What Happens if You Scratch a Turo Car? Correct Behavior and Tipps

Have you ever found yourself perplexed, staring at a scratch on a Turo car, and wondering what comes next? 

Don’t fret! 

Scratches can happen to anyone; in this case, understanding what happens if you scratch a Turo car is essential.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details, guiding you step by step through the process that follows a scratch on a Turo car. We’ve covered you, from handling damage costs to reporting the damage claim in the Turo app.

Key Takeaways

• Turo’s policy holds renters responsible for all damages, including scratches, during the rental period. So if you scratch a Turo car, you’ll be liable for the repair costs.
• Turo can charge you up to your chosen deductible for damages, which can be as much as $2,000. However, if the repair cost exceeds the deductible, you’ll only be charged the lower amount.
• If you’ve accidentally scratched a Turo car, it’s crucial to report the damage promptly through the Turo app. This helps ensure a smooth resolution process and avoids potential penalties.
• Turo provides protection plans, but these do not replace personal car insurance. It’s important to have a personal insurance policy that includes coverage for rental cars to ensure you’re fully protected.
• Failing to report damages, such as scratches, to Turo can lead to additional penalties, including administrative fees, claims processing fees, and loss of use fees. It’s best to report any damages promptly to avoid these additional costs.

Turo’s Policy on Damages

Let’s start by understanding Turo’s policy on car scratches.

Turo is all about a community of trust and respect; they have a clear and transparent policy when it comes to damages.

Turo’s policy states that if a car gets damaged during a trip, including getting scratched, the person who booked the trip is responsible for the repair costs.

This policy protects hosts and ensures their cars remain in the same condition as before the rental.

Scratches can range from minor surfaces to deep marks requiring extensive repair. The repair cost will depend on the scratch’s severity and the car’s model.

In some cases, a minor scratch might be able to be buffed out, while a deeper scratch might require more extensive bodywork.

Remember that normal wear and tear, which includes minor scratches less than 3 inches in length, do not fall under the damage category as per Turo’s policy. But anything more significant than that is considered damage and should be reported.

Renter’s Responsibility When a Turo Car Gets Scratched

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. If you’re the renter and a Turo car gets scratched during your trip, you’ll be the one who needs to foot the bill for the repairs.

When you report the damage, Turo will initiate a claim process. During this process, they’ll investigate to confirm the damage from your trip. This investigation may include asking for photos of the car before and after your trip, so it’s always a good idea to take plenty of pictures!

Once the investigation is complete, Turo will estimate the repair costs. As a renter, you may be charged up to your deductible, up to $2,000. If the repair cost is less than the deductible, you’ll only be charged for the actual cost of the repair.

Importantly, Turo does not cover your insurance. While Turo does provide some insurance options, these are secondary to any personal insurance you may have. This means that if you have an insurance policy that covers rental cars, you might want to consider using it to cover the cost of the damage.

The Cost of Damages

Turo’s system ensures fairness and transparency regarding taking responsibility for damages. Therefore, understanding how Turo charges for damages is a crucial part of being a responsible renter.

When damage to a car is reported, Turo initiates a claims process that involves an investigation to confirm when and how the damage occurred. They use before-and-after trip photos, so never forget to snap those pictures before you start your journey and once you’re done.

Once the damage is confirmed, Turo will estimate the repair cost. This estimate is based on the type and extent of the damage, as well as the make and model of the car. Remember, repairing a scratch on a luxury vehicle may be significantly more expensive than repairing the same scratch on a more common car.

It’s also worth noting that Turo uses industry-standard software to estimate repair costs. This ensures the prices charged are fair and in line with what you’d expect from a standard auto repair shop.

Steps to report a damage claim to Turo

We all hope for smooth sailing when renting a car, but sometimes things don’t go according to plan. That’s why knowing how to report a damage claim to Turo is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Initiate the Claims Process: 

When you notice the damage, go to the “Trips” tab in the Turo app and click on the specific trip where the damage occurred. You’ll find an option to “Report a problem with this trip.” Click on it and select “Damage to the vehicle” to initiate the claims process.

Provide Details: 

Turo will ask you to provide information about the damage. Be as detailed as possible. Include information like when and where you noticed the damage and any circumstances that might have led to it.

Submit Photos: 

You’ll also need to submit photos of the damage. Again, ensure the photos clearly show the damage, and try to include reference points like other car features or objects for scale.

Wait for Turo’s response: 

Once you’ve submitted the claim, Turo’s claims team will review it and get back to you. They might ask for additional information or photos to fully understand the damage’s extent.

The Importance of Prompt Reporting

Firstly, Turo requires all damages to be reported before the end of the trip. Therefore, if you wait until after the trip has ended to report the damage, Turo might not be able to process your claim.

Secondly, prompt reporting helps ensure a fair and transparent process for everyone involved. It allows Turo to assess the situation quickly and helps the car owner understand what happened to their vehicle.

Finally, remember that the car you’re driving is someone’s personal property. Imagine if it were your car—you’d want to know as soon as possible if something happened, right?

So if you notice a scratch or any other damage to the car during your trip, don’t hesitate or wait. Instead, report it to Turo right away. It’s the right thing to do and essential to being a responsible renter.

Conclusion

Remember, renting a car from Turo allows you to explore new places, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories.

So let’s not let the worry of potential damages overshadow these experiences. Instead, we encourage you to handle Turo cars responsibly and enjoy your journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions