Turo has grown as a popular peer-to-peer car rental platform, offering a convenient way for travelers and locals to access vehicles without traditional rental companies. While its flexibility is appealing, accidents involving Turo rentals introduce unique liability questions. If you’re involved in an accident with a Turo rental in Colorado, understanding how liability works is essential because we guarantee that there will be hurdles that you have never seen before. Here, we’ll explore the nuances of Turo’s insurance policies, potential scenarios, and how a Denver car accident attorney can help protect your rights.
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 really 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 CO?
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 Colorado state minimum of insurance, which is $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage. This coverage only applies if the Turo driver is at fault for the accident and injures someone or damages their property. It does not apply to any injuries that the Turo renter might have or any damage to the Turo vehicle.
Understanding Turo’s Insurance Policies
Turo provides a tiered insurance system for both vehicle owners and renters. The coverage depends on the protection plan selected by the owner and the renter, and the circumstances of the accident. Here’s how it breaks down:
Turo offers three levels of protection for renters: Premier, Standard, and Minimum. These plans cover liability up to $750,000 for third-party bodily injury or property damage. However, this coverage is secondary to the renter’s personal auto insurance, meaning your own policy may be required to cover damages first. The protection plan also determines the renter’s deductible for damage to the Turo vehicle itself.
Gaps in Coverage
While Turo’s insurance appears comprehensive, there are significant gaps. For example, renters and owners who decline Turo’s coverage or have insufficient personal insurance may be left vulnerable. Additionally, disputes often arise when multiple parties are involved, complicating the claims process.
How Claims Work in Common Turo Accident Scenarios
Liability in Turo accidents depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the crash and the coverage in place. Below are some common scenarios to help clarify how liability may be determined:
Scenario 1: A Turo Renter Causes an Accident
If a Turo renter is at fault, the other party will first look to see if that renter has his or her own insurance policy. Any insurance that the Turo vehicle carries is considered secondary.
Scenario 2: Another Driver Causes an Accident to a Turo Renter
When a third party is at fault, their auto insurance will be considered primary for cover the renter’s damages. If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage, Turo does not offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. But, in this situation, the Turo driver’s own uninsured motorist coverage may be a resource, if we can find coverage.
What Turo’s Policy Covers for Injuries and Damages
Turo provides a tiered protection system for both renters and vehicle owners, but the specifics of what their policies cover depend on the selected protection plan and the circumstances of the accident. Here’s a breakdown of what Turo’s policies generally cover:
For Renters
Turo offers three protection plans for renters: Premier, Standard, and Minimum. The level of coverage varies, but all plans focus on liability coverage for third-party injuries and property damage.
- Third-Party Liability Coverage: All protection plans include liability coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage, with limits up to $750,000. This coverage is secondary to your personal auto insurance, meaning your own policy will typically be the first to pay.
- Vehicle Damage to the Turo Rental: The plans also cover physical damage to the rented vehicle, with deductibles ranging from $500 to $3,000 depending on the selected protection plan.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Some plans may provide limited protection if the renter is injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Exclusions and Limitations
Turo’s policies have notable exclusions, which may leave renters or owners vulnerable:
- Intentional Misuse: Damage caused by reckless or intentional misuse of the vehicle is not covered.
- Off-Road Use: Damage from driving the vehicle off-road may be excluded unless the listing explicitly permits off-road use.
- Personal Belongings: Turo does not cover personal items damaged or lost in the vehicle.
- Driving Violations: If a renter is found to be in violation of Turo’s policies (e.g., allowing an unauthorized driver to operate the vehicle), coverage may be denied entirely.
What This Means for Injuries and Damages
Turo’s policies primarily protect third parties and provide supplemental coverage for renters and owners, but they rely heavily on personal insurance policies to fill gaps. For serious injuries, medical bills, or significant property damage, Turo’s coverage may be insufficient. In such cases, working with a Denver Turo accident attorney is essential to explore additional compensation options and ensure that all sources of recovery are utilized effectively.
Challenges in Turo Accident Claims
Turo accident claims can be more complicated than traditional car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties, policies, and companies. Some challenges include:
- Determining Coverage Priority: Disputes often arise about which policy is primary—Turo’s or the driver’s personal auto insurance.
- Policy Exclusions: Personal insurance policies often exclude coverage for peer-to-peer rentals, leaving gaps that may complicate your claim.
- Multiple Claimants: Accidents involving several vehicles can make liability and coverage disputes even more complex.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies may try to deny or minimize claims, especially when multiple policies are involved.
These challenges highlight why having a knowledgeable Denver Turo accident attorney on your side is invaluable.
Why Guidance From a Denver Turo Accident Attorney Matters
Navigating the aftermath of a Turo accident can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with multiple insurance providers and complex liability issues. An experienced attorney offers critical support in several ways:
- Understanding Insurance Policies: Attorneys can interpret the fine print of Turo’s protection plans and your personal insurance to identify all available coverage.
- Investigating Fault: Through evidence gathering, such as police reports and witness statements, a Denver Turo accident attorney can help establish liability and protect you from being unfairly blamed.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurers often prioritize minimizing payouts. An attorney negotiates on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
- Pursuing Additional Compensation Through a Personal Injury Case: If the insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your losses, an attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek additional compensation for damages like long-term medical expenses, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.
- Managing Deadlines: Colorado’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years.
Working with a legal expert allows you to focus on recovery while your Denver Turo accident attorney handles the complexities of your case.
Contact Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a Turo-related accident, Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® is here to help. We have handled auto accidents involving Turo rentals, so we understand the unique challenges these cases present. Our firm is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Making a Difference in the Lives of the People of Denver
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, we are here to help. As Denver Personal Injury Lawyers, you are our priority, we listen to your needs and provide individual attention from start to finish. Through persistence, experience, and legal expertise, we handle the insurance companies and medical providers so that you can focus on recovering.
For more information please contact us at Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today. We have five convenient locations in Denver and its surrounding areas to better serve you.
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®
1001 Bannock St #8
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 500-4878
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® | Arvada Office
5610 Ward Rd #300
Arvada, CO 80002
(720) 500-4878
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® | Aurora Office
3190 S Vaughn Way St #550
Aurora, CO 80014
(720) 500-4878
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® | Centennial Office
9200 E Mineral Ave #100
Centennial, CO 80112
(720) 500-4878
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® | Lakewood Office
355 S Teller St #200
Lakewood, CO 80226
(720) 500-4878
