Turo Car Rental Review: Our First-Hand Experience

Traveling the U.S. means we’re always on the lookout for flexible and affordable ways to get around, especially when we want to explore somewhere new at our own pace. Over the years, we’ve rented cars through Turo several times, including in four different states. 

Now that we have extensive experience with Turo, I’m here to show you how it measures up with traditional car rental companies. Read on for our first-hand Turo review.

What is Turo?

Turo is a car-sharing platform that connects you with local car owners looking to rent out their vehicles. Think of it like Airbnb–but for cars.

Instead of going to a traditional rental company, you book directly from individual owners through the Turo platform. This often offers more options, flexibility, and sometimes even better prices. You can find anything from budget-friendly sedans to luxury SUV’s.

How Does Turo Work?

First, you’ll head to the Turo website or app to browse available cars in your area or destination, just like you would for a hotel room or vacation rental. Once you find one that fits your needs (perhaps a minivan for a family trip or a fun convertible for a special getaway), you can book it for the dates you want.

After the booking is confirmed, you’ll arrange a pickup with the owner. Some even offer delivery to airports or specific locations for added convenience.

When your trip ends, you’ll drop off the car as arranged and complete the return through the app. It’s a straightforward, personal approach to car rental, with the flexibility you crave when traveling.

Should You Use Turo Car Rental?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time renter, I believe Turo could be a good option for your future car rental needs.

The Benefits of Using Turo

• Support a Local Family: As Airbnb hosts, we understand the value of renting though a local family vs. padding the pockets of a large corporation.
  
• Lower Cost: While we can’t guarantee this in every situation, in each of our Turo rental experiences, we have found a quality vehicle for less cost than a traditional car rental company. That means more money in our vacation budget to spend on other activities or excursions!
  
• Unparalleled Convenience: Skip the long lines and paperwork associated with other rental companies. Each time we have rented from Turo, our car has been right there waiting in a convenient location, ready exactly when we needed it.
  
• Variety of Vehicle Options: You can find everything from budget-friendly compact cars to roomy SUVs, to luxury vehicles. There’s something for every kind of trip and travel style.
• Carseat Availability: Many hosts offer carseats of all sizes, which can be installed for you before pick up. On our last trip we walked right out of the airport, straight to our rental car, and opened it to find the three carseats we requested already installed with bottles of water in the cup holders. Those of you with young kids know what a relief this is!
  
• Easy Booking Process: The booking process through the app is user-friendly and takes just minutes to complete.

The Drawbacks of Using Turo

• Limited Availability in Some Areas: Turo isn’t always widely available in rural or less-traveled areas, so you might not find many options if you’re heading somewhere off the beaten path.
  
• Vehicle Condition Varies: Since you’re renting from individuals, the car’s condition can vary more than with a traditional rental company. While most hosts are great about upkeep, it’s still good to review ratings to safeguard against careless hosts.

The Turo App

The Turo app makes finding and renting a car super convenient, right from your phone. Filters let you narrow down options by type, price, or specific features like all-wheel drive or extra seating for families.

Once you book, the app keeps all the details–like pickup instructions, communication with the host, and trip duration–in one place, making it easy to manage.

You’ll also get reminders for pickup and drop-off times so you you never miss a step. The in-app messaging allows for quick, direct communication with the car owner if you have any questions.

All in all, the Turo app streamlines the whole rental process making it a flexible and user-friendly choice for travelers on the go.

Turo Rental Insurance: How it Works

To book on Turo, you don’t need your own insurance. Your trip will include legal liability protection or liability insurance.

Read more from Turo about their guest insurance.

My Top Tip for Renting on Turo

Read the reviews! I always recommend renting from experienced hosts with high ratings. Just like with Airbnb, choosing a top-rated Turo host with great communication can make all the difference, giving you a much better chance at a smooth, first-class experience.

The Bottom Line

I believe using Turo can truly enhance your travel experience. Imagine driving a Bronco through the mountains or cruising up the coast in a vintage convertible–these kind of memorable moments can make a trip that much more special.

By choosing a vehicle that suits your family’s needs and vibe, you’re not just getting from point A to B; you’re adding an exciting layer to your journey.

So whether you’re planning a family trip or a short couples getaway, consider Turo to help you navigate your travels conveniently and easily.

If you try it out, contact us and share your own Turo review! We always love to hear from you.

Share: