Who is Turo’s Biggest Competitor?
Turo’s biggest competitor is Getaround, perating in multiple cities including Los Angeles, Boston, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Atlanta, San Francisco, San Diego, Miami, and Chicago. It offers a wide range of vehicle types, including environmentally-friendly cars.
Similar to Turo, Getaround allows you to find and rent cars in your local area, and both the renter and the car owner have the option to cancel the trip for free up to 24 hours before the trip’s start time.
This flexibility and range of options make Getaround a strong alternative to Turo.
Turo Alternatives for Hosts and Renters
Let’s help you understand other car rental options that you might want to consider when looking for a car sharing company other than Turo.
- Getaround
- eGo CarShare
- Hui Car Share
- Gig Car Share
- Hagerty DriveShare
- Lyft Rentals
- Uber Rent
- Zipcar
1. Getaround
Getaround stands out as a highly popular car rental service with over 200,000 members. Here’s how it operates:
- For Guests: Those in need of a rental can easily find and book cars in their vicinity using the Getaround app or website.
- For Hosts: Car owners can rent out their vehicles on Getaround by creating a listing and setting their rates for hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rentals.
A key convenience of Getaround is the ability to pick up the car without meeting the host. Cars can be collected from parking garages or other agreed-upon locations. Access to the vehicle is facilitated through a mobile app connected via Bluetooth, allowing for a seamless start to your journey.
Why Choose Getaround Over Turo?
Getaround’s flexibility is a major advantage, particularly its hourly rental option. This feature is ideal for those who need a car for shorter periods, allowing for cost savings by renting only for the necessary duration.
Suggested: Turo vs Getaround: What are the similarities and differences?
2. eGo CarShare
eGo CarShare, operating mainly in Colorado, began in 1997 and now serves over six major cities including Denver and Boulder. Here’s how it functions:
- For Renters: Easily locate nearby rental cars using the eGo CarShare app or website.
- For Car Owners: List your vehicle on the platform, set an hourly rate, and manage payments directly through the app.
Unique to eGo CarShare is its status as a nonprofit organization, particularly focused on serving the Boulder County area. The service offers a diverse fleet of over 50 vehicles, with the flexibility to rent for as little as 15 minutes.
Why Opt for eGo CarShare Over Turo?
A standout feature of eGo CarShare is its provision of electric cars for rent. This makes it an appealing choice for those aiming to minimize their environmental footprint or those interested in experiencing an eco-friendly vehicle.
3. Hui Car Share
Hui Car Share operates in various parts of Hawaii, including Kakaako, downtown Honolulu, and Waikiki Beach. Launched in 2018, it caters to both locals and tourists.
How Hui Car Share Works:
- For Renters: Use the company’s app to select and rent a car.
- Car Return Policy: The vehicle must be returned to the same location where it was picked up.
- Insurance Coverage: Hui provides liability insurance, with coverage of $20,000 per person for bodily injury, up to a total of $40,000. In case of an accident, there is a $1,000 deductible.
- Additional Benefits: Renting with Hui comes with no extra taxes, free gas promotions, 24/7 roadside assistance, and unlimited mileage, perfect for exploring Hawaii.
Advantages of Hui Car Share Over Turo
A major benefit of Hui Car Share is the relaxed gas policy. You’re only required to return the car with at least a quarter tank of gas, offering more convenience compared to the usual requirement of a full tank.
4. Gig Car Share
Gig Car Share is a car-sharing service operating in the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Sacramento. Managed by the renowned AAA organization, it stands out for its free membership model, where you pay only when using a Gig vehicle.
How Gig Car Share Works:
- For Renters: Find and book available cars in your area via the Gig Car Share app or website.
- Pick-up and Drop-off Zones: Gig operates with ‘HomeZones’ where vehicles are picked up and dropped off. You’re only required to return the car to the same HomeZone, not the exact pickup spot.
- Vehicle Access: Unlock your chosen car using Bluetooth technology on your smartphone.
- Insurance and Assistance: Gig provides driver insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Why Choose Gig Car Share Over Turo
A standout feature of Gig Car Share is the ability to reserve a car up to 30 minutes in advance. This makes Gig an ideal option for spontaneous needs or urgent situations where you require a car quickly.
5. Hagerty DriveShare
Hagerty DriveShare specializes in offering classic and exotic cars for rent, providing a distinctive experience for car enthusiasts who want to share their collection and earn from it.
How Hagerty DriveShare Works:
- For Renters: Browse and book available classic and exotic cars through Hagerty’s app.
- Reservation Details: After booking, you’ll receive an email with all necessary details, including pickup time and location, mileage limits, and insurance information.
- Return Policy: Return the car to the same location from where it was picked up.
- Fuel Policy: You’re responsible for refueling the car after use.
- Insurance and Assistance: Hagerty provides a $1 million liability insurance policy covering both drivers and passengers, plus 24/7 roadside assistance for emergencies like tire changes and fuel delivery.
Why Choose Hagerty DriveShare Over Turo
Hagerty DriveShare stands out because it allows you to drive some of the world’s most stunning classic and exotic cars. Additionally, it offers chauffeured rentals, making it perfect for special occasions where you can enjoy a memorable evening being driven around in a classic car.
6. Lyft Rentals
Lyft Rentals, provided by the well-known Lyft rideshare company, is an excellent option for those needing a car for a brief period.
How Lyft Rentals Works:
- Booking: Secure your rental car either through the Lyft app or the company’s website.
- Return Policy: Simply return the car to the same location from where it was picked up.
- Vehicle Selection: Choose from a variety of vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and premium models like BMWs and Teslas.
- Payment: Rentals are paid for with a valid credit card, and you don’t need to be an existing Lyft customer to rent.
Why Choose Lyft Rentals Over Turo
Lyft Rentals differentiates itself with complimentary add-ons to enhance the rental experience. These free optional extras include USB phone chargers, child seats, ski racks, and the convenience of adding extra drivers to your trip without additional fees.
7. Uber Rent
Uber Rent, a service from the widely-used Uber rideshare company, provides car rentals through established third-party companies like Dollar, Hertz, and Avis.
How Uber Rent Works:
- Booking: Reserve your rental car via the Uber app.
- Age and License Requirements: Renters must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
- Payment: Pay for your rental at the desk when you pick up the car.
- Uber Ride Discount: Receive a discount on your regular Uber ride to the rental vehicle pick-up location.
Why Choose Uber Rent Over Turo
Uber Rent stands out due to its flexibility, with no blackout dates or restrictions on rental periods. It’s accessible even to those who aren’t Uber customers. The service offers a wide range of car options, including luxury vehicles and SUVs.
Additionally, customers benefit from 24/7 customer support and roadside assistance. Another advantage is competitive pricing, thanks to partnerships with large, well-known car rental companies.
8. Zipcar
Zipcar is a long-standing membership-based car rental service, operating for over 15 years, specializing in hourly or daily rentals.
How Zipcar Works:
- Membership: To use the service, sign up for a Zipcar membership, choosing between a $7 monthly or $70 annual fee.
- Sign-Up Process: Register online in approximately five minutes, with a $25 application fee.
- Booking: Book rentals through Zipcar’s website or mobile app.
- Charges: Pay based on usage, not mileage, with gas and insurance included in the cost.
- Refueling: A gas card in the visor is provided for easy refueling.
Why Zipcar is a Preferred Alternative to Turo:
- Rental Flexibility: Offers the convenience of renting by the hour or day, tailored for short-term needs.
- One-Way Rental Model: Pick up a Zipcar at one location and drop it off at another, great for longer journeys.
- UberEats Collaboration: Specifically beneficial for UberEats drivers, allowing them to rent a Zipcar as needed, with the vehicle details integrated into the Uber app for delivery sessions.
Is Turo Cheaper Than Renting?
Turo can be cheaper than traditional car rentals in some cases, especially when considering factors like the type of vehicle and insurance costs.
While luxury cars or SUVs on Turo may not always be the cheapest, the platform’s variety of vehicles often leads to competitive pricing. Owners set their own prices, and those with older models may offer lower rates to attract renters.
Turo’s insurance options, including the Premium coverage for under $10, can provide significant savings on items like liability coverage, potentially making it a more cost-effective choice than standard rental companies
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Turo isn’t the only option on the car sharing block. Several Turo alternatives exist and each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Try out one or two from the above list and see if you find your new favorite way to take trips.
