JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | June 18, 2025 | Personal Injury
Peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo have transformed California’s driving scene. Many California residents are choosing to rent out their personal vehicles or book rides through the Turo app.
While Turo offers convenience and flexibility, it also comes with insurance issues. If you’re a vehicle owner or a renter, it’s essential to understand how Turo’s insurance options compare to your own personal auto policy.
California Auto Insurance Requirements
In California, all drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance to legally operate a vehicle and provide coverage after a car crash. The state requires drivers to have the following minimum coverage limits:
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person
- $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $15,000 for property damage
These are often referred to as 30/60/15 coverage. Although these limits satisfy state legal requirements, they may not provide sufficient protection in a serious Turo accident. Many Turo drivers and renters opt for higher coverage limits.
Turo’s Insurance Options
Turo provides tiered insurance plans for vehicle hosts and renters. These plans offer different levels of protection based on the user’s preferences.
For vehicle owners, Touro provides the following plans:
- 60 plan: Get zero deductible coverage in exchange for lower earnings. Turo covers 100% of eligible damage costs with no out-of-pocket expenses, and you earn 60% of the trip price. Ideal for hosts seeking maximum peace of mind with minimal financial risk.
- 75 plan: Earn more while keeping a low $250 deductible. Turo covers 100% of eligible damage costs above the deductible, and you receive 75% of the trip price. A solid middle ground between income and protection.
- 80 plan: A balance between protection and profits. You’ll earn 80% of the trip price with a $750 deductible. Turo covers 100% of damage costs after the deductible is met. Great for hosts willing to take on moderate risk.
- 85 plan: Maximize earnings with a $1,625 deductible. You keep 85% of the trip price, and Turo pays eligible damage costs beyond the deductible. Suitable for experienced hosts comfortable assuming more risk.
- 90 plan: Highest earning potential with the highest deductible of $2,500. You earn 90% of the trip price, and Turo covers damage costs after the deductible. Best for hosts willing to take on significant financial responsibility in exchange for top earnings.
For renters, Touro offers slightly different coverages, including:
- Premier plan: Offers the highest level of protection. The primary guest pays no out-of-pocket costs for reported physical damage (excluding eligible mechanical or interior damage). However, the guest is still responsible for other trip-related costs (e.g., tolls, fuel).
- Standard plan: Limits the guest’s out-of-pocket responsibility for physical damage (excluding mechanical/interior damage) to $500. A $500 damage deposit is collected upfront and refunded if damages fall below that amount or are ineligible.
- Minimum plan: Sets the guest’s maximum out-of-pocket cost for physical damage (excluding mechanical/interior damage) at $3,000. A $500 or $3,000 deposit is required based on the severity of damage.
- Decline physical damage protection plan: The guest assumes full financial responsibility for any vehicle damage or loss. A damage deposit ($500 or $3,000) is required, but the guest must cover all repair or replacement costs, minus any insurance or salvage value.
Most standard personal auto insurance policies in California are not designed to cover vehicle rentals for commercial purposes. That means if you’re using your car on Turo or renting a car through the platform, your standard insurance may fall short.
Additional Considerations Regarding Touro and Personal Insurance
Before participating in Turo as a host or renter, compare coverage options carefully. The following factors will come into play as you consider coverage:
- Policy exclusions: Many insurers specifically exclude coverage for vehicles used in rental or commercial activities.
- Gaps in coverage: Even if your policy offers some protection, it may not fully cover damages or liabilities associated with Turo usage.
- Add-on options: Some insurers now offer special endorsements or add-on coverage for rideshare or rental car use. Speak with your provider to see if this is available.
- Liability limits: Turo’s plans often provide more robust liability limits than typical personal auto policies.
- Damage protection: Turo plans include optional protection for vehicle damage, something most personal policies exclude during rentals.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Each Turo plan has a different deductible, which can significantly impact what you owe after an accident claim.
- Compliance with California law: Regardless of which insurance you choose, it must meet California’s minimum liability requirements.
Navigating insurance through a platform like Turo can be confusing. Misunderstanding your coverage could leave you financially exposed in the event of an accident. If you’ve been involved in a Turo-related collision or are unsure about your rights under your policy, it’s smart to speak with a legal professional.
Contact the Encino Personal Injury Lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
