Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace where you rent vehicles directly from individual owners in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and France. Search for available cars, book through the platform, coordinate pickup with the host, and return at the agreed time. KAYAK makes it easy to compare Turo options alongside traditional rentals.
In this article
What is car sharing?
How does Turo work? Step-by-step booking process.
Eligibility and verification requirements.
Pricing and fees explained.
Protection and insurance options.
How does Turo pickup and return work?
Car sharing with Turo vs. traditional car rental
Why choose Turo?
Where to find Turo deals on KAYAK.
FAQs.
What is car sharing?
Just like you can rent out a room or your whole home to travelers looking for something special, Turo lets you apply the same economics to renting out your car. It’s peer-to-peer at its best, letting you book real people’s vehicles and take them for a spin on your trip.
It’s especially useful for when you’re looking to impress (like on a bachelor/ette weekend away) or when you’re traveling to an area where rental car pickings are slim (like during convention season).
How does Turo work? Step-by-step booking process.
Here’s the complete workflow from creating your account to returning the vehicle:
- Create a Turo account: Sign up on the Turo website or app with your email address.
- Verify your identity: Upload your driver’s license and complete identity verification. Turo may require additional documentation depending on your location.
- Search for a car: Browse thousands of cars on KAYAK or Turo by entering your trip dates and destination. Use filters to narrow by vehicle type, features, or price.
- Review trip details: Check the host’s rules, mileage limits, fuel policy, and any extras available (like car seats or camping gear).
- Select your protection plan: Choose from available protection options before completing your booking.
- Book your ride: Confirm your reservation and receive pickup instructions from your host.
- Pick up the vehicle: Meet your host or use contactless pickup. Inspect the car and document its condition using the Turo app.
- Hit the road: Use the vehicle according to the agreed terms and mileage limits.
- Refuel or recharge: Return the car at the fuel level specified in your booking, or pay the host’s refueling fee.
- Return the vehicle: Complete checkout through the app, noting the car’s condition and confirming the return.
Eligibility and verification requirements.
Before you can book on Turo, you’ll need to meet these requirements:
- Turo account: A verified account with accurate personal information.
- Valid driver’s license: You must upload a current license. International travelers may need additional documentation.
- Identity verification: Turo verifies your identity through your license and may request a selfie or additional ID.
- Age requirements: Most hosts require renters to be at least 21. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees or restrictions, and some vehicles may have higher age minimums set by the host.
Pricing and fees explained.
Turo pricing includes several components:
- Daily rate: Set by the host and varies by vehicle type, location, and demand.
- Trip fee: A Turo service fee calculated as a percentage of the trip price.
- Protection plan cost: Varies based on the level of coverage you select.
- Delivery fee: If the host delivers the car to you, they may charge an additional fee based on distance.
- Airport fees: Some airport pickups include additional charges.
- Fuel charges: If you don’t return the car at the agreed fuel level, the host can charge a refueling fee.
- Mileage overage: Exceeding the daily mileage limit results in per-mile charges.
- Security deposit: Some bookings include a refundable authorization hold that’s released after the trip.
Early Bird and Multi-Day Discounts are offered by many hosts, along with the occasional opportunity to receive Turo travel credits.
Protection and insurance options.
Turo offers protection plans that you select during the booking process. These plans affect your out-of-pocket responsibility if the vehicle is damaged or stolen during your trip.
Protection levels typically range from basic to premium coverage, with higher tiers reducing your potential liability. Before booking, review the specific terms of each plan on Turo’s website, as coverage details and costs vary.
Important: Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover peer-to-peer rentals. Check with your insurance provider before relying on existing coverage, and review Turo’s current protection plan details before completing your booking.
How does Turo pickup and return work?
Turo offers flexible handoff options:
Pickup options:
- In-person meetup: Meet the host at an agreed location. They’ll walk you through the vehicle and hand over the keys.
- Contactless pickup: Some hosts offer keyless access through the Turo app, allowing you to unlock and start the car without meeting in person.
- Delivery: Many hosts can bring the vehicle to your airport, train station, or hotel for an additional fee.
Pickup instructions appear in the Turo app after your booking is confirmed. Download the app to access directions, host contact info, and check-in steps.
Check-in process:
Before driving away, use the app to photograph the vehicle’s condition. This protects both you and the host by documenting any existing damage.
Return process:
Return the vehicle to the agreed location at the scheduled time. Complete checkout through the app, noting the car’s condition and fuel level. Late returns may result in additional charges.
Car sharing with Turo vs. traditional car rental
| Feature | Car sharing with Turo | Traditional rental |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle selection | Choose the exact car you want | Book a category, get “or similar” |
| Pickup experience | Meet host or contactless via app | Counter service at rental location |
| Pricing | Varies by host and vehicle | Standardized rates by category |
Additional differences:
- Extras: Turo hosts may offer unique add-ons like camping gear or picnic baskets. Traditional rentals offer standard extras like GPS and car seats.
- Protection options: Turo offers tiered protection plans; traditional rentals offer CDW/LDW and supplemental insurance.
- Rules: Each Turo host sets their own mileage limits and policies. Rental companies have standardized terms.
- Location availability: Turo depends on local hosts; traditional rentals have fixed locations but may have limited inventory during peak times.
Why choose Turo?
Options: Like booking a vacation home, there are (almost) endless options to choose from. Whether you’re ISO a slick, sporty ride or rugged, all-terrain truck, you’re bound to find your ideal set of wheels.
Convenience:Many hosts can bring your vehicle to you or any location of your choice, be it an airport, train station or hotel.
Flexibility:If your plans change, don’t worry: Turo lets you cancel for free, up to 24 hours before your trip. You’re also not beholden to strict policies like arriving at the counter during a specific window of time.
Ready to roll?
Frequently asked questions.
Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace where you rent vehicles directly from individual owners instead of a rental company.
Depending on the host, you can meet in person, use contactless pickup through the app, or have the car delivered to your location.
You’ll pay the host’s daily rate plus a Turo trip fee, protection plan cost, and any applicable delivery, airport, or fuel charges.
You select a protection level during booking. Higher tiers reduce your out-of-pocket responsibility if the vehicle is damaged or stolen.
Turo lets you rent from individual owners, choose exact vehicles, and often arrange flexible pickup locations. Traditional rentals offer standardized service at fixed locations.
