Does GEICO Cover Turo Rentals?

Navigating the world of car rentals and insurance can be a complex task. One question that often arises is whether GEICO, a leading insurance provider, covers rentals through Turo, a popular peer-to-peer car-sharing platform. The answer, unfortunately, is not straightforward and depends on various factors, including your location and the specifics of your policy.

GEICO’s Stance on Turo

GEICO does not generally cover Turo rentals. The company is against peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo and Getaround. It only covers you when you are driving the car and not when the vehicle is in commercial use. GEICO treats Turo similarly to ride-sharing platforms such as Uber, which are covered by personal auto insurance only when going to pick up a customer, and after the customer gets in, Uber provides coverage.

Coverage for Guests

The majority of insurance companies, including GEICO, do not regard Turo as a traditional rental company. Therefore, the insurance that covers you for car rentals may not extend to Turo. GEICO extends to rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, etc., but not a Turo car. The best option to get covered is to get a Turo protection plan.

Coverage for Hosts

For hosts, GEICO does not cover your car when you rent it out on the Turo platform. It will only cover it when you are driving. Your policy will cover a colleague who borrows your car but not when you rent it on Turo. This is because renting it is business use. GEICO does not cover the business use of your car unless you have a commercial policy.

Turo Insurance

Turo offers its own insurance through Travelers Excess and Surplus Line Company. For guests, you can choose between three protection plans which provide different levels of coverage: Premier, Standard, and Minimum. These protection plans cost a percentage of your total trip price.

For hosts, Turo offers five packages with varying levels of coverage and cost. The protection plans include liability insurance, physical damage reimbursement, and access to 24/7 road assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, most insurance companies, including GEICO, do not cover Turo unless you get special coverage (commercial). If you decline Turo’s protection plans, make sure your own auto policy limits are sufficient to cover you in case of any eventuality. Always consult with your insurance provider and read the terms of your policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.