If you’re like me, you had absolutely no idea what Turo was until very recently, when people started talking about it more frequently. When I first heard the word “Turo,” I didn’t know if people were talking about the latest streaming app or using a new slang word I hadn’t heard of before. However, it turns out that Turo is a car rental option that differs from traditional agencies in a pretty significant way.
Turo operates on a peer-to-peer car-sharing model, where individuals rent out their personal vehicles for use over a selected range of dates. Hertz, on the other hand, is a traditional rental company with a large fleet of vehicles available to meet an individual’s needs and preferences. Understanding the fundamental differences between the business models of the two companies is the first step in making an informed decision as to which offers the better experience for you. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental to replace a car damaged in a Jackson accident or you want to rent a cool sports car for a special occasion, there’s an opportunity out there.
What’s the Rental Experience Like With Turo and Hertz?
Your rental experience with Turo will look very different than if you went with Hertz. Turo’s car-sharing approach requires you to communicate closely with the owner of the vehicle you’re renting. Your pick-up and dropoff locations will be negotiated by you and the owner of the vehicle. You’re able to book a car through Turo’s website or app. Should any issues arise before or during your trip, online customer support is available to assist.
Hertz offers the consistency of an established corporate structure with physical office locations and a more standardized customer service model. You can also easily book a car online with Hertz, but in-person assistance is also available if you prefer a more hands-on human touch.
Which Rental Option Gives You the Best Value?
Pricing and fees can vary significantly between the two platforms. In many cases, you’ll find that Turo offers very competitive base prices on rentals, since individual owners decide how much to charge for their vehicle on a daily basis. However, your rental costs may go up if you elect to add other options to your rental experience. Turo offers various protection packages and convenience and gear add-ons for your convenience. Mileage limits can also be more restrictive on Turo.
Hertz’s pricing is generally more standardized, but you may find yourself paying more than you expected when you factor in the costs of insurance and other optional add-ons. You should also consider the deposit and refund policies for both options before making a decision on which to go with.
Vehicle Selection and Availability
Vehicle selection and availability are key factors to consider. Turo boasts a near-infinite range of vehicles, from economy cars to expensive sports cars, depending on your local market. If you need an SUV for a family roadtrip or you want to try out a sports car you’ve always had your eyes on, Turo can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. You can rent from Turo knowing that vehicles are expected to adhere to safety standards, although enforcement of these standards is up to the platform’s discretion.
Hertz offers a more limited fleet of vehicles to choose from, with a less diverse selection of vehicles within each car category than Turo. Customization options like specific features, colors, or styles are generally less guaranteed with Hertz, whereas you can be as discerning as you like when it comes to choosing a Turo rental. Hertz generally has physical locations in airports and major cities, where Turo can be more available in remote areas.
Insurance, Liability, and Peace of Mind
In the worst-case scenario of a collision, you don’t want to be footing a massive repair bill for the car you were driving or other vehicles damaged in the crash. Before choosing between Turo and Hertz, make sure you understand how your personal car insurance covers you (or doesn’t!) in the event of a wreck. Hertz offers supplemental insurance plans to cover damages to you, your passenger(s), your rental vehicle, and other motor vehicles in the event of a collision.
Turo trips come with complimentary liability coverage, so if you cause an accident that damages other vehicles or harms other people, you will not find yourself footing their medical or repair bills. However, you may be on the hook for damages to your rental vehicle. There are protection plans you can add to your trip through the Turo app that limit how much you would need to pay out-of-pocket for damages you cause. Review the fine print of each coverage option to ensure you know exactly what you are liable for.
Choosing Between Hertz and Turo
Ultimately, choosing between Turo and Hertz should come down to what you’re looking for in a rental vehicle. If you’re looking for the best possible value or have a specific make, model, and year in mind, Turo might be an ideal fit if you’re willing to be more flexible in terms of the pick-up and drop-off instructions. If convenience, speed, and consistent service are what you’re looking for, you might be better off selecting Hertz. Before making your choice, check out recent user reviews for both platforms and the individual Turo host you’re considering renting from. We hope this guide helps you experience a hassle-free rental experience the next time you need a car!