style.

To rent a car on Turo, you generally need to be at least eighteen years old (requirements vary for different vehicles), possess a valid driver’s license, and meet the host’s specific rental requirements. You can use the Turo website or app to search for cars based on vehicle type, location, and the dates you’d require the rental for. From there, you can review listings that meet your criteria and book the vehicle directly from its owner. Is the process really that simple, though? I did some more research to explore how the process works, common issues experienced by renters and owners, and anything else of interest.

Evaluating the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

When selecting a vehicle on Turo, it is important to consider the specific needs of your trip. Perhaps you’re looking for a temporary vehicle after experiencing a preventable car accident in Jackson, or maybe you want to drive a sports car you’ve always dreamed of owning. A compact car might be the best fit for driving in a city, but you might consider a minivan or SUV if you have a large group.

Compare the prices of different vehicles. Take into consideration the daily mileage limits you need to adhere to to avoid potential overage fees. Similar to when leasing a vehicle, you may need to operate within a strict mileage limit to avoid paying fees for every mile over the given limit. Before making your decision, confirm that the owner has a positive rating and reasonable cancellation policy, in case something comes up unexpectedly. Some hosts may offer to deliver the vehicle to you, while others require you to pick it up at a specified location.

Insurance and Protection Plans

Turo offers several protection plans, which protect both the driver and vehicle’s owner from unexpected damages. There are generally three tiers of protection plans offered through Turo: Minimum, Standard, and Premium. These plans offer various levels of coverage for damage to the rented vehicle. It’s important to notice that they are not insurance plans, since they simply limit the renter’s liability for out-of-pocket expenses if the vehicle they are driving is damaged.

Before selecting a plan or foregoing coverage altogether, review the plans to understand the amount you could potentially be liable for if the vehicle you are driving is damaged, stolen, or wrecked in a crash. Depending on the state you live in and the terms of your personal car insurance, you may be covered already. Confirm the extent of your personal car insurance coverage before accepting or declining a Turo protection plan. If a crash occurs or the vehicle you’re renting is stolen or vandalized, you want to be shielded from liability from an unexpected repair bill.

Avoiding Common Issues With Turo Rentals

To avoid common problems experienced by Turo users, pay close attention to the listing details to identify any potential hidden fees, such as cleaning fees, late return penalties, or charges for exceeding mileage limits. Be sure to take painstakingly thorough photos of the vehicle at the time of the initial pickup, along with when you deliver the vehicle back to its owner. Take clear photos of the vehicle from every angle, documenting any damage that is present when you first pick up the car.

There are a decent amount of online complaints from people that rented a Turo vehicle, only to be hit with a surprise repair bill for damage they swear wasn’t there when they dropped the car off. Nothing ruins a trip more effectively than being accused of causing expensive damage to a car you don’t own. It’s certainly possible for unscrupulous vehicle owners to take advantage of trusting renters by fabricating damage claims after an uneventful trip, just like it’s possible for people to damage the vehicle they rented and still claim innocence. To protect yourself, take thorough before and after photos!

Final Tips for a Smooth Turo Experience

For the best experience with a Turo rental, I’d strongly suggest confirming all the details of your rental in advance. Make sure you know where you’re expected to pick up and drop off the car. Verify that your host has good reviews and reasonable cancellation and mileage policies. Consider leaving an honest review of your experience, whether positive or negative, to help others make an informed decision about which vehicle they should rent and which host to go with.