Comparing Turo’s Insurance with Your Personal Auto Insurance

As peer-to-peer car rental services like Turo become more popular, many Californians are considering renting out their vehicles or renting cars through these platforms. A key consideration for both owners and renters is insurance coverage. Understanding the differences between Turo’s insurance options and your personal auto insurance is crucial to ensure you are adequately protected. 

Turo’s Insurance Coverage 

Turo offers several insurance options for vehicle owners and renters, designed to provide different levels of coverage based on individual needs and risk tolerance. 

For Vehicle Owners 

  • Basic Plan: This plan includes third-party liability insurance and limited coverage for physical damage to your vehicle. Owners are responsible for a portion of any damage. 
  • Standard Plan: Offers higher third-party liability insurance and more comprehensive coverage for physical damage, with owners responsible for a smaller portion of any damage. 
  • Premier Plan: Provides the highest third-party liability insurance and includes the most comprehensive physical damage coverage, with no deductible for the owner. 

For Renters 

  • Minimum Protection: This plan meets state minimum liability insurance requirements but does not include physical damage protection. 
  • Standard Protection: Provides higher liability coverage and physical damage protection with a moderate deductible. 
  • Premier Protection: Includes the highest liability coverage and physical damage protection with no deductible. 

Personal Auto Insurance 

Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover commercial activities, including renting your car out through services like Turo. However, coverage can vary based on your insurer and the specifics of your policy. 

Key Considerations: 

  • Exclusions: Many personal auto policies exclude coverage for vehicles used for hire, which includes renting your car out. 
  • Limited Coverage: If your insurer does provide some coverage, it is often limited and may not fully protect you in the event of an accident. 
  • Supplemental Insurance: Some insurers offer rideshare or rental coverage as an add-on to personal policies. Check with your insurer to see if this option is available. 

Comparing Coverage 

When comparing Turo’s insurance options with your personal auto insurance, consider the following: 

  • Liability Limits: Turo’s plans offer high liability limits, which may exceed the coverage provided by personal auto policies. 
  • Physical Damage Coverage: Turo’s plans include options for physical damage protection, which is typically not covered under personal auto insurance when the vehicle is rented out. 
  • Deductibles: The deductibles on Turo’s plans can vary, affecting out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim. 
  • State Requirements: Ensure that whichever insurance you choose meets California’s minimum requirements for liability coverage. 

Speak to a Turo Accident Attorney in California 

Understanding the differences between Turo’s insurance options and your personal auto insurance is essential for making an informed decision about renting vehicles through the platform. Ensuring you have adequate coverage can help protect you from significant financial liability in the event of a Turo accident. If you have been involved in an accident while using Turo or have questions about your insurance coverage, contact Harris Personal Injury Lawyers for expert legal advice. Call us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the complexities of auto insurance and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.