What Happens If You Have a Car Accident in a Turo Rental? Does Your Personal Insurance Cover You?
Renting a car through Turo offers flexibility, but understanding your insurance coverage in the event of an accident is essential, especially in Texas. Whether you’re a Houston resident or visiting the city, navigating Turo’s protection plans and your personal insurance can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know about liability, property damage, and injuries after a Turo rental accident.
Turo Protection Plans Explained (As of January 2025)
Turo provides optional protection plans tailored to limit renters’ financial responsibility in accidents. Plans range from the Premier Plan, which covers 100% of physical damage with no out-of-pocket costs, to the Minimum Plan, which caps your liability at $3,000. If you decline Turo’s protection, you assume full financial responsibility for all damages and injuries, with coverage limited to the minimum liability required by Texas law.
The plans include liability insurance, but coverage is often secondary to your personal insurance (except in New York). However, many personal auto insurance policies in Texas don’t cover peer-to-peer rentals like Turo, leaving renters vulnerable if they decline Turo’s protection.
Insurance Coverage After a Turo Accident in Houston
Property Damage
If you’re involved in an accident while driving a Turo rental in Houston, your financial responsibility depends on the protection plan you selected:
- Premier Plan: Covers all physical damage costs.
- Standard Plan: Limits out-of-pocket expenses to $500.
- Minimum Plan: Caps costs at $3,000.
- No Plan: You’re responsible for 100% of the repair or replacement costs, including administrative fees.
For damages to the other party’s vehicle, liability coverage under Turo’s plan meets Texas minimum requirements but may be secondary to your own policy. If you rely solely on personal insurance, confirm it includes peer-to-peer rental coverage.
Injuries
Turo’s plans provide liability coverage for injuries to third parties. In Texas, this liability coverage meets the state’s minimum requirements but may not be enough in severe accidents. If you have personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage through your personal auto insurance, it may extend to Turo rentals, covering medical costs for you and your passengers.
For renters without Turo’s protection or personal insurance coverage, injuries can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs. Supplemental liability protection is available for up to $300,000, which may be worth considering.
Steps to Take After a Turo Accident in Houston
If you’re in an accident while driving a Turo rental in Houston:
- Ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 if needed.
- Document the scene with photos and gather information from other parties involved.
- Report the accident to Turo and your insurance provider immediately.
- Seek legal guidance if there are disputes about fault, significant injuries, or inadequate insurance coverage.
Protect Yourself When Renting Through Turo
To avoid financial hardship after an accident:
- Consider choosing a Turo protection plan that limits your liability.
- Verify whether your Texas auto insurance policy covers Turo rentals.
- For added security, explore supplemental liability protection options.
When to Seek Legal Help
Houston drivers involved in Turo rental accidents often face complex insurance issues. Whether you’re dealing with property damage, injuries, or disputes over liability, the Adley Law Firm can help. We specialize in guiding clients through the legal process, ensuring they understand their rights and receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us help you navigate the challenges of Turo accidents and secure the best possible outcome.