Are you over dealing with traditional car rental companies and their hidden fees? Turo, a peer-to-peer car sharing platform, might be the solution you've been waiting for. With a wide variety of vehicles to choose from and a more personalized experience, Turo has become a very popular alternative to conventional car rentals. This blog post will ensure that you are fully equipped with the knowledge to start with an account and get you hitting the road in style.
1. Creating a Turo Account
To get started with Turo, you'll first need to create an account. You can do this by visiting the Turo website (www.turo.com) or downloading the Turo app on your smartphone. When signing up, you'll need to provide basic information, such as your name, email address, and phone number.
2. Verify your Identity
To protect both car owners and renters, Turo requires you to verify your identity. After signing up, you'll be asked to submit a clear photo of your driver's license and a selfie. This process helps Turo ensure that you are who you say you are and have a valid license. In some cases, Turo may also require additional verification steps, such as submitting a utility bill or undergoing a credit check. This process is fairly quick and worth it.
3. Set up your Payment Method
Next, you'll need to add a payment method to your Turo account. This can be a credit card or debit card. Turo will use this information to process payments for your car rentals. Be sure to double-check that your payment information is correct to avoid any issues when booking a car.
4. Browse and Filter Available Cars
Once your account is set up, you can start browsing for cars. Turo's platform allows you to filter vehicles by location, price, make, model, and other features like transmission type, fuel type, or even color. You can also sort the results by various factors, such as distance from your location or user ratings. Be sure to read the descriptions and reviews carefully to ensure the car meets your needs and expectations. Turo is amazing because you can rent cars that are not usually available via traditional car rental companies. Some specialized vehicles include Jeeps, Broncos, vintage vehicles, and even exotic cars. There are even current year make and models that are on the platform.
5. Review Car Owner's Guidelines and Requirements
Before booking a car, make sure you carefully review the owner's guidelines and requirements. Some owners may have specific rules, such as no smoking in the car, or age and driving experience requirements. These rules are in place to protect both you and the car owner, so it's essential to respect them. Also, if you violate rules of the owner, Turo can ban your account or car owners will leave a bad review which can prevent future host to rent out their vehicle to you. There’s are Facebook groups dedicated to blacklisting Turo guest if a car owner have a horrible experience with a guest. You would want to stay far away from these pages and groups, so just respect the owner and their property.
6. Request to Book the Car
When you've found the perfect car, you can request to book it by selecting your desired dates and times. You'll also need to provide a brief message to the car owner, explaining the purpose of your trip. Once the owner approves your request, your booking will be confirmed, and your payment method will be charged. Turo has instant booking as well. This means you can book a vehicle without being approved by the owner.
7. Coordinate Pickup and Drop-off
After your booking is confirmed, you'll need to coordinate the pickup and drop-off of the vehicle with the owner. Some owners may offer delivery services for an additional fee, while others may require you to pick up the car at a specific location. Communication is key in this step, so be sure to keep the lines of communication open with the car owner. Most owners are pretty easy going and want to provide you with the best service. There could be certain nuances to your trip that is not clear cut, so if you communicate well, some hosts will be accomodating to your special needs.
8. Conduct a Pre-Trip Inspection
When you receive the car, conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection with the owner. Look for any pre-existing damage or issues and document them using the Turo app. This will protect you from being held responsible for any damage that occurred before your rental period. You are allowed to add inspection photos to the Turo app before taking off such as scratches or dings that were there before your trip to ensure owner is aware and for extra protection.
9. Enjoy your Rental and Drive Responsibly
Once you've completed the pre-trip inspection, it's time to hit the road and enjoy your Turo rental. Remember to drive responsibly and adhere to all local traffic laws. Keep in mind that you're driving someone else's car, so treat it with the same care and respect you would expect from someone borrowing your vehicle. Observe any specific rules or restrictions set by the car owner, such as mileage limits or prohibited uses. Turo’s messaging allows you to contact the owner at any point during your trip for any questions or concerns you may have. Turo also allows you to send photos to the owner. So If you need to know what type of gas to put in the vehicle, you can easily message the owner through the app or directly to their phone.
10. Refuel and Clean the Car Before Returning
Before returning the car to the owner, be sure to refuel it to the same level it was when you picked it up. You'll also want to clean the interior and exterior of the car to avoid any additional cleaning fees. This includes removing any trash, vacuuming the interior, and washing the exterior if necessary. Returning the car in good condition shows respect for the owner and helps ensure a positive experience for both parties. Although it is not required to get a car wash before returning the vehicle it’s a great gesture and will likely land you a 5-star rating.
11. Conduct a Post-Trip Inspection with the Owner
When it's time to return the car, meet with the owner to conduct a post-trip inspection. This is your opportunity to document any new damage or issues that may have occurred during your rental. Using the Turo app, you can take photos and provide a description of any problems. If there is damage or an issue, you and the owner will need to work with Turo to resolve the matter.
12. Leave a Review
After your trip, don't forget to leave a review for the car owner on the Turo platform. Reviews are an essential part of the Turo community, as they help future renters make informed decisions and provide valuable feedback to car owners. Be honest and detailed in your review, highlighting the positive aspects of your experience and any areas for improvement.
Turo is an excellent alternative to traditional car rentals, offering a more personalized experience and a diverse selection of vehicles to choose from. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying your first Turo rental. As you become more familiar with the platform, you'll find that it's a convenient and cost-effective way to rent cars for both leisure and business trips. Sign up for Turo today, and get ready to explore the open road in style!
