Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, like Airbnb for cars, allowing people to rent vehicles directly from private owners. If you sustain injuries in a Turo carshare accident, understand that liability and insurance coverage are unlikely to follow the same rules as traditional car accidents, making it critical to identify all responsible parties and available insurance coverage.

At Curtis Legal Group, our car wreck attorneys have experience dealing with Turo carshare accidents in Modesto. We are familiar with the Turo platform’s coverage and how it interacts with personal auto insurance.

How State Law Treats Turo Drivers, Renters, and Third Parties

Passenger vehicles must meet at least the minimum insurance requirements set by the Financial Responsibility Law under California Vehicle Code § 16500, which is $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage.

Turo qualifies as a personal vehicle-sharing program under California Insurance Code § 11580.24(c). The minimum liability insurance a sharing program must carry is set at $45,000 for bodily injury to one person, $90,000 for bodily injury to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage.

If you sustain injuries in a collision with a vehicle listed on the Turo car-sharing service in Modesto, recovering damages often begins with the renter’s personal policy (if any), then the Turo‑provided liability insurance. This layering means your legal review must identify each responsible party: renter, host, platform, and the platform’s insurance obligations.

Turo Accidents Differ From Standard Car Insurance Claims

Unlike a standard car rental, the Turo model involves a private owner (the host) and a renter, with the platform supplying excess liability coverage. Turo’s coverage is typically secondary to the renter’s personal auto policy. Moreover, Turo’s terms specify that the renter is financially responsible for all physical damage to the vehicle, regardless of fault.

If the at‑fault party was driving a Turo vehicle, you cannot assume the same procedures apply as a regular rental car. You must verify whose insurance activates first, what the limits are, and whether exclusions apply.

The Hidden Risks of Relying on Turo’s Insurance Coverage

Turo’s insurance often lists high maximums ($750,000 for third‑party liability), but limitations apply. If the renter’s personal policy declines to cover the rental use, or if the host’s insurance excludes peer‑to‑peer use, the injured party can face coverage gaps.

In our experience as Modesto vehicle-sharing crash attorneys, Turo generally denies liability unless vehicle defects or policy violations exist.

When Is a Turo Host or Renter Personally Liable for Your Injuries?

If a host failed to maintain the vehicle, knowingly allowed an unqualified renter, or rented a car for commercial use in violation of Turo’s terms, personal liability can extend beyond the platform’s policy. In other words, the host can bear liability if there is negligence in maintenance or poor supervision that contributed to the risk.

What Happens if the Other Driver Was in a Turo Car?

If the at‑fault driver in your Modesto car accident was driving a Turo vehicle, you should first seek recovery from that driver’s personal liability insurance. If their insurer refuses to cover because of a peer‑to‑peer exclusion, you might then turn to Turo’s insurance. It is crucial to report the crash to the Modesto Police Department and document the vehicle’s status as a Turo car-sharing rental. Report the collision to Turo within 24 hours and retain all your booking details.

Retain a Modesto Lawyer To File a Claim After a Turo Carshare Crash

At Curtis Legal Group, our legal team brings more than 100 years of combined experience resolving injury cases. Our firm has achieved significant recoveries, such as a $160,000 car accident recovery and a $500,000 auto accident settlement.

We have extensive experience dealing with complex claims, such as Turo carshare accidents in Modesto. Contact us now to schedule a free case review.