Is Turo Safe? In-Depth Look At Renter & Host Safety

Turo is one of the largest peer-to-peer car rental platforms out there. The service offers a remarkable income potential for commercial hosts looking to earn money by renting out their vehicles.

Meanwhile, Turo also provides renters with an incredible range of options to pick from to match their budgets.

However, while the platform might be a win-win for both renters and owners, many people are concerned about the safety of the service.

Although we briefly discussed safety in our Turo review, this comprehensive guide will dive deeper to explain how Turo works and whether it’s a safe option to consider.

Is Turo Safe?

Turo is generally considered a safe platform for car rentals, with several layers of protection in place to protect the interests of both renters and owners.

However, similar to HyreCar, Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental platform. This means it has a unique nature that might differ from the experience of dealing with traditional car rental companies.

This is because Turo doesn’t own or maintain any of the vehicles it offers on its platform. That’s why its services come with an inherent risk you need to be aware of.

The following sections will dig deeper into these safety aspects. We’ll explore how the app works, walk you through the safety measures Turo implements, and compare them to industry standards.

Understanding Turo’s Safety Measures

Turo mainly functions as an intermediary that links car owners and renters. As a result, it can’t implement the same safety standards you’d expect from a traditional rental car company.

That being said, safety is still a major priority to Turo. This is because it needs to ensure a secure channel to connect different parties and protect their interests.

Here’s a brief overview of the main safety measures and policies Turo implemented to ensure a safe rental medium.

User Verifications

According to Turo’s terms of service, the platform has the right to perform screenings and background checks on users.

These checks can cover a wide range of aspects, including but not limited to

• The validity of the driver’s licenses of both renters and hosts.
• Driving records to verify the safety and reliability of the vehicles.

Keep in mind Turo holding the rights and exercising them are two different things. This means that Turo might not immediately check every user in its database. However, it will typically verify renters when they make their first booking.

Vehicle Safety Requirements

Turo has fairly decent eligibility standards to ensure the safety and reliability of the cars available on the platform.

Hosts must also meet strict maintenance requirements, including annual inspections and adherence to local laws to use Turo’s services.

Like standard rental agencies, Turo provides a maintenance checklist that hosts must follow before every trip.

Insurance Coverage

One of the main safety measures that Turo implements to protect car owners and renters is insurance.

While not an insurance provider itself, Turo still requires insurance for all car owners on the platform.

However, the company partners with Travelers Companies, Inc. to provide a variety of insurance plans with several coverage/deduction options. All plans include a third-party liability insurance of up to $750,000.

Renters also need to pick rental insurance, which is in the form of protection plans. This one helps in covering car damage in the case of an accident.

Streamlined and Secure Transactions

Turo monitors all the transactions made through the platform to ensure the safety and security of its user database.

This includes secure transactions through credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and highly reliable pre-paid cards.

Additionally, Turo charges all renters a security deposit of up to $750. Yet, the exact amount varies depending on the type of vehicle and where you’re renting.

Safety from a Renter’s Perspective

It’s natural for renters to prioritize safety when they’re stepping into a stranger’s car. However, guest’s requirements can be completely different from regular and commercial hosts.

Here’s a brief overview of the main themes of safety that renters consider and whether Turo provides them:

Vehicle Reliability

As a renter, you want to get your money’s worth when you’re renting a vehicle. Luckily, Turo meets this aspect by having a pre-listing requirement for all vehicles on the platform.

Hosts also need to specify car age, mileage, and maintenance status to ensure fair pricing and competitiveness with other car owners.

However, you still need to do your own research and compare different options while renting a vehicle.

It’s also a good idea to inspect the vehicle for any undocumented damage and scratches before taking off.

Cleanliness and Ride Quality

Turo is not responsible for keeping the cars clean but it can still ensure this quality through the review system.

The condition of the vehicle also ensures a stable performance and minimizes the chances of breakdowns and accidents.

Most hosts will take care of that aspect to maintain positive reviews, which allows them to charge a higher rental price and make more profits.

Selecting and Meeting Car Owners

This one also relies heavily on the review system. Most guests will leave a review that discusses their experience not only with the vehicle but also with the owners.

As many users point out, you should always go for verified users who provide all the information necessary to contact them securely.

Safety from an Owner’s Perspective

Similar to renters, owners are also concerned about the safety of their vehicles more than anything.

However, their priorities will differ significantly. Here’s a quick look at the main safety aspects for car owners on Turo.

Damage and Theft Protection

Luckily, Turo’s multi-tier plans offer comprehensive protection against physical damage that results from collision and/or vandalism. The insurance plans also offer various levels of compensation for theft.

Additionally, both renters and hosts get 24/7 access to roadside assistance in case of breakdowns or emergencies.

Liability Protection

Many users commended the liability protection feature available with all Turo insurance plans, as it has a remarkably high coverage limit with fairly acceptable deductions.

Comparing Safety: Turo vs. Traditional Car Rental Services

Here’s a breakdown of safety protocols and user experiences for Turo when compared to traditional rental services:

• Insurance Policies: Rental services can offer a wider range of insurance policies. However, Turo offers reliability and peace of mind with a variety of plans to pick from.
• User Interactions: Traditional services can vary from limited to almost non-existent interactions between owners and renters. Turo heavily depends on direct communications and a review-based system to establish trust and reliability.
• Vehicle Standards: Both Turo and car rentals have strict standards when it comes to car conditions. Yet, you should expect a larger variety of vehicles on Turo with easier research based on budget, model, rating, etc.

Addressing Safety Concerns and Incidents

The strict eligibility requirements Turo sets make safety compromise incidents unlikely, but some might still slip through the cracks.

Luckily, the company offers 24/7 customer service to ensure quick and reliable support when you encounter problems.

If you encounter any safety issues while using Turo’s service, contact the support team immediately. You can reach them through the online chat, email, or phone.

Tips for Ensuring a Safe Experience on Turo

Whether you’re an owner or renter, the following tips will help you enhance your safety while using Turo:

• Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews as well as the owner’s comments on them.
• Establish a set of red flags regarding car condition before choosing the car.
• Cross-check the price range of any car with similar options on the platform.
• Check the photos carefully for any unmentioned damages upon pickup to avoid any damage claims.
• Check for dents, scratches, and mechanical issues before driving, and document any existing damage before taking off.
• Ask thorough questions about the car, such as mileage, features, cleanliness, and any potential issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

Renting and sharing cars on Turo can be fairly safe, especially with all the measures the platforms put in to ensure a streamlined experience for both renters and owners.

However, even with reliable car insurance in place, you still need to be extra careful, read reviews, and understand your insurance policy to make an informed decision.