Peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo have exploded in popularity, allowing individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to others. While convenient, Turo rentals also raise unique legal and insurance challenges, especially when accidents happen. If you are injured in a Turo accident in California, understanding your rights and coverage options is critical.
How Turo Works
Turo connects vehicle owners with renters through its online platform, similar to Airbnb for cars. The company offers various protection plans for hosts and renters, but these plans have coverage limits, exclusions, and different rules depending on the circumstances of the crash.
For an overview of Turo’s protection policies, you can review their official guide here: https://turo.com/us/en/trust-and-safety/insurance-and-protection
Common Causes of Turo Accidents
Like any car accident, collisions involving Turo vehicles can result from:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Impaired driving (DUI)
- Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with the rental car
- Vehicle maintenance issues by the owner
- Hazardous road conditions
Who Is Liable in a Turo Accident?
Determining liability in a Turo accident can be complex because multiple parties may be involved:
- The renter – if negligent driving caused the accident
- The vehicle owner (host) – if poor maintenance contributed to the crash
- Turo’s insurance policy – if coverage applies under the selected protection plan
- Another driver – if a third-party motorist was at fault
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides important information on insurance requirements for rental and shared vehicles: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/occupational-licensing/
Insurance Coverage for Turo Accidents
Turo offers different levels of protection for both renters and hosts, but these are not the same as traditional rental car coverage. Depending on the plan chosen, liability limits and deductibles can vary significantly. In some cases, your personal auto insurance or credit card coverage may also apply, but many insurers exclude peer-to-peer rentals.
Steps to Take After a Turo Accident
If you’re involved in a Turo accident, protect your legal rights by:
- Calling 911 and ensuring a police report is filed
- Seeking immediate medical attention
- Taking photos and videos of the vehicles, injuries, and accident scene
- Exchanging contact and insurance details with all parties
- Notifying Turo through the app or website right away
- Consulting with a California Turo accident lawyer before speaking to insurers
How Hillstone Law Can Help
Turo accidents can be more complicated than standard car accident cases due to the mix of personal insurance, Turo’s coverage, and third-party liability. At Hillstone Law, we understand how to navigate these challenges and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a Turo-related accident in California, contact us for a free case evaluation. We’ll review your accident, determine all sources of coverage, and aggressively pursue your claim.
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Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
