Turo is a popular service that allows individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to others. It's like Airbnb, but for cars. While this can provide more options for renting a vehicle, it also comes with unique challenges when it comes to accidents.
Unlike traditional car rental companies, Turo does not own the cars listed on its website. Instead, vehicle owners (called "Hosts") list their cars for rent, and renters (called "Guests") book those cars for short-term use. This creates a different set of issues when an accident happens, especially when it comes to insurance and liability.
Insurance Denial: Turo’s insurance carrier may deny coverage if the driver involved in the accident wasn't listed on the rental agreement.
No Driver’s License: If the Turo driver didn't have a valid driver's license, insurance coverage could be jeopardized.
No Personal Insurance: The driver may not have personal auto insurance, leaving you with limited options for compensation.
Rideshare Denial: If the car was being used for ridesharing (e.g., Uber or Lyft) instead of personal use, the vehicle owner’s personal insurance may deny coverage.
If you've been involved in an accident with a Turo rental car, McGee Lerer Ogrin is here to guide you through this complex process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Turo's Insurance Coverage
Turo does provide some insurance coverage for its renters, but it's important to understand the details.
Liability Coverage: Turo automatically offers liability coverage to renters in California. This coverage meets the state’s minimum requirements: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
Premier Coverage: Renters can opt for Turo’s “Premier” plan, which increases liability limits to $750,000, providing more protection in case of an accident.
However, Turo Does Not Offer Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
This means that if you are injured in an accident involving a Turo rental car, and the other driver doesn't have enough insurance—or no insurance at all—you won't be covered under Turo’s insurance. In this case, you may need to rely on your own personal auto insurance policy if you have UM/UIM coverage.
Who Is Responsible for the Accident in a Turo Rental?
When you're involved in an accident with a Turo rental, determining who is responsible for the incident can be complicated. Liability may fall on several parties, depending on the specifics of the situation.
Vehicle Owner: The person who owns the car listed on Turo is typically responsible for ensuring that their vehicle is safe, well-maintained, and covered by insurance. If the vehicle was not properly maintained or had defects that contributed to the accident, the owner might be held liable.
Renter (Guest): The renter, or "Guest," is responsible for driving the vehicle safely and adhering to all traffic laws. If the renter was negligent, driving under the influence, or violating Turo’s terms (e.g., using the car for ridesharing without proper coverage), they may be held responsible for the accident.
Turo: While Turo acts as an intermediary, it may still be held partially responsible in some cases. If the company failed to ensure that the vehicle was properly listed or didn’t provide adequate insurance coverage as promised, they might be accountable. However, Turo’s role in liability is typically limited.
Commercial Use: If the rental car was being used for commercial purposes like ridesharing (Uber, Lyft) or delivering goods, liability could shift. In such cases, the commercial insurance of the rideshare or delivery company could come into play.
How to File a Claim After a Turo Rental Accident
Filing a claim after an accident involving a Turo rental can seem challenging, but it’s important to follow a clear process to protect your rights:
Step 1: Report the Accident Call the police to report the accident and ensure that an official report is filed. Get the other driver's contact and insurance information.
Step 2: Document the Scene Take photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and any injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses if available.
Step 3: Contact Turo Notify Turo about the accident through their platform. Provide them with the necessary details, such as the accident report and any photos or witness statements.
Step 4: File an Insurance Claim File a claim with Turo's insurance provider, ensuring that all relevant information is included. If Turo’s coverage doesn’t fully cover your damages, you may need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurer or your personal auto insurance.
Step 5: Work with an Attorney If challenges arise or the claims process becomes complicated, consult an attorney who specializes in Turo rental accidents to help navigate the situation.
Understanding Turo’s Terms and Conditions
It’s crucial to understand Turo’s policies and how they may affect accident claims. Here’s a brief overview:
Insurance Coverage Turo provides liability insurance for renters, but it’s important to understand the policy limits. In California, the basic coverage matches the state’s minimum requirement ($15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident). Renters can opt for higher coverage with Turo’s "Premier" plan, which offers up to $750,000 in coverage.
Driver Requirements Renters must meet Turo’s driver requirements, including holding a valid driver’s license. If the renter fails to meet these requirements, Turo may deny coverage, and the driver could be held fully responsible.
Ridesharing and Commercial Use Turo’s insurance does not cover vehicles used for ridesharing or commercial purposes unless the appropriate insurance is in place. If a Turo vehicle is being used for Uber or Lyft, for example, Turo may not cover the accident.
Understanding these terms can help both renters and accident victims navigate the claims process more smoothly and ensure they are properly covered in case of an accident.
Why You Need an Experienced Turo Rental Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating the insurance claims process after a Turo rental car accident can be tricky. Turo’s insurance carrier will often look for reasons to deny coverage. If you've been injured, you need a lawyer who understands how to handle Turo claims and fight for your right to compensation.
At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we have experience dealing with these kinds of claims. We know how to investigate, negotiate, and litigate to ensure that you receive the compensation you're entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turo Rental Car Accidents
Does Turo provide full coverage in case of an accident? Turo provides liability coverage to renters, but it may not cover all types of damages. The standard coverage offers minimal protection ($15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident), while Turo’s "Premier" plan can offer more extensive coverage. However, Turo does not provide uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which could leave you vulnerable if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance.
Can I sue Turo for an accident involving their rental? While Turo generally isn’t directly liable for accidents, you may still be able to pursue legal action against the vehicle owner or the renter. Turo itself may be held responsible if they failed to meet their own terms of service, such as ensuring the vehicle was properly insured or maintained.
What happens if the driver of a Turo rental doesn’t have insurance? If the Turo driver doesn’t have their own insurance, Turo's liability coverage may apply, but only up to certain limits. If the driver is not covered and Turo denies the claim, you may need to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s personal insurance or your own insurance if you have the proper coverage, like uninsured motorist protection.
How can I prove fault in a Turo rental car accident? Proving fault involves collecting evidence such as photos from the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, and any available dashcam footage. The involvement of Turo's platform may complicate the process, as it will be necessary to show whether the driver was operating the vehicle in accordance with Turo’s terms and if the vehicle owner’s insurance is valid.
What if the Turo rental was being used for ridesharing? Turo’s insurance does not cover vehicles used for ridesharing, such as Uber or Lyft. If the accident occurred while the car was being used for ridesharing, you may need to pursue compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance or the driver’s personal insurance, depending on the circumstances.
Can I claim compensation if I was not injured but my property was damaged by a Turo rental car? Yes, if your property (e.g., vehicle, mailbox) was damaged by a Turo rental, you can file a claim against the vehicle owner’s insurance or Turo’s insurance coverage. If Turo’s coverage denies your claim, you may need to contact the vehicle owner or consult an attorney to pursue further compensation.
Do I need a lawyer for a Turo rental accident claim? It’s advisable to seek legal counsel when dealing with a Turo rental accident claim. The complexities involved with insurance, the platform's terms, and potential disputes over liability can make the process challenging. An attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation and guide you through the claims process effectively.
