Turo vs. Getaround: What’s the Difference?

In a world dominated by ridesharing and rental car mega-corporations, two players have entered the market with a creative combination of established business models: privately-owned cars for rent.

This is like a short-term rental platform like Airbnb — but for cars. Whether you need wheels short-term to get around or are looking for a side hustle, companies like Turo and Getaround are an option.

While many of these apps are remarkably similar, the main difference between Getaround versus Turo boils down to pricing methods, interactions between owners and guests, and location availability. There are also differences for car owners, especially when it comes to the types of vehicles you’re allowed to rent out.

Let’s compare Turo versus Getaround and see how these trailblazers stack up against each other.

What are car sharing apps?

Car sharing apps are a sign of the times — and that’s not a bad thing.

For those who rent out their vehicles, they are a convenient way to make your assets work for you. For those who use the app to rent a vehicle, they can offer a way to save money on a car rental.

Both long and short-term car rentals are streamlined by each app’s platform to connect loaners and renters, make payments, and even get car insurance.

Turo, based out of the Bay Area, was originally known as RelayRides. Founded in 2009, they’ve come a long way since its original website-only model.

The company rebranded in 2015 as Turo, and its app is simple. Sign up, verify your account and start scrolling or creating a listing.

• Vehicle must have four wheels and seat eight people or fewer.

• Vehicle has fewer than 130,000 miles and is no more than 12 years old. 

• Must stay up to date with maintenance in accordance with company standards.

• Must possess a clean title.

• Vehicle’s fair market value cannot exceed $200,000.

• Some specialty and classic cars are eligible that do not meet these standards, but you have to call to verify eligibility.

• Must have a verified Turo account.

• Meet the age requirement for the type of car you’re renting and country you’re renting in.

• Possess a valid, full and permanent driver’s license.

• Share your home address, a photo of yourself and a payment method in your Turo profile. 

• Turo may review your credit report, auto insurance score or criminal record, if applicable.

Turo rentals are available throughout the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France and Australia, though availability varies by city.

In Canada, vehicles are available for rent in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.

Turo’s search results only include daily rates and don’t initially display the total price including taxes and fees. The final price is only shown immediately before booking, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to search within a certain price point.

You also have the option to add insurance coverage in the form of a protection plan. If you already have auto insurance, Turo’s coverage will be secondary to your existing coverage.

You can browse Turo using a wide array of filters, such as location, vehicle model or even the type of experience you’d like to have (such as renting a Deluxe Class car).

Need a car for a scenic drive, to unwind for the weekend, to get the errands done or to try before you buy? They have a filter for that.

It offers sections for pet-friendly cars, electric vehicles, all-wheel drive options and even classic cars.

As a vehicle owner, Turo offers the option to set a maximum daily distance or to allow unlimited mileage. The downside is that there are no limits on crossing state or provincial lines, only country borders. This is a potential risk worth noting.

Getaround also was founded in 2009 and is based in San Francisco.

One of the company’s most marketed conveniences is contactless car-sharing, which is a major benefit for many. However, as we mentioned earlier, this can come with its own set of challenges, since cars can sometimes be difficult to locate.

Its app is user-friendly for both owners and renters; just like with Turo, it’s simple to sign up, go through the verification process and get started.

• Vehicle must be a passenger vehicle with at least four wheels.

• Model year 2007 or newer (if the car is 10 years or older, it must pass inspection).

• Fewer than 200,000 miles (if the car has 125,000 to 200,000 miles, it must pass inspection).

• Seat no more than 10 passengers.

• Must have power door locks installed in the front doors.

• Must be in good physical and mechanical condition.

• Cash value of $150,000 or less.

• Must possess a clean title.

• Have photos of all four sides of the vehicle uploaded to Getaround.

• Certain exotic or performance vehicles are excluded from eligibility.

• Be at least 19 years old (22 years old in Orange County and Los Angeles, and 25 years old for those coming from outside the continental U.S.).

• Have a valid drivers license for the country you’re renting in.

• Can pay for the rental with a credit card in your name.

• Be present for the check-in and check out.

• No more than two vehicle-related violations or accidents combined in the last three years.

• No major vehicle-related violations in the last three years.

• No drug or alcohol-related violations in the last seven years.

• All drivers under 21 must have a clean record.

• All drivers under 26 must pay the young driver surcharge.

Getaround relaunched its app in 2024 and is now available in all U.S. markets as well as seven European countries, including France, Norway, Belgium, Spain, the U.K., Germany and Austria.

Once you login to the app or website, input your dates and destination. Like Turo, Getaround’s search results don’t show the final prices.

The added fees can be a doozy.

For example, a recent search for a three-day rental showed a booking fee of $45.99 and a license verification fee of $16. Although some insurance coverage is included in the price and you pay the license verification fee just once, you’re still facing a substantial increase in cost from the base price.

Getaround offers daily as well as hourly rentals, whereas Turo only offers daily options. This flexibility is handy if you need to extend your rental or if you only need the car for a quick errand. The contactless transaction is also really convenient.

Trip liability coverage is included in the price, and it’ll even let you add a second driver for free.

Turo vs. Getaround recapped

Whether you’re in it for the extra income or you’re looking for an affordable car rental, peer-to-peer car sharing can be an efficient and economical choice for both car owners and renters.

Here’s a summary of their differences:

• Location. Turo has a smaller footprint in Europe than Getaround, but is available in Canada and Australia.

• Safety. Both Turo and Getaround have systems in place to vet their drivers and renters.

• Price. Both car sharing companies charge similar rates, and neither shows you full prices in search results.

• Delivery. Want your car delivered to you? Check out Turo. If contactless rental experiences are important to you, Getaround is a better choice.

• Length. If you need a car for only a few hours, Getaround can meet your needs, whereas Turo rentals are at least one day.

Take a look between the pair and see which option you’d prefer.