What is the Minimum Protection on Turo?

Renting a car on Turo includes various protection plans to keep renters and hosts secure.

But what about the minimum protection offered by Turo? How much coverage can you expect, and is it enough to keep you safe during your rental experience?

In this article, we’ll delve into Turo’s minimum protection plans. 

Key Takeaways

• Turo offers three protection plans for guests: minimum, standard, and premium, with the minimum protection plan costing at least $14 per day.
• The minimum protection plan covers physical damage up to the deductible amount and provides state-required minimum liability insurance.
• Guests are responsible for any mechanical or interior damage to the car under the minimum protection plan.
• Hosts receive $750,000 in third-party liability insurance and varying levels of contractual reimbursement for physical damage and theft.
• Choosing a protection plan based on individual needs is important, considering factors such as budget, risk tolerance, and driving habits.

Minimum Protection Plan Features

The minimum protection plan is available for guests seeking an affordable protection plan when renting a vehicle through Turo. This plan has a starting cost of at least $14 per day. 

While this may be the most economical option, guests need to understand what is included and not included in this level of coverage before making a decision.

Deductible for Physical Damage

One of the key features of the minimum protection plan is the deductible for physical damage. 

When guests choose this plan, they are not responsible for any physical damage beyond the deductible. This coverage aspect provides some financial security, as the guest will not be held accountable for the full cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle in the event of an accident. 

However, guests must be aware that the minimum protection plan may have a higher deductible than other plans offered by Turo.

Mechanical and Interior Damage Responsibility

While the minimum protection plan provides some coverage for physical damage, it is essential to note that guests are responsible for any mechanical or interior damage to the car.

This includes any damage to the engine, transmission, other internal components, upholstery, dashboard, and other interior elements.

Guests should be aware of this responsibility when choosing the minimum protection plan, as any costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged mechanical or interior components will be their responsibility.

Therefore, it is crucial for guests to treat the rented vehicle with care and to promptly report any issues to the host to minimize the potential for additional damage and associated costs.

Liability Coverage

Guests must know the state-required minimum liability insurance when renting a vehicle through Turo. 

This type of coverage is mandated by law in most states and is designed to protect third parties involved in an accident caused by the guest. It typically includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage sustained by others in an accident where the guest is at fault. 

The minimum liability insurance varies depending on the state, so guests must familiarize themselves with the specific requirements in the location where they plan to rent a vehicle.

Coverage provided by Turo when declining additional protection

For guests who decide to decline the additional protection plans offered by Turo, it is important to understand the liability coverage that will still be provided. 

Even without selecting a protection plan, guests will receive the minimum liability insurance required by the state from Turo. This ensures they have at least a basic level of coverage in an accident for which they are at fault.

However, guests should be aware that this minimum liability coverage may not be sufficient to cover all expenses related to an accident.

In addition, in cases where the costs exceed the limits of the state-required minimum liability insurance, the guest could be held financially responsible for the difference. 

Host Protection Plans

$750,000 third-party liability insurance

Turo hosts have a significant responsibility for providing vehicles for guests to rent. As a result, they must have the proper insurance coverage to protect themselves and their vehicles. 

Turo offers host protection plans in the United States that come standard with $750,000 in third-party liability insurance. This insurance is issued to Turo under a policy from Travelers, a well-known insurance company.

The $750,000 in third-party liability insurance provides a significant amount of coverage for hosts in the event of an accident caused by a guest.

It covers property damage and bodily harm sustained by other parties in an accident where the guest is at fault. This level of coverage helps protect hosts from potential financial loss in the event of an accident.

Contractual reimbursement for physical damage and theft

In addition to third-party liability insurance, Turo’s host protection plans include varying contractual reimbursement for physical damage (like scratches) and theft.

This coverage protects hosts from financial loss due to damage or theft of their vehicles while renting through Turo.

The reimbursement amount for theft and physical damage may differ depending on the host’s protection plan.

Therefore, it is important for hosts to carefully consider the specific details of each protection plan to determine which one best suits their needs and provides the optimal level of coverage for their vehicles.

It is also crucial for hosts to understand their responsibilities when it comes to maintaining their vehicles and ensuring that they are in good working order for guests.

Hosts must also be aware of the procedures for filing claims in the event of damage or theft, including providing necessary documentation and complying with Turo’s investigation process.

Comparing Minimum Protection to Other Plans

When renting a vehicle through Turo, guests can choose from three levels of protection: minimum, standard, and premium.

Each plan offers varying levels of coverage, and it is essential to understand the differences between them to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Minimum Protection Plan:

• Lowest cost per day.
• Limited physical damage coverage with a deductible.
• Responsible for mechanical and interior damage to the car.
• State-required minimum liability insurance.

Standard Protection Plan:

• Moderate cost per day.
• More comprehensive physical damage coverage with a lower deductible than the minimum plan.
• Responsible for mechanical and interior damage to the car.
• Increased liability coverage compared to the minimum plan.

Premium Protection Plan:

• Highest cost per day.
• Most comprehensive physical damage coverage with the lowest deductible.
• Responsible for mechanical and interior damage to the car.
• Highest level of liability coverage available.

Conclusion

Understanding the various protection options available on Turo is crucial for hosts and guests. By familiarizing yourself with the different plans and their features, you can make an informed decision on which level of coverage is most appropriate for your needs.  

Each renter’s situation and preferences are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a protection plan on Turo. However, by carefully considering your budget, risk tolerance, deductible, liability coverage, and driving habits, you can select the plan that aligns with your needs and circumstances. 

Frequently Asked Questions