How Turo Protection Works in Australia

Understanding Turo protection is crucial before your first trip. Here's everything you need to know about protection plans and coverage in Australia.

Turo Protection Plans Overview

Turo offers three protection plan levels for renters in Australia. You choose your level when booking.

Premier Protection

• Cost: Highest daily fee ($25-40/day)
• Excess: $500 only
• Coverage: Damage, loss, third-party liability
• Best for: Peace of mind, expensive vehicles, inexperienced drivers

Standard Protection

• Cost: Medium daily fee ($15-25/day)
• Excess: $1,500
• Coverage: Damage, loss, third-party liability
• Best for: Most renters, good balance

Minimum Protection

• Cost: Lowest daily fee ($10-15/day)
• Excess: $3,000
• Coverage: Damage, loss, third-party liability
• Best for: Confident drivers, cheaper vehicles

What's Covered

Physical Damage

• Collision damage to vehicle
• Vandalism and malicious damage
• Weather-related damage (hail, storms)
• Fire damage

Loss Coverage

• Complete vehicle loss
• Loss of vehicle parts
• Break-in damage

Third-Party Liability

• Coverage: Up to $20 million
• Includes: Other vehicles, property, injuries
• Required by law: In Australia

What's NOT Covered

• Wear and tear
• Pre-existing damage
• Tire and wheel damage (usually separate)
• Interior damage from pets (without permission)
• Damage from prohibited use
• Driving under influence
• Unlisted drivers
• Off-road use (unless specified)
• Intentional damage

How the Excess Works

Example Scenario

Situation: Minor accident causes $2,000 damage

• Premier ($500 excess): You pay $500, protection covers $1,500
• Standard ($1,500 excess): You pay $1,500, protection covers $500
• Minimum ($3,000 excess): You pay full $2,000

High-Value Vehicles

Luxury and exotic cars may have higher excess amounts regardless of protection plan.

Claims Process

If Damage Occurs

1. Document immediately: Take photos and videos
2. Report in app: Use Turo app to report damage
3. Contact host: Inform them right away
4. File claim: Within 24 hours of trip end
5. Police report: Required for loss or hit-and-run

What Happens Next

1. Turo reviews claim and evidence
2. Repair quotes obtained
3. Excess charged to your card
4. Repairs authorized and completed
5. Host compensated by Turo

Declining Coverage

When You Can Decline

Only if you have:

• Comprehensive car cover with rental coverage
• Credit card rental car protection
• Commercial rental car protection

Risks of Declining

• You're fully liable for all damage
• No coverage for loss
• Must prove other protection covers peer-to-peer
• Host may not accept booking

Not Recommended For

• First-time renters
• High-value vehicles
• Long trips
• Interstate travel

Using Your Own Cover

Personal Car Cover

Most personal car policurance does NOT cover rental vehicles, especially peer-to-peer rentals. Check with your provider.

Credit Card Protection

• Some cards offer rental car protection
• Usually requires declining all other coverage
• May not cover peer-to-peer platforms
• Often has exclusions (luxury cars, certain countries)
• Always verify before declining Turo coverage

Tips for Minimizing Risk

Before Trip

• Choose appropriate protection level
• Document pre-existing damage thoroughly
• Take photos/video of entire vehicle
• Note odometer, fuel level, cleanliness
• Test all features before leaving

During Trip

• Drive defensively
• Park in safe, well-lit areas
• Keep vehicle locked always
• Don't leave valuables visible
• Follow all traffic laws
• Avoid off-road driving unless specified

At Return

• Return at agreed time
• Clean interior
• Refuel to same level
• Take return photos
• Do walk-around with host if possible

Common Protection Questions

Am I covered for interstate travel?

Yes, all protection plans cover travel within Australia.

What about accidents that aren't my fault?

You're still responsible for the excess. You can pursue the at-fault party separately.

Does protection cover additional drivers?

Only if they're listed on the booking and approved.

What if I extend my trip?

Protection continues at the same level if you extend through app.

Cost Comparison: 3-Day Trip

$100/day Vehicle

• Premier: $105 (protection plan cost)
• Standard: $60
• Minimum: $45
• Declined: $0 (but full risk)

Which to Choose?

• New drivers: Premier
• Most people: Standard
• Experienced, confident: Minimum
• Have comprehensive coverage: Consider declining (verify first)