Zoe Alvarez
Turo is a car rental marketplace that offers flexibility and convenience. It allows renters to pick up cars at airports, train stations, hotels, or custom locations. Turo hosts can also deliver cars to these locations for an additional fee. The Turo app enables renters to manage pickup logistics, communicate with hosts, and handle trip details. While Turo rentals are often cheaper than traditional car rental companies, there are additional fees for insurance, pickup/drop-off, and reimbursement for fuel replacement, distance overages, tickets, and tolls. Trip fees, which vary dynamically, are also charged and go directly to Turo to support the platform. These fees can be reviewed before completing a reservation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trip fee | Calculated at checkout and varies dynamically. For example, in the US, trip fees range from 2.5% to 100% of the trip price and Extras, with a $15 minimum on each trip. |
| Cancellation fee | Charged if you cancel after the free cancellation period ends. |
| Airport fees | Applicable for airport pickups. |
| Pick-up or return fees | Applicable for in-person pick-up or return. |
| Unlimited mileage | Optional extra. |
| Reimbursement bills | Hosts can send renters a reimbursement invoice for fuel replacement, distance overages, failure to return an EV with charge, tickets and tolls, etc. |
| Cleaning fees | $150 for the cleaning violation plus a 3% processing fee. |
| Protection plans | Spring for Premier for peace of mind or pay less for lighter protection with higher out-of-pocket costs for vehicle damage or theft. |
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What You'll Learn
Trip fees
The trip fee is separate from the rental cost, and Turo's "dynamic pricing" has been criticised as a cash grab, especially for short rentals. For example, a Toyota Corolla with a rental cost of $44 per day had an additional trip fee of $88 for a two-day rental, bringing the total cost to $195. In another instance, a two-day rental with a daily rate of $108 was listed on Turo for $248, plus an additional 25% for insurance.
Younger drivers and non-US residents may also be charged higher trip fees due to potential risk factors. A young driver with a spotless driving record mentioned a $30 per day young driver fee. Additionally, trip fees can be influenced by factors such as airport fees, pickup or return fees, and optional extras like unlimited mileage.
Turo also offers protection plans, with the Premier option providing peace of mind and lighter protection plans available at a lower cost, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses in the event of vehicle damage or theft. It is important to carefully review the trip fee and associated costs before completing your reservation to avoid unexpected charges.
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Airport fees
Turo charges airport fees, which are displayed before you reserve a car. These fees are standard across all car rental companies, including Turo. The fee is typically around 5-10% of the trip cost, although some airports charge a flat fee, such as $10 for listing McCarran as a pickup location.
The airport fee is collected by Turo and paid directly to the airport. This fee is charged regardless of the rental duration, which some users have criticised as unfair. Turo also pays a percentage of trip costs directly to certain airports in exchange for not fining hosts who deliver cars there. Hosts do not receive a cut of this fee.
In addition to airport fees, Turo hosts can charge guests a delivery fee for bringing the car to the airport, although some offer this service for free. Hosts are also charged an airport fee, even if they do not pass this on to the guest.
Some users have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in Turo's pricing, with hidden fees and a lack of itemised breakdowns making it difficult to understand the total cost of a rental.
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Reimbursement invoices
When it comes to Turo, there are various fees and charges that users should be aware of, aside from the standard rental costs. These additional charges can arise during the pickup or return of the vehicle, and they can vary depending on the specific circumstances and arrangements made with the host.
One important aspect to consider is reimbursement invoices. Turo hosts have the ability to send renters reimbursement invoices for a variety of reasons. These invoices may cover situations such as fuel replacement, distance overages, failure to return an electric vehicle (EV) with a full charge, parking tickets, and tolls. It's important for renters to be mindful of these potential charges as they can add up quickly.
For instance, if a renter returns a vehicle with an empty fuel tank, the host can invoice them for the cost of refuelling. Similarly, if the renter exceeds the agreed-upon mileage, they may be charged for distance overages. Returning an EV without a full charge can also result in a reimbursement invoice from the host.
Another scenario where reimbursement invoices may come into play is when there are parking tickets or tolls incurred during the rental period. Turo hosts can send invoices to renters for any unpaid tickets or tolls. It's important for renters to be diligent about paying for their parking and tolls to avoid these additional charges.
In addition to these potential charges, Turo also has a cleaning fee policy. If a renter returns a car in a condition that violates Turo's cleaning and disinfection standards, the host can report the issue. If Turo agrees with the host's assessment, the renter will be responsible for paying a cleaning fee of $150, plus a 3% processing fee. This fee aims to maintain a certain level of cleanliness and hygiene for the next renter.
To avoid unexpected charges, it is advisable for renters to carefully review the terms and conditions of their Turo rental, clarify any potential fees with their host beforehand, and ensure they return the vehicle in the expected condition. Being proactive and informed can help prevent misunderstandings and additional costs.
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Cleaning fees
When it comes to cleaning fees, Turo has a specific cleaning and disinfection policy that renters must adhere to. If a vehicle is returned in a state that violates this policy, the host can report the issue to Turo. If Turo agrees with the host, the renter will be charged a $150 cleaning fee, plus a 3% processing fee. It is important to note that Turo explicitly states that renters are not expected to clean or disinfect the car before returning it. However, there is a grey area between what Turo considers normal wear and tear versus a violation.
While Turo does have a policy in place, there may be some discrepancies between different hosts' interpretations of the policy. Some hosts may have higher expectations for the condition of the car upon return, which could lead to disputes over cleaning fees. In such cases, Turo requires photographic evidence from the host to support their claim. Without this evidence, Turo is unlikely to approve the cleaning fee.
It is recommended that renters treat Turo vehicles with the same respect they would give to a neighbour's borrowed item. Returning the car in the same condition it was received is a considerate practice. However, some renters argue that they are not renting from a traditional rental car agency, and they should not be held to the same standards of cleanliness.
To avoid any misunderstandings or unexpected fees, it is advisable for renters to thoroughly review Turo's cleaning and disinfection policy before their trip. By understanding the expectations and potential consequences of violating the policy, renters can take the necessary precautions to maintain the vehicle's cleanliness and avoid additional charges.
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Insurance
Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing service that lets users rent another person's vehicle. It is important to note that Turo is not an insurance company. However, it does offer protection plans through Travelers for an additional fee. These protection plans include liability insurance, physical damage reimbursement, and basic roadside assistance.
For guests (renters), Turo offers three levels of protection: premium, standard, and minimum. The higher the level, the more benefits are included, but also the higher the cost. Guests can also decline to add a Turo insurance plan if their personal car insurance covers "peer-to-peer" rentals. It is important for guests to verify with their insurance providers if their policy covers rental cars or peer-to-peer rentals, as some companies may treat these differently.
For hosts (car owners), Turo requires them to opt-in for some level of a protection plan alongside their personal car insurance. Hosts can choose from multiple protection plans or decline if they have their own commercial or personal auto policies. If a host's vehicle is damaged during a trip, they should notify Turo and provide pre- and post-trip photos within 24 hours. Hosts will be responsible for the deductible amount, and then Turo will reimburse the rest of the eligible repair costs.
In summary, while Turo is not an insurance company, it offers protection plans for both guests and hosts. Guests can choose from different levels of protection or decline insurance if they have their own coverage, while hosts are required to opt-in for some level of protection. It is important for both parties to understand their insurance coverage and the protection plans offered by Turo to ensure they are adequately protected in the event of any incidents or damage during a trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Turo adds a trip fee to each trip at checkout, which is calculated dynamically. The trip fee varies from 2.5% to 100% of the trip price and Extras, with a $15 minimum per trip.
The trip fee is influenced by more than 50 factors, including the vehicle's value, lead time of booking, trip duration, and other unique factors.
Yes, there may be airport fees, pickup or return fees, and optional extras like unlimited mileage. Hosts can also request reimbursement for fuel replacement, distance overages, failure to charge an EV, tickets, and tolls.
Yes, Turo offers a service called Turo Go, which allows renters to unlock cars directly from the Turo app without meeting the host. However, some hosts may offer to pick you up at the airport and drive you to your pickup location for an additional fee or for free.
If you cancel after the free cancellation period, Turo will charge a cancellation fee. If the host cancels, you will be notified immediately, and Turo will help you find another car or process your refund.
