Turo and Airbnb | How to Rent your Vehicle on Airbnb

Imagine turning your unused car into an attractive amenity. If you’re familiar with Airbnb, you already know how it’s transformed the way we travel and stay in new places. But did you know you can apply the same concept to your vehicle? 

Turo: The Airbnb for Cars

Turo, the "Airbnb for cars," lets travelers find the perfect ride – from stylish sports cars to reliable sedans – right alongside their comfortable Airbnb stay.

Just like Airbnb, Turo allows guests to select the type of car, rental dates, features and amenities they need, eliminating the hassle of traditional car rentals and creating a smoother travel experience. This means happier guests who can explore the city or wherever they're headed, boosting the appeal of your Airbnb listing.

Turo operates in the US, Australia, France and the UK. Across Canada, Turo's available in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.

Why Turo Makes Sense for Airbnb Hosts

Think about the possibilities of offering not just a place to stay, but also providing wheels for your guests. Here’s why it makes sense:

• Attract more guests - Offering car rentals as an extra perk makes your Airbnb more attractive. Guests flying in or relying on public transport will love having a car on hand, boosting your bookings.

• Boost revenue - Turn your spare car into extra cash by setting competitive rates that suit you.

• Guest convenience - Make life easier for your guests by letting them book both their stay and car rental in one shot. No more hunting for rental deals—it's all sorted in a snap.

• Flexible schedule - You have complete control over when your car is available. Block out days you need your own vehicle and make it available on days your Airbnb is unoccupied.

How does it work?

Turo connects local car owners to people who are in need of a vehicle in the area, which is a way to make money from a vehicle that might sit idle much of the time. All you have to do is create an account, register and list your car on Turo using their website or app.

Your listing will include photos, a description of the basic features and any extra-cost services like special pickup locations, plus ratings from other users.

As a Turo host, you can choose different plans to decide what percentage of the earnings you keep and what goes to Turo. Also, booking through the app or online lets you communicate directly with renters, keeping everything smooth and straightforward.

Things to Consider Before Listing on Turo

Insurance 

Turo offers protection plans but make sure you choose the coverage that makes you comfortable. Remember, your personal insurance policy might also need adjustments to allow peer-to-peer rentals.

Car maintenance

Keep your car in top shape to give renters a great experience. Regular servicing and a clean, presentable car make a big difference.

Exclusivity

Signing Turo's exclusivity agreement means that you cannot list your vehicles on other car-sharing platforms. This can be a disadvantage. Plus, failing to comply with the agreement may result in a fine or account closure.

Damage claims

Even though Turo offers insurance for your vehicle, you're given a short time frame to claim for damages. This means you'll have only 24 hours to report any damages. Make sure to inspect your car and take photos before and after each rental.

Interior wear and tear

Be realistic – renters will use your car and that means some interior wear and tear is inevitable. Some insurance plans might not cover everything, so factor this into your decision.

Guest communication

Clearly communicate rental details, pick-up/drop-off arrangements and any limitations in your listing. Guests might have questions – answer them promptly and provide clear instructions.

Renting Out Your Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Registering on Turo is pretty straightforward. Before you dive in, make sure your car is eligible for Turo. Motorcycles, passenger vans and non-highway vehicles are a no-go. Also, have your vehicle identification ready. 

Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Sign up

First, create a Turo account. Once that’s done, go to your Account page, tap “Get Approved to Drive,” and fill in the required info. Make sure you meet the age requirements:

• US, Australia, and Canada hosts: at least 21 years old.

• UK hosts: at least 18 years old.

You’ll also need a valid driver’s license.

Step 2: Meet the requirements

To list your car, you need to:

• Have a valid car insurance.

• Comply with local legal and insurance requirements in your region.

• Follow Turo’s Exclusivity policy (US and Australia hosts only).

• Complete Turo’s host orientation if required.

Step 3: Get permissions

If you’re leasing or financing your car, check your lease or financing documents to confirm you can list your vehicle on Turo.

• UK hosts: Get permission from your lessor.

• Australia hosts: Notify your Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance carrier about your plans to list on Turo.

Step 4: Create your listing

Gather all the necessary info for your car listing:

• Car’s license plate number, make, model, year and VIN (except for Australia and the UK).

• Include at least 10 clear, well-lit, high-resolution photos showcasing the car's exterior from all angles and highlighting any unique interior features.

• Highlight what makes your car great and why guests will love it. Don’t include any fees or restrictions not supported by Turo.

Making the Decision: Is Turo The Right Fit For You?

So, if you find yourself with a car that's more parked than driven and you're comfortable with a little extra responsibility, then listing your car on Turo can be a smart way to turn it into a money-maker. It's relatively straightforward.

Don't forget, strategically pairing your Turo listing with an Airbnb can unlock even greater earning potential by attracting travelers who need both a place to stay and a set of wheels. 

FAQs

1. Can I rent my car on Airbnb directly?

Airbnb doesn’t support vehicle rentals directly but you can use Turo and mention it in your Airbnb listing.

2. What types of vehicles are eligible on Turo?

Turo accepts various types of vehicles except motorcycles, passenger vans and non-highway vehicles.

3. How are payments handled on Turo?

Turo processes payments within three days for the first ride and three hours for subsequent rides, with earnings available via direct deposit. 

In the UK, payments go through Stripe. It takes 5-7 days to process the first payment and about three business days after that. For trips longer than a week, you'll get weekly partial payments.

4. What should I do if my car gets damaged?

Report any damages within 24 hours and follow Turo’s claims process for insurance coverage.

5. Can I list my vehicle on multiple car-sharing platforms?

If you opt for Turo’s insurance plans, their exclusivity agreement prevents you from listing your vehicle on other platforms.