Introduction to Turo Car Rental
Imagine hitting the open road in a stylish convertible or cruising through city streets in a sleek sedan, all without the hassle of traditional rental companies. Enter Turo, the revolutionary car-sharing service that’s changing how we rent cars. Turo allows you to rent vehicles directly from their owners, offering an array of options that cater to every taste and budget. Turo hosts are actually the owners of the car. Some even treat this as a business. It’s like Airbnb, but for cars, and it’s quickly gaining popularity among travel enthusiasts, budget travelers, and anyone looking for a unique rental experience.
In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience with Turo, including the pros and cons, practical tips for users, and comparisons with traditional car rental services. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the world of car sharing, you’ll find valuable insights to help you decide if Turo is the right choice for your next adventure.
My Personal Experience with Turo
I recently embarked on a trip to Myrtle Beach and decided to give Turo a try. The booking process was remarkably straightforward. After creating an account, I was able to browse through a variety of vehicles available in my area. From luxury SUVs to economical compacts, the selection was impressive. Each listing provided detailed information about the vehicle, including photos, user reviews, and pricing. This was perfect for a family trip but is also a great option if you need a car for the day because your car broke down. Another thing that makes sense is renting a car on Turo as a test drive to see if you like that vehicle type. There are usually Tesla cars available, which is neat if you want to try one out for a day, or a trip.
First thing when you sign up you will have to put your driver's license number and other personal information, and you will be approved by Turo after that. They want to make sure that you have a clean driving record. Be sure to sign up in advance, before you need the rental, just to make sure you will be approved in time for you to rent the vehicle. Mine took less than 24 hours, but I am sure at times it could take longer. Customer service can easily be reached on the Turo App if needed, as well as the Turo host or owner.
I was able to choose an SUV that was located only 4 miles away from me. This was perfect for my needs. 3 of us were traveling to the beach and we needed room for all our luggage. The vehicle was clean and well taken care of. Since the location was so close it was easy for a friend to drop me off and pick me up from the vehicle owner's house. I booked it on the app, which you need to have downloaded to use during the trip, and paid via credit card on the app.
If there are extras you need, you can ask for them at the time of booking the vehicle. For example, a navigational unit or car seat. These are options that can be added, if need be, to a rental.
In the detailed information on the vehicle, it stated that 1,000 miles were included in the trip, and it was .25 cent per mile after that. (My round trip was only around 500, so I knew I would be fine). The Turo host has a tracker in the car that allows the vehicle to be tracked in case it was stolen and a camera installed in the dash that recorded video while driving. This is a good idea for insurance purposes. All of these options were perfect for my trip, and I did not object at all.
When picking up the vehicle I was met outside and given the keys. I just had to show my driver's license, which I had to provide a picture of, and a picture of myself on the Turo app. I can see where this is a good idea, so they know it's the same person picking up the car that rented it on the app.
I loved having the app, and the owner will send you messages. If you have questions, it was easy to get in contact with the owner via the app. It was like I was sending a text message.
At the end of my trip, the owner contacted me and told me he would not be there at the time of drop off but told me where the lock box was to place the keys. You have to check out on the app, and it will ask for pictures of any issues or damages. You can also at this time review the pictures that are already posted. He also said to make sure it was full of gas at the time of drop off and to clean it out. I didn't have to vacuum, but I had to make sure I didn't leave any trash. This is totally acceptable in my opinion.
I had to post a picture of a little piece of rubber that came off on the floorboard of the driver's side. This was just from normal wear and tear. I messaged the owner about it also, so he was aware of the issue, but it was not due to an accident or anything like that, normal wear and tear you are not responsible for during the rental.
Overall, this was a great experience. I had looked forward to driving a Mazda SUV, as a future purchase for a car in the future as I am wanting an SUV, and this was the perfect opportunity to see how they drive or ride for a few days. Plus, the added benefit of being able to haul all of us easily with our luggage. This is something that my 2-door car could not have done easily.
I had great service from my Turo host, he was friendly and helpful when we messaged.
Ease of Booking
Booking a car on Turo felt almost too easy. Within minutes, I found a comfortable midsize sedan that suited my needs. The owner was responsive, answering my questions promptly and confirming the booking. The app's interface was intuitive, making the entire process seamless. For first time users, play around on the website and look at cars that are available. I am not a tech savvy person, (even though I have a website and blog, lol) and I was not intimidated by using this app the first time. The good experience and ease of use is why I have used it 2 more times.
Selection of Vehicles
One of the standout features of Turo is the diverse range of vehicles available. Unlike traditional rental companies with a limited fleet, Turo offers everything from everyday rides to exotic cars. This variety allowed me to choose a car that perfectly matched my preferences and budget. In the Charlotte NC area, there are tons of local hosts and any type of car you need. Some local hosts have vintage cars or luxury cars too. These will cost you more, but if it is something you are interested in, it is a neat option.
You will notice that each car will have a different exact cost due to the type of car. The owner picks the prices. You will need to have the exact rental dates, pick up times, and drop-off times before you select the car, just to make sure the vehicle is available when you need it. You will notice if you are flying into a new city that an extraordinary selection of vehicles will be located in the airport parking lot or near the airport.
The Rental Process
Picking up the car was a breeze. I arranged to meet the owner at a convenient location, and he handed over the keys after a quick walkthrough. The car was clean and well-maintained, living up to the description in the listing. Returning the vehicle was equally hassle-free, with clear instructions provided by the owner.
If you book early enough some Turo hosts give deals for early booking, or booking more than 1 day, so be aware of those when selecting a car. You will also see star hosts, where the rental is rated with stars and tells you reviews right on the app. You will see exact charges on your card on Turo’s app, or Turo’s website, and the price of insurance included if you purchased insurance with Turo.
My Trip to Myrtle Beach Review
Driving around Myrtle Beach in my rented SUV was an absolute joy. The car performed flawlessly, and I appreciated the personalized touch of renting from a local owner. The flexibility of Turo allowed me to explore at my own pace, without worrying about strict return policies or hidden fees. Here’s a brief review of my trip:
The car was fuel-efficient, saving me money on gas.
I enjoyed the convenience of a local pick-up and drop-off location.
The personalized service from the car owner added a unique touch to my travel experience.
Pros and Cons of Using Turo
Like any service, Turo has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced assessment based on my experience:
Pros
Cost Savings: Turo often offers competitive pricing compared to traditional rental companies. You can find great deals, especially for long-term rentals. I saved $100 on this rental for a 5-day trip, compared to renting a car with Enterprise located near my house.
Flexibility: With a wide range of vehicles and flexible pick-up/drop-off options, Turo caters to various needs and preferences.
Unique Selection: From high-end luxury cars to quirky classics, Turo’s diverse selection stands out.
Cons
Variable Quality: The quality of vehicles can vary since they are owned by individuals. Always check reviews and ratings before booking.
Insurance Complications: Understanding insurance coverage on Turo can be complex. It’s essential to know your options and choose wisely.
Limited Availability: In some areas, the selection of vehicles may be limited, especially during peak travel seasons.
Tips for Turo Users
To make the most of your Turo experience, consider these practical tips:
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Read Reviews: Always read user reviews and check ratings for both the vehicle and the owner. You will see good reviews as well as bad reviews. I always choose a rental with a high star review rating.
Consider Your Needs: Think about your trip’s purpose and choose a car that fits your needs, whether it's a fuel-efficient compact or a spacious SUV.
Last minute rentals: This can be more expensive, but for some rentals it is not that way at all. But renting last minute might hurt the selection availability to you.
Understanding Insurance
Know Your Coverage: Verify what your personal car insurance covers. Many policies don’t extend to car-sharing services like Turo.
Opt for Turo Insurance: Turo offers tiered insurance plans that provide varying levels of coverage. Choose a plan that offers peace of mind.
Best Practices for a Smooth Rental
Communicate Clearly: Maintain open communication with the car owner. Confirm pick-up and drop-off details in advance.
Inspect the Vehicle: Conduct a thorough inspection of the car before and after your rental to avoid disputes.
Comparisons with Traditional Car Rental Services
How does Turo stack up against traditional car rental services? Here are a few key comparisons:
Cost
Turo: Often more affordable, especially for longer rentals. You can find budget-friendly options that suit various price points.
Traditional Rentals: Prices can be higher, with additional fees for insurance and extras.
Convenience
Turo: Flexible pick-up and drop-off locations, often more convenient than airport rental desks. Convenient car pick ups close to your house also.
Traditional Rentals: Location is usually limited to rental offices, which may require additional transportation.
Customer Experience
Turo: Personalized service from individual owners. Ratings and reviews help ensure quality. Turo customer support is easy to contact on the app.
Traditional Rentals: Standardized service, but experiences can vary based on the rental company.
Turo Car Rental Reviews
To provide a broader perspective, I gathered insights from other Turo users. Here’s what they had to say on the Turo car rental reviews.
Positive Experiences
Jane from New York: “Turo allowed me to rent a beautiful convertible for my beach vacation at a fraction of the cost. The owner was friendly and helpful.”
Mark from California: “I loved the variety of cars available. Renting a Tesla for the weekend was a dream come true.”
Negative Experiences
Lisa from Texas: “The car I rented wasn’t as clean as I expected. It’s crucial to read reviews and choose highly-rated owners.”
Sam from Florida: “I had some issues with insurance coverage. Make sure you understand the terms before renting.”
Should You Buy Insurance on Turo?
Insurance can be a bit of a gray area when it comes to Turo. Here’s why it’s essential to consider purchasing Turo’s insurance:
Why Buy Turo Insurance?
Coverage Gaps: Most personal car insurance policies don’t cover car-sharing rentals like Turo, even if they cover traditional rental cars.
Peace of Mind: Turo offers various insurance plans, from basic coverage to premium protection. This can save you from unexpected expenses in case of damage or accidents.
Legal Requirements: Depending on your location, having adequate insurance coverage may be legally required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Turo offers a unique and flexible alternative to traditional car rental services. With cost savings for the budget traveler, a wide selection of vehicles, reliable cars, and personalized service, it’s an excellent option for travel enthusiasts and budget-conscious travelers. However, it’s essential to understand the potential drawbacks and plan accordingly.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long road trip, Turo provides an exciting and convenient way to hit the road. If you’ve used Turo before, I’d love to hear about your experiences—share them in the comments below!
For those who haven’t tried Turo yet, give it a go and see how it transforms your travel adventures. They have a good reputation and are typically less expensive than traditional rental car companies. Happy travels!
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