Hit by Someone Driving a Turo: Now What?

Peer-to-peer car sharing platforms like Turo offer many benefits, including a wider range of possible pick-up locations and the ability to choose the exact type of vehicle you want rather than simply choosing a class and being assigned one of several possible models. In some cases, renting through Turo is less expensive, but you shouldn’t assume that will always be the case. 

Whether you’re renting a Turo, renting out your vehicle through Turo, or have been involved in an accident with a Turo driver, you should know how insurance coverage works and what is and is not covered. Unfortunately, that’s not always easy to know in advance, because it differs from state to state and perhaps under other circumstances. Turo’s website says you will see the coverage offered for a specific trip when you reserve your car. 

There are some constants, though. 

Liability Coverage through Turo

The most important question for someone hit by a Turo driver is what liability coverage is available. Turo provides liability coverage for every trip, but that coverage varies depending on the state. The coverage is the minimum coverage required by the state. Massachusetts doesn’t require special coverage for a Turo the way it does for rideshare companies, so those requirements are low

Turo also requires hosts (the vehicle owners) to carry their own liability coverage, but many policies exclude coverage for peer-to-peer rental drivers. Similarly, a guest (the person renting the Turo) may be covered by their own auto insurance–but often not. You’ll want to check with your own insurance carrier before renting. Turo’s insurance is secondary except in a handful of states that require it to be primary.

A Turo guest may purchase supplemental liability insurance when renting through Turo, in amounts up to $300,000. But that insurance coverage is optional and is last in line, kicking in only after Turo’s state-minimum coverage is exhausted.

In short, it may not be immediately obvious whose insurance coverage applies if you’re hit by a Turo driver, and the coverage amounts may vary and may be fairly low. 

Options for People Injured by Turo Drivers

A driver who injures you through their own negligence is typically liable for your injuries, regardless of this complex web of insurance coverages. As a practical matter, though, receiving compensation is often dependent on insurance coverage, simply because the responsible party may not have the resources to pay damages. 

If you’ve been involved in an accident you believe was caused by a Turo driver, you should contact a Massachusetts car accident attorney right away. Your attorney can untangle the available insurance coverage, and can also assess whether they may be additional responsible parties. 

As with any other car accident case, third parties may have contributed to the accident. Some common examples include: 

• The Turo host (vehicle owner), if the accident was caused in whole or part by faulty vehicle maintenance
• Another driver on the road, if their actions contributed to causing the accident–even if their vehicle didn’t make contact
• The entity responsible for road maintenance, if debris or other road conditions that should have been fixed contributed to the accident

Damages after a Turo Accident

The damages available after being hit by a Turo driver are similar to those after any car accident injury, and are different in every case. Some of the most common types of damages include: 

• Reimbursement for medical costs caused by the accident and compensation for anticipated future crash-related medical expenses
• Compensation for lost wages due to the accident, including any impairment of future earning capacity
• Non-economic damages, such as compensation for pain and suffering

Your car accident lawyer is the best source of information about damages that may be available in your case.

Turo Risks for Guests and Hosts

While this post is primarily focused on compensation available to people injured by Turo drivers, there are pitfalls for both guests and hosts as well. If you’re renting a Turo or offering your vehicle, make sure you have a clear understanding of your rights and liabilities. 

For example, a Turo guest is typically responsible for any damage to the vehicle while it is in their possession, regardless of whether they were at fault. Guests can purchase coverage through Turo, but it is typically subject to deductibles and perhaps claim processing fees. 

Talk to a Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident with someone driving a Turo, you probably have no idea who to make a claim with or how much insurance coverage may be available. You can’t expect the insurance companies to help. Working with an experienced local car accident lawyer from the beginning can reduce stress, take the burden of potentially dealing with multiple insurance carriers off your shoulders, protect you against insurance company tactics designed to reduce your recovery and help ensure that you’ve identified all responsible parties. 

At The Broderick Law Firm, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to make sure you have the information you need. You can schedule yours now by calling 978-459-3085 or filling out our contact form.