Turo, often referred to as the “Airbnb for cars,” has gained popularity as a peer-to-peer car rental platform. While it offers a unique and convenient way to rent vehicles, accidents involving Turo rentals can raise complex insurance questions. Understanding your rights and responsibilities in these situations is essential for navigating the aftermath of a Turo accident.
This guide explains what you need to know about Turo rental accidents in Florida, the steps to take after an incident, and how a Florida car accident attorney can help.
Whose Insurance is Primary? Mine or Turo’s?
If you have your own insurance and it covers the accident, it is primary. Turo’s insurance policies are secondary and should not be counted on to protect you.
Do You Need Car Insurance To Rent Through Turo?
No. But, if you don’t have car insurance of your own, you should consider buying Turo’s insurance protection options. If you decline Turo’s extra coverage, you are taking a big risk if there’s an accident. Turo does not mess around. As soon as you report an accident, we have seen them charge the renter $3,000 to their credit card as a hold until they finish their investigation.
Can You Use Your Own Car Insurance or Credit Card Insurance?
Maybe. But, before you rely on your own insurance or your credit card you should call your company and check. Turo has a big warning on its website that certain insurance companies do not provide coverage for peer to peer rentals, so do not assume that you are covered.
What Insurance is Turo Required to Provide in FL?
You need to read the fine print about what coverage Turo actually provides if you decline the extra coverage. It is only required to provide the Florida state minimum of insurance, which is $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for property damage.
What Makes Turo Accident Cases Unique?
Accidents involving Turo rentals are different from typical car accidents due to the platform’s peer-to-peer nature and the unique insurance arrangements provided by Turo. Unlike traditional rental companies, where liability and coverage are clearly outlined, Turo’s system involves private vehicle owners and varying insurance coverage options, which can complicate matters.
Turo’s Insurance Policies
Turo provides insurance coverage for renters and vehicle owners, but the level of coverage depends on the protection plan chosen at the time of the rental. These plans include:
- Basic Plan: Offers limited liability and minimal coverage for damage.
- Standard Plan: Provides moderate liability protection and covers most repair costs.
- Premier Plan: Offers the highest level of liability protection, covering up to $750,000 for third-party liability and full damage coverage for the rental car.
Vehicle owners also have their own coverage options, which affect what’s available in case of an accident. If the renter declines a Turo plan, their personal insurance will typically serve as the primary coverage.
Complexities in Turo Accidents
Because Turo involves private vehicle owners and renters, determining liability can be more challenging than in traditional car accident cases. Questions often arise, such as:
- Was the renter at fault, or did another driver cause the accident?
- What level of coverage was purchased?
- Does the vehicle owner’s insurance apply in addition to Turo’s coverage?
These variables make it essential to consult a Florida Turo accident attorney to understand your options and secure fair compensation.
Steps to Take After a Turo Rental Accident
If you’re involved in an accident while renting a vehicle through Turo, taking the right steps can protect your rights and strengthen your claim:
1. Ensure Safety and Call 911
Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident, as Florida law requires police involvement for crashes involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical documentation is also vital for your claim.
3. Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from all parties involved, including the Turo vehicle owner, other drivers, and witnesses.
4. Notify Turo
Report the accident to Turo as soon as possible. The platform requires prompt notification to process claims and determine which coverage applies. Keep a record of all correspondence.
5. Contact a Florida Turo Accident Attorney
An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities of Turo’s insurance policies and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Liability and Insurance in Turo Accidents
Determining liability and what insurance applies are critical in Turo accident cases, as it dictates who is responsible for damages and how claims are processed. Liability can involve multiple parties, including:
- The Renter: If the renter caused the accident they are liable. What insurance policy applies depends on whether the driver has his or her own insurance or purchased insurance through Turo.
- Another Driver: If another driver was at fault, their insurance is primary. Turo does not sell uninsured motorist coverage, so if the other driver does not have enough insurance, you will need to look at your own car insurance policy as a pot of last resort.
Each case is unique, and understanding these nuances requires the expertise of a Florida Turo accident attorney.
Filing a Claim After a Turo Rental Accident
Filing a claim after a Turo accident involves several steps, each of which can impact your ability to recover compensation:
1. Notify All Relevant Parties
Inform Turo, your personal insurance provider, and the insurance carrier for the at-fault party about the accident. Be prepared to provide documentation, including photos, police reports, and medical records.
2. Understand Turo’s Role
Turo’s involvement depends on the protection plan selected and whether personal insurance applies. For example:
- If you chose Turo’s Premier Plan, their coverage will address most liabilities.
- If you declined coverage, your personal insurance may serve as the primary source for claims.
3. Address Potential Disputes
In some cases, disputes arise over coverage limits, fault, or the extent of damages. A Florida Turo accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for your rights.
Challenges in Turo Accident Cases
Accidents involving Turo rentals often come with unique challenges that can complicate the claims process:
Insurance Coverage Gaps
If the renter declines Turo’s coverage and their personal insurance policy has limitations, gaps in coverage can leave victims struggling to recover compensation.
Liability Disputes
With multiple parties involved, determining fault is rarely straightforward. Vehicle owners may argue that the renter misused the car, while renters may claim that the owner failed to disclose mechanical defects.
Insufficient Compensation
Insurance companies, including Turo’s carriers, often attempt to minimize payouts. Without proper legal representation, victims may receive far less than they need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Navigating these obstacles requires the expertise of a Florida Turo accident attorney who understands the platform’s policies and Florida’s personal injury laws.
Types of Compensation Available in Turo Accident Cases
Victims of Turo rental accidents may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:
1. Medical Expenses
Compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
2. Lost Wages
Reimbursement for income lost due to injury-related time off work.
3. Pain and Suffering
Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
4. Property Damage
Compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement, as well as other damaged personal property.
5. Wrongful Death
If a loved one dies in a Turo accident, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
A Florida Turo accident attorney can evaluate your case to ensure all applicable damages are included in your claim.
Why Expert Guidance from an Attorney Matters
Dealing with the aftermath of a Turo accident can be overwhelming. The platform’s unique insurance policies, combined with Florida’s personal injury laws, make it essential to have expert legal representation.
Investigating Your Case
An attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and vehicle records. This comprehensive approach ensures no detail is overlooked.
Navigating Turo’s Insurance Policies
Understanding Turo’s tiered insurance coverage requires legal expertise. A skilled attorney can determine which policy applies and ensure you receive fair compensation, whether from Turo’s carriers or other parties involved.
Maximizing Compensation
A Florida Turo accident attorney will advocate for full compensation, including future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Handling Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. An attorney will negotiate on your behalf, using evidence and legal arguments to secure the compensation you deserve.
By working with a Florida Turo accident attorney, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the complexities of your case.
Contact Turo Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a Turo rental accident in Florida, our team is here to help. We are dedicated to securing fair compensation for accident victims.
Our firm understands the unique challenges of Turo accident cases, from navigating the platform’s insurance policies to addressing liability disputes. We’ve successfully represented clients in complex personal injury cases and are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case, explain your options, and answer any questions you may have. Whether you’ve suffered minor injuries or significant losses, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact McQuaid & Douglas today for your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery. Your road to justice starts here.
Award-Winning Attorneys at Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas
Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas are the team you need to win your personal injury case. We are committed to fighting for victims and their loved ones. We give our clients a voice in the legal system, provide them the opportunity to tell their stories, and fight tirelessly for justice.
For more information please contact us at Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today. We have three convenient locations in Pinellas County and Hillsborough County to better serve you.
St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas
5858 Central Ave suite a
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
(727) 381-2300
St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas – Downtown Office
136 4th St N #2233-A
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 381-2300
Riverview Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas
12953 US-301 #102a
Riverview, FL 33578
(813) 639-8111
