Insurance & Trip Protection Basics
How marketplace protection plans usually work for guests — and what to ask your own insurer.
General information only. This is not insurance advice. Coverage terms, deductibles, and exclusions change. Read the plan documents at checkout and confirm details with your auto insurer or credit-card benefits administrator.
Protection plans vs. personal auto insurance
On many peer-to-peer trips, the marketplace offers tiered protection plans that guests select during booking. Higher tiers typically mean a lower damage deductible and more roadside support, at a higher daily cost.
Your personal auto policy may or may not extend to a car you do not own. Some policies exclude peer-to-peer rentals entirely. Call your insurer with the platform name and ask specifically about liability and physical damage when you rent from a private host.
What guests often compare at checkout
| Topic | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Deductible | What do I owe out of pocket if the car is damaged during my trip? |
| Liability | What bodily injury and property damage limits apply to third parties? |
| Exclusions | Are racing, off-roading, unauthorized drivers, or intoxicated driving excluded? |
| Roadside | Is towing, lockout, or flat tire help included in my selected tier? |
| Deposit hold | How much is authorized on my card, and when is it released after return? |
Credit card rental coverage
Some US credit cards include secondary (or occasionally primary) rental car coverage. Many card benefits were written for traditional agencies and may exclude peer-to-peer platforms. Read the guide to benefits PDF for your card and look for marketplace / car-share exclusions before you decline a platform protection plan.
Security deposits
A temporary authorization may appear on your payment method. It is not always the same as a charge. Deposits are commonly released after the host inspects the return, which can take several business days. Keep enough available credit so the hold does not disrupt other travel purchases.
If an incident happens
- Ensure everyone is safe and call emergency services if needed.
- Document the scene with photos and exchange information when appropriate.
- Report the incident in the app as soon as you can.
- Do not agree to informal cash settlements that skip the platform process.
- Save police report numbers and repair estimates.
For hosts
Host protection and guest plans are related but not identical. Owners should review how platform host coverage interacts with their personal policy, especially if the vehicle is used frequently for trips. Tell your insurer you list the car on a peer-to-peer marketplace.
Official Turo insurance contacts (US)
For questions about third-party liability insurance on US trips, Turo lists Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. Damage handling details and roadside numbers live in Turo Support. More company contacts: Contact.
Review current protection options inside a real booking flow before you travel.
Open Turo Renter tips