Who’s Responsible After a Turo Accident? Breaking Down Liability

So, you’ve heard great things about Turo and are curious about using the platform yourself, but want to understand how liability works, right? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Turo is like the “Airbnb of cars,” letting people rent out their personal vehicles instead of going through a traditional rental company. Sounds simple enough, right? But here’s a tricky question: what happens if there’s a car accident in a Turo car? Who pays for the damages in a Turo accident? The renter, the host or Turo itself?

Let’s break it down.

Turo Renter Liability

If you’re the one renting a car through Turo and you cause a crash, chances are you’re on the hook. Just like driving your own vehicle, the driver of the car is usually responsible for damages if they’re at fault. Your own auto insurance may cover the accident, but not all insurers extend coverage to car-sharing platforms like Turo.
​
Renters can purchase a protection plan through Turo, which may include liability coverage and help with repair costs, but it comes with deductibles and limits. If you don’t have coverage, you could be personally liable for car accident injuries, property damage, and other costs. So, before you hit “book,” it’s worth checking both your personal policy and what Turo offers.

Turo Host Liability

What about the person who listed the car on Turo? Are they completely off the hook once someone else drives their car? Not always. If the accident occurred due to a mechanical issue—such as faulty brakes or worn-out tires—the host could be held liable.
​
Turo offers protection plans for car owners as well, but just like with renters, the coverage depends on the chosen plan. Higher coverage usually means lower earnings from the rental, so some hosts opt for less protection.
​
If a serious injury claim arises, the injured party may pursue the host for damages, especially if negligence is involved. This is what’s known as Turo host liability, and it can get complicated quickly.

Turo’s Role: Does the Platform Ever Pay?

Turo positions itself as a platform, not a rental company, which means it usually tries to avoid direct liability. Depending on the renter’s or host’s protection plan, Turo’s insurance coverage may apply. Now, let’s discuss the Turo accident claim process.

If you’re injured in a Turo accident, you may need to file a claim through both the driver’s insurance and Turo’s system to see where coverage applies. Turo’s liability protection typically only covers amounts up to certain limits, often just the state minimums, leaving accident victims to seek additional compensation elsewhere.

So while Turo accident insurance exists, it’s not as straightforward as coverage from a traditional rental company. Liability after such accidents depends on who was at fault and what insurance is in place. This is why having a legal professional who understands car accident laws in California is so important.

Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles?

So, who is liable in a Turo accident? It could be the renter, the host, or in some cases, Turo’s insurance. The answer really depends on the details of the crash and the type of coverage purchased. If you’ve been caught in the middle of a Turo car accident coverage dispute, don’t try to untangle it alone. Whether you’re a renter facing unexpected bills or a host worried about being sued, a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights.

However, keep in mind that filing a Turo accident injury claim requires an experienced attorney—and at Yepremyan Law Firm, that’s exactly what we offer. Our North Hollywood injury law firm has proudly served clients throughout Southern California since 1998, helping thousands of people recover millions of dollars in compensation. 

​If you need legal guidance, contact our firm to book your consultation. With 24/7 support, our attorneys offer free case evaluations for injured victims in need of immediate assistance. Call us today and let us know how we can help. Our car accident lawyer in North Hollywood works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters—no recovery, no fee. Your path to justice starts here.

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.