Understanding Turo Fees and Charges: Complete Guide

Understand exactly what you're paying when you book a Turo car. Here's a complete breakdown of all fees and charges.

Main Cost Components

1. Daily Vehicle Rate

Set by the host. Varies based on:

• Vehicle type and age
• Location and demand
• Season and events
• Length of rental

Typical Ranges:

• Economy: $35-60/day
• Mid-size: $60-90/day
• SUV: $80-150/day
• Luxury: $150-400/day

2. Trip Fee

Charged by Turo for platform use

• Rate: Usually 10-20% of trip cost
• Varies by: Trip length, vehicle price, location
• Covers: Protection, customer support, platform

3. Protection Plan

Your choice of coverage level:

• Minimum: $10-15/day, $3000 excess
• Standard: $15-25/day, $1500 excess
• Premier: $25-40/day, $500 excess
• Decline: $0/day, full liability

Optional Fees

Young Driver Fee

• Age: Under 25 years old
• Cost: $10-30 per day extra
• Varies: By vehicle and host
• Waived: Some hosts don't charge

Delivery Fee

• If offered: Host delivers car to you
• Cost: $20-100 depending on distance
• Convenience: Airport, home, hotel delivery

Additional Driver Fee

• Cost: $5-15 per day per driver
• Required: Any additional drivers must be listed
• Same requirements: License, age restrictions apply

Usage-Based Charges

Excess Kilometers

• Included: Most trips include 200-300km/day
• Over limit: $0.30-0.60 per extra km
• Unlimited: Some vehicles offer unlimited kms

Late Return Fee

• Grace period: Usually 30-60 minutes
• Fee structure: Hourly rate (typically daily rate ÷ 5)
• Full day: Charged if more than 3 hours late

Tolls

• Responsibility: Guest pays all tolls
• E-tags: Some vehicles have transponders
• Billing: Added to trip total after

Fuel Charges

• Policy: Usually "same as received"
• If not refueled: Host charges for fuel + $30 service fee
• Best practice: Refuel before return

Potential Extra Charges

Cleaning Fee

• Normal use: No charge
• Excessive dirt: $50-150
• Stains/smells: $100-300
• Professional detail: Up to $500

Smoking Fee

• Violation: Smoking in no-smoking vehicle
• Charge: $200-500 for cleaning
• Policy: Strictly enforced

Pet Cleaning

• Unauthorized pet: $100-300
• Pet-friendly vehicles: Usually no extra charge
• Excessive hair: Additional cleaning fee

Damage Charges

• Minor: Under excess, you pay
• Major: Protection plan covers after excess
• Assessment: Based on photos and repair quotes

Example Cost Breakdown

3-Day Weekend Trip - Economy Car

• Daily rate: $45 × 3 days = $135
• Standard protection: $20 × 3 = $60
• Trip fee (15%): $20
• Tolls: $12
• Fuel: $40
• Total: $267

3-Day Weekend Trip - SUV

• Daily rate: $110 × 3 days = $330
• Premier protection: $35 × 3 = $105
• Trip fee (12%): $40
• Delivery: $50
• Tolls: $12
• Fuel: $80
• Total: $617

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Trip fee: Not always shown prominently
• Protection plan math: Can double trip cost
• Mileage limits: Check your distance needs
• Airport parking: If picking up from host's airport spot
• Cancellation fees: Depends on policy

How to Save Money

• Book in advance for better rates
• Choose longer trips (weekly discounts)
• Select economy or mid-size vehicles
• Pick minimum protection if confident
• Avoid young driver fees (if possible)
• Skip delivery, meet host
• Refuel yourself before return
• Return on time
• Keep car clean

Payment Schedule

1. Booking: Authorization hold placed
2. 2 days before: Trip cost charged
3. During trip: Additional charges if applicable
4. After return: Final adjustments (tolls, damages, etc.)