TRUE STORIES OF TURO CAR RENTALS GONE WRONG
The Joyrider
A Turo host in California rented out their BMW to what seemed like a reliable customer. Instead, the renter used the car for drag racing, which resulted in blown tires and engine damage. The host was stuck dealing with costly repairs and found the insurance coverage inadequate for the full damages.
Stolen and Stripped
A Turo owner in Texas rented their new Toyota Camry to a renter who never returned the car. After filing a police report, the car was found abandoned several weeks later, completely stripped of its interior and engine. While Turo’s insurance covered some of the loss, the depreciation left the host in financial trouble.
Off-Road Nightmare
A renter in Colorado took a host’s Jeep Wrangler off-roading, despite the owner explicitly prohibiting it in the listing. The car was returned covered in mud with significant suspension and undercarriage damage. The host spent months disputing the claim with Turo and paid out-of-pocket for repairs.
Fake Documents, Real Problems
An Illinois host rented their Tesla Model 3 to a renter who provided fraudulent identification. The car was later found involved in a hit-and-run accident. The insurance claim process was lengthy, and the host had to cover legal expenses tied to the incident.
Mileage Fraud
A Turo host in Florida discovered that their Honda Accord was driven over 2,000 miles in a single weekend, far exceeding the agreed-upon mileage limit. The renter avoided paying the overage fee by disputing it, leaving the host with a heavily depreciated car and little recourse.
The Smoking Scandal
A renter in New York City returned a luxury Mercedes-Benz reeking of cigarette smoke, despite a strict no-smoking policy. The cleaning costs exceeded what Turo’s cleaning fee covered, and the host lost future bookings due to lingering odors.
Abandoned in Another State
A Nevada host rented their Toyota Prius to a renter who abandoned it in Arizona without notifying them. The car was found a week later with parking tickets and towing fees, which Turo only partially reimbursed. The host was left handling logistics and additional costs.
Fraudulent Repairs
A renter in Seattle claimed the car broke down during their trip and had it repaired at an unauthorized shop. They submitted fake repair receipts to Turo and tried to charge the host for over $1,000 in unnecessary repairs. The host spent months proving the car was tampered with.
Flooded and Forgotten
During a sudden storm in Miami, a renter parked a Turo host’s Ford Explorer in a flood-prone area. The car was returned water-damaged and non-drivable. While Turo covered some of the loss, the depreciation and downtime severely impacted the host’s earnings.