What is a Commercial Host?
There are two kinds of hosts on Turo: peer-to-peer hosts and Commercial Hosts. If you book a trip with a peer-to-peer host, you’ll have the option to purchase a protection plan available via Turo. If you book a trip with a Commercial Host, they’ll offer their own commercial rental liability insurance. Commercial Hosts are independent, rental car company hosts who list their vehicles on Turo’s platform. Some hosts in the United States, certain Canadian provinces, and the United Kingdom are Commercial Hosts. All hosts in all other countries or regions where Turo operates are Commercial Hosts. Commercial Host vehicles must meet all Turo vehicle eligibility requirements, with the exception of vehicle value limits. Commercial Host listings on turo.com have the label: “Commercial Host. This vehicle belongs to a Commercial Host, an independent car rental company.” The listing also displays the host’s name as the insurance provider for the trip.
How does insurance and protection work with Commercial Hosts?
A Commercial Host may or may not require you to have personal insurance. Check the vehicle listing to see if the host lists this as a requirement. The listing should also make clear whether the vehicle price includes the cost of insurance or if it’s a separate charge you’ll pay the host outside of Turo. Many Commercial Hosts offer a collision damage waiver as an Extra that you can buy when you book your trip. If insurance is separate, you’ll confirm with your host the cost and when and how you’ll pay for coverage.
Since you’ll buy or receive liability insurance directly from a Commercial Host, you’ll work with them and their insurer if you’re involved in an accident or damage the vehicle. Turo won’t handle the claims process. If you’re in an accident or the car breaks down, you’ll coordinate roadside assistance directly with your host. Turo-provided roadside assistance isn’t available to guests traveling in a car that belongs to a Commercial Host.
What requirements and fees can Commercial Hosts set?
Age requirements
US drivers under the age of 21 aren’t eligible to book with Commercial Hosts. Commercial Hosts may charge a separate fee or offer only certain vehicles to drivers under 25. Check the vehicle listing for any young driver fees.
Driver approval
Anyone who meets Turo’s general eligibility requirements can book a car with a Commercial Host, regardless of the car’s fair market value. But a Commercial Host may impose additional eligibility requirements and/or collect a security deposit from you if you book a high-value vehicle.
If you want to add a driver to your trip, contact your host for instructions how to do so. You can’t add a driver via the Turo platform. Your Commercial Host will cover any additional drivers they accept under their commercial rental insurance policy.
Fees, penalties, and costs
Commercial Hosts must disclose on the vehicle listing any additional fees, penalties, or costs they charge. These include but aren’t limited to, protection plans, CDW, mileage overages, smoking, cleaning, delivery, young driver, late/early returns, deposits (amount and type), and fuel replacement.
Payment exception
You may pay a Commercial Host directly for costs or services. Paying non-Commercial Hosts outside of Turo for any service or cost is a violation of our gray market transaction policy.
Reimbursement requests
Commercial Hosts may contact you to request reimbursement for post-trip costs. Turo doesn’t request or collect these reimbursements. You’ll make all payments directly to your host outside the Turo platform.