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Formerly known as RelayRides, Turo is a car sharing company that allows car owners to make an extra income by renting out their vehicles while providing a convenient and fast way to rent a car to those in need of transportation. How familiar are you with their policies, and what are some of the no-no's that could get you banned from using their services?

So, can you get banned from Turo? Yes. Several things could get you banned from Turo's services. These are things like having unpaid debt, breaching their terms of service or user policy, and being a trust and safety concern. There are many things under these three main subjects that I can elaborate on.

Turo offers cheaper than traditional car rentals and has hosts who don't mind renting their cars to drivers under the age of 25. Read more to know exactly what these 16 prohibited activities and uses are!

14 Prohibited Vehicle Activities And Uses:

Restrictions can either be permanent or temporary and when your account has been restricted, you will be notified via an automated email. The email will explain if there is anything you can do to lift your restriction and what steps you can take. 

1. Allowing A Person Who Is Not Approved To Drive The Vehicle.

Only Turo-approved drivers are able to book and drive a vehicle during a Turo trip. In order to be an approved driver, you, as the renter, have to provide updated required documentation and should meet all the Turo requirements for booking a car. 

If you are unsure about what requirements are needed from you, you can view them on the reservation pamphlet. 

2. To Drive A Manual Transmission Vehicle Without Experience.

If the driver is not an expert in the use of manual transmission and clutches, they may not, under any circumstances, drive the rented vehicle. Additionally, suppose the person driving the car causes any damage to the car. In that case, they will be at fault and will be held fully liable for repairs of any damaged components of the car. 

3. Towing A Vehicle Using Unregistered Towing Services. 

When you come across a problem with your rented vehicle, refrain from calling friends or family or any unregistered companies to tow your vehicle. Any damages caused will not be paid for by the insurance company and you will be held liable to take care of the cost of the damage yourself.

4. To Drive On Any Other Road Than Paved Roads.

Driving on any unpaved roads such as dirt roads or roads not on the GPS can get you banned from Turo permanently. Driving on unapproved roads can not only cause damage to the rented car but cause unwanted dirt under and on the vehicle’s bodywork.

5. To Participate In Any Races, Tests, Or Competitions.

Participating in street racing and any type of competition can result in legal issues, and get you banned from using Turo’s services.

6. With The Intention To Drive Reckless And Cause Damage.

When booking a car through Turo, your intentions should be to have transport and use the service to safely transport yourself to your desired destination.

7. To Transport Property Or People For Compensation Of A Fee. 

As Turo is a transport company, you may not under any circumstances use a vehicle for your own benefit by co-hiring a driver, using the vehicle to transport goods or people for a fee for yourself. 

8. Making A Trip That Has Not Been Booked. 

Using vehicles booked through Turo without a reservation or indication outside your trip time with unauthorized use will instantly get you banned.

9. To Use The Car For The Use Of A Crime Or Illegal Activity.

Transporting any form of illegal substances or illegal objects is highly prohibited. This includes the transport of Any Dangerous, Poisonous, Volatile, Toxic, Flammable, Or Illegal Substances.

10. Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Medication.

Driving a vehicle booked through Turo while under mind-altering drugs or medication will get you banned. Any damage to the vehicle or injury caused while driving under the influence will not be covered by Turo, and you will be held responsible.

11. Driving A Rented Vehicle Without A Valid License.

As the renter, it is your responsibility to inform Turo if your license is suspended or expired or if you are unsure whether you meet the requirements for booking a vehicle.

12. To Transport A Pet In A Vehicle.

However, this does not include service animals. Renters who bring service animals on their trip may still be responsible for a cleaning violation fee.

13. Smoking In The Rented Vehicle.

Turo strictly bans smoking in their rented vehicles, and if smoking occurred in the vehicle, you can get charged with a cleaning fee, even if the rest of the vehicle is not dirty. Your account will also be banned for not following Turo’s policy.

14. Having Unpaid Debt.

If you have any unpaid debt, your account will be banned until you have paid the outstanding amount. You can either pay in cash or with a card. It would be good to note that the restriction cannot automatically be lifted. 

You will need to wait between 2 and 3 days for the payment to reach Turo if you do not pay in cash. After you have paid the whole amount, you will need to contact Turo directly and request that they lift the restriction on your account.

15. Breaching Turo's Terms Of Service Or User Policy.

If the Turo host has encouraged you to take part in any prohibited uses, Turo may similarly reduce their coverage. If you, as the renter, engage in any illegal services, it will permanently eliminate any scope for any claims that are related to physical damage. 

16. Being A Trust And Safety Concern.

Turo has an excellent safety team that screens all user account to detect any potential security threats. Suppose your account has been banned due to a trust and safety concern. In that case, you will likely receive an email about whether you will be able to get the ban lifted, and they often request additional information and documents. 

Conclusion

Renters who engage in any prohibited uses stated above while using a vehicle booked through Turo may face penalty fees, suspension, and ultimately, permanent removal from the platform. If you are the primary guest, it will lower your liability coverage to state minimum limits were allowable by the applicable state law.