5 Things Every Turo Guest MUST Know

Summary

In this video, a seasoned Turo host shares essential tips for first-time guests to avoid bad experiences with rogue hosts. Covering topics such as the importance of taking detailed photos before and after your rental, understanding Turo’s fee structure, and knowing your rights as a guest, the video offers practical advice to protect yourself on the platform. The host emphasizes being cautious about smoking in cars, understanding mileage overage fees, and always reading the Turo terms of service. Whether you're new to Turo or have had bad experiences in the past, these tips will help ensure a smoother and safer rental experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always take photos of the car before and after your rental. This is your proof of the car's condition and will protect you in case of disputes.
• 😀 Be cautious about smoking in the car or bringing anything that could leave a smoke smell. Hosts can charge a hefty fee if they detect smoking odors.
• 😀 Hosts can only charge for specific things like late returns, fuel, overage miles, smoking, and pet-related cleaning. They cannot charge for things like aggressive driving or excessive wear and tear outside of a damage claim.
• 😀 You are not required to clean the car before returning it, but don't leave it trashed. Hosts should handle cleaning, but be respectful to avoid unnecessary charges.
• 😀 If you go over your mileage allowance, check if extending the rental is cheaper than paying the overage fee. Sometimes, extending the trip is more affordable.
• 😀 Familiarize yourself with the Turo terms of service to understand your rights and responsibilities as a guest. This helps protect you from rogue hosts.
• 😀 Turo hosts are allowed to charge a smoking fee if they find evidence of smoking in the car, but this is often subjective depending on the smell or items in the car.
• 😀 Avoid carrying items that might carry a smoke smell into the car, as this could lead to unnecessary smoking charges even if you didn’t smoke in the car.
• 😀 Turo’s mileage allowances increase as you add more days to your rental, so always check how much mileage you're allocated for the trip.
• 😀 Don’t pay fees that seem unreasonable or outside Turo’s guidelines. If you believe a host is overcharging you, report them to Turo for not following the platform's rules.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video regarding Turo hosts and guests?

The video addresses the challenges that Turo guests face when dealing with bad Turo hosts. It explains how bad hosts can negatively impact the overall experience, leaving guests feeling scammed and reluctant to use the platform again.

Why is taking photos of the car before and after the rental important for guests?

Taking photos before and after the rental is essential because it serves as proof in case of disputes, such as claims of damage, smoking, or overage fees. The photos act as insurance for the guest, ensuring they have evidence to support their claims.

What are the potential consequences for guests if they don't take photos of the car?

If guests don't take photos, they risk being held responsible for damages or issues that may have occurred before or during their rental. Without evidence, the guest's word may not hold up, leaving them vulnerable to unfair charges.

What is the smoking policy in Turo rentals and how can it impact guests?

Turo hosts can charge a $250 smoking fee if there is evidence of smoking in the car, but guests need to be aware that even the scent of smoke can lead to charges. To avoid this, guests should refrain from smoking or carrying items that may leave a lingering odor.

Can Turo hosts charge for anything they want, or are there limitations?

No, Turo hosts cannot charge guests for anything outside the Turo terms of service. Hosts are allowed to charge for specific things like late returns, fuel, cleaning (in the case of smoking or pets), damage claims, and tolls, but not for things like aggressive driving or excessive wear and tear.

What should a guest do if a host tries to charge for something outside of the Turo terms of service?

Guests should not pay for charges that fall outside the Turo terms of service and should report the host to Turo. It's important to know the rules so guests can protect themselves from unfair charges.

Are guests required to clean the car before returning it?

Guests are not required to clean the car before returning it, but they should not leave it in an excessively dirty state. Normal wear and tear is expected, but guests should be respectful and not leave the car trashed.

How should guests handle mileage overage fees on Turo?

If a guest exceeds the allotted mileage, they will be charged a fee per extra mile. However, guests can sometimes save money by extending their rental instead of paying the overage fee. In some cases, extending the trip is more affordable than paying for additional mileage.

What advice does the host give about reading Turo’s terms of service?

The host emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding Turo’s terms of service. Guests should familiarize themselves with the platform’s rules to protect themselves from unfair treatment and scams by rogue hosts.

What role do Turo hosts play in the guest experience on the platform?

While many Turo hosts offer great experiences, some bad hosts can significantly tarnish the reputation of the platform. Good hosts provide excellent service and respect for guests, while bad hosts exploit or scam guests, making it crucial for guests to be cautious.