Turo accident liability in California is a hot legal topic in 2025, as more Californians embrace peer-to-peer car sharing. But when an accident happens, many are shocked to learn that figuring out who pays — the host, the driver, or Turo — can get legally messy.
In this guide, we break down exactly how liability works when a crash happens in a Turo rental, what your rights are as a driver or vehicle owner, and how a personal injury attorney can protect you in complex claims.
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Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing platform that lets individuals rent out their personal vehicles, like Airbnb for cars. While convenient and often cheaper than traditional rentals, Turo creates unique legal issues when accidents occur. In California, Turo operates under state-specific insurance and liability regulations that differ from commercial rental car companies.
Liability depends on the details of the crash — who caused it, what coverage the renter selected, and whether the host has commercial coverage. In general:
This is why understanding Turo accident liability in California is critical before renting or listing your car.
Turo offers various protection plans with different coverage levels. However, none of them replace full commercial insurance. Drivers can mistakenly assume they’re fully protected — but deductibles can reach $2,500 and may not cover personal injuries to others.
California also requires a minimum liability policy for any rental vehicle. You can learn more about California’s insurance laws at the California Department of Insurance.
If you’re injured by a Turo driver, you can pursue compensation from:
In high-stakes cases — like pedestrian or cyclist injury — proving negligence and accessing layered coverage requires experienced legal help.
Yes, in some cases. If the host failed to maintain brakes, tires, or the car had known safety issues, the victim can bring a claim against the vehicle owner. California’s negligence laws apply broadly, and even non-drivers can be held liable if they contributed to the accident.
This is common in Turo crashes. Many renters decline upgraded protection. If the injuries exceed available coverage, victims often face huge medical bills. That’s when an experienced injury lawyer can identify alternative coverage sources — including your own UIM/UM policy, the driver’s credit card insurance, or even suing for excess damages.
Car-sharing claims are complicated. You’re not just dealing with a driver — you’re dealing with an individual host, a tech company, and multiple insurance layers. ANTN Law, led by attorney Arpine Navasardyan, has deep experience navigating modern personal injury claims, including emerging areas like Turo, rideshare, and autonomous vehicle liability.
If you were injured in a Turo crash, book your free consultation with ANTN Law. We’ll review your case, help you understand all sources of compensation, and aggressively advocate for your rights — with no fee unless we win.
Yes, if the host’s negligence — like poor vehicle maintenance — contributed to your injuries.
Maybe. Some policies exclude peer-to-peer rentals. Always check with your insurer before driving a Turo car.
You’d pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance first, then any applicable Turo coverage. A lawyer can help you navigate this.
Turo generally disclaims liability, but in rare cases — such as vehicle defects or policy violations — it may bear partial fault.
Yes. In California, you can claim pain and suffering, PTSD, and emotional damages as part of a personal injury lawsuit.
As car sharing becomes more common, understanding Turo accident liability in California is essential. Whether you’re a host, a driver, or an innocent third party — knowing your rights and working with an experienced legal team can make all the difference.
ANTN Law is here to help. If you’ve been involved in a Turo-related crash, don’t wait. Book your free consultation here and let’s fight for the compensation you deserve.
