Turo Accident

If you are looking for a convenient and affordable way to rent a car, you may have heard of Turo. Like Airbnb but for cars, it is a peer-to-peer car rental service that allows car owners (or “hosts”) to rent out their vehicles to other users (or “guests”). Hailed as an alternative to traditional rental car companies, Turo now operates in four countries: the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia.

But what happens if you get into an accident with a Turo rental car? Who is responsible for the damages and injuries? How do you deal with insurance claims and legal issues? Find out how a car accident lawyer can help you if you are involved in a Turo car accident.

Common Causes of Turo Car Accidents

According to traffic data from the California Highway Patrol, there are more than 1,500 car accidents per day in California. Given the increasing popularity of Turo, many of these accidents involve a Turo rental car or other rented vehicle. Most car accidents are caused by driver error, which can include the following:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Running red lights or stop signs 
• Reckless driving
• Impaired driving

On rare occasions, a faulty vehicle part or road defect may cause an accident. For anyone driving a Turo vehicle or lending their car out, it’s important to follow all traffic safety laws, obey the speed limit, and avoid distractions. 

Steps to Take After a Turo Car Accident

If you get into an accident with Turo, there are some steps you should take to protect yourself and your rights.

1. Move the vehicle off the road, if possible. Turn on the hazard lights and make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 if there are any injuries or if the accident is serious. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report.
2. Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, phone number, license plate number, insurance information, and driver’s license number. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles and the accident scene. Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident.
3. Contact Turo roadside assistance. Report the accident to Turo within 24 hours. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim and arranging roadside assistance. You can reach them at 1-888-391-0460 or through the app.
4. Document everything. Keep receipts of any expenses related to the accident, such as towing fees, repair costs, medical bills, or rental car charges. Write down the details of the accident, such as the date, time, location, weather conditions, and witnesses. Save any communication with Turo, the other driver, or their insurance company.
5. Contact a car accident lawyer. If you have been injured or suffered significant losses in the accident, you may need legal representation to get the compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney can help you negotiate with Turo and the insurance companies, file a lawsuit if necessary, and protect your rights. 

Who Is Liable for a Turo Accident?

Since California is an at-fault state, whoever is at fault for the accident is liable for all injuries and damages. In a normal scenario, you would file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But what if a Turo driver caused the accident? Do you file a claim with Turo, the driver, or the car owner?

If the Turo Renter/Driver Is At Fault

If a Turo driver caused the accident, you may file a claim with the driver’s personal auto insurance or Turo’s insurance if their own car insurance has been exhausted. Unlike traditional car rental companies, Turo does not provide its own insurance coverage for its users. Instead, it offers optional protection plans that users can purchase when they book a car.

There are three levels of protection plans for drivers: Premier, Standard, and Minimum. Each plan provides different levels of liability insurance, physical damage protection, and deductible amounts. All plans are secondary to the driver’s personal insurance. The Premier plan provides up to $750,000 in third-party liability insurance coverage and covers physical damage up to the actual cash value of the car with no deductible. The Standard plan provides the state minimum liability insurance with a $500 deductible. The Minimum plan provides state minimum liability insurance only with a $3,000 deductible. Turo’s insurance protection does not offer coverage for medical expenses (Personal Injury Protection) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

If the Turo Car Owner/Host Is At Fault

The Turo car owner may be held liable if they failed to maintain their vehicle or warn the renter about a defect or safety issue. In this case, the renter would be able to file a negligence claim against the car owner for damages stemming from the accident and injuries.

Turo offers hosts the option to purchase various protection plans, which all include liability coverage up to $750,000. The car owner’s personal insurance coverage would not apply here because most plans void coverage when the owner shares their car through a peer-to-peer car sharing platform.

If Another Driver Is At Fault

If you rented a Turo vehicle and got into an accident, you may be able to claim compensation from a third party who caused the crash, such as another driver. This is the usual process for filing a claim against the liable party, and their personal auto insurance should cover your damages. 

Contact a Turo Accident Attorney in Orange County

Turo and rental car accidents can be confusing to navigate and even more difficult to settle. Do not face the uphill battle alone. Our car accident lawyers in Orange County have handled numerous rental car accident cases, and have obtained maximum compensation for injuries sustained in the collisions. We offer a completely free case evaluation to begin the process. Call The Law Offices of Daniel Kim at (800) 719-9779 today.