What is Turo? Here’s how the car rental process unfolds on the app

Snow covered vehicles sit in a rental car parking lot at the O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. Wind chill warning is in effect as dangerous cold conditions continue in the Chicago area. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Turo allows people to rent cars directly from local hosts, offering a range of options from everyday vehicles to luxury rides, with flexible pickup and delivery methods. However, a recent tragedy in New Orleans has brought the platform into focus.

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On New Year’s Day, a pickup truck drove through a crowd in the French Quarter, killing 10 people. KPRC 2 Investigates uncovered that the truck was listed on Turo and had ties to a Pasadena dealership.

A Turo spokesperson shared this statement with KPRC 2 after the incident:

We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families. We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents. We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in risk management, thanks to our world-class trust and safety technologies and teams that include experienced former law enforcement professionals.

In this article, we’ll explain how the Turo rental process works and how this truck could have possibly ended up in the hands of the person involved in the deadly incident.

Here’s a detailed guide to understanding how the process works.

Step 1: Searching for a vehicle

The first step to renting a car on Turo is to find a vehicle that fits your needs. Begin by entering your desired dates and location into Turo’s search tool. You can then refine your options using filters such as:

  • Vehicle type: From sedans and SUVs to specialty models like electric cars or convertibles.
  • Mileage options: Filter for cars offering unlimited mileage if your trip involves extensive driving.
  • Price range: Narrow down options that fit your budget.

Each listing includes photos, details about the car, and reviews from past renters, giving you transparency about the vehicle you’re considering.

Step 2: Booking and pickup options

After selecting a car, review the host’s pickup and delivery options. Turo allows for multiple methods to access the vehicle:

  • Delivery: Many hosts offer delivery to airports, hotels, or other specified locations. Some charge a fee, while others offer this service for free.
  • Local pickup: Meet the host at a designated location, such as their home or a parking lot.
  • Remote access: Some hosts provide options like lockboxes or app-based unlocking for contactless pickup.

Coordinating these details with the host ensures clarity and convenience.

RELATED: Driver ‘hellbent on carnage’ kills 10, injures 30 in New Orleans on New Year’s Day

Step 3: Completing the booking process

To book a car, users must meet Turo’s requirements:

  • Be at least 18-years-old in the U.S. (age requirements vary in other countries).
  • Hold a valid driver’s license.
  • Get approved to drive on Turo by providing personal information during account creation.

Turo also offers protection plans, which you can choose during booking. Options like Premier, Standard, or Minimum provide varying levels of coverage, ensuring renters are protected in case of accidents or damages.

Step 4: Picking up the vehicle

On the day of the rental, follow the instructions provided by your host to access the vehicle. There are three common pickup methods:

  1. In-Person handoffs: The host meets you at the agreed location to hand over the keys.
  2. Lockbox access: Retrieve the keys using a code sent by the host.
  3. App-Based unlocking: Some vehicles allow you to unlock and access the car through the Turo app or the manufacturer’s app.

Before driving away, renters are advised to take photos of the car’s condition and note any existing damages. This step is essential for documentation and ensures accountability for both parties.

During your trip, it’s crucial to adhere to the terms of your booking. Pay attention to mileage limits if you haven’t selected unlimited mileage and ensure that any agreed-upon rules are followed.

Step 5: Returning the car

At the end of your rental period, return the vehicle in the agreed condition. This typically includes:

  • Filling the tank back up
  • Cleaning the car, as some hosts may expect it to be returned tidy.
  • Following the host’s instructions for drop-off, which could involve meeting in person or leaving the car at a designated location.

Other things to know about renting on Turo

  • Cancellation policies: Turo allows free cancellations up to 24 hours before the trip starts, though terms may vary for short-notice bookings.
  • Insurance: Turo’s protection plans cover renters for liability and damages, but personal insurance may also apply if you have it.
  • Additional drivers: You can add other drivers at no extra cost, provided they create a Turo account and meet the approval criteria.

About the Author
Jyesha Johnson headshot

Jyesha Johnson, a Mississippi Delta girl who swapped small-town newsrooms for big-city screens at Houston’s KPRC 2, is all about telling stories—whether it’s on the web, social media, or over a good meal. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her outside soaking up nature or hunting down the best food spots.