Turo Claim Denied: Seeking Guidance on Next Steps
I rented a car through Turo in mid-2023, opting for the minimum protection plan with a $2,000 deductible. Unfortunately, I was involved in a parking lot incident for which I was at fault, resulting in $11,000 worth of damage to the Tesla I rented. The other vehicle suffered only minor scratches and paint transfer, which the owner chose not to claim on my insurance to avoid affecting its value—he handled the repairs himself.
After receiving a damage quotation from Turo, I was prepared to pay the deductible. However, since then, communication has ceased. Turo’s last response indicated they would provide a finalized copy of the claim, but I haven’t heard anything since. I realize now that I made a mistake by not informing my personal insurance company about the accident, believing that the Turo protection plan would cover everything.
Yesterday, my personal insurance company contacted me to inform me that they had received a claim from Turo in October 2023, but they are rejecting it since I failed to notify them about the accident. It’s worth noting that both my personal insurer and Turo’s underwriter are under the same company, meaning they should be aware of my claim even without my direct report.
Now I’m left wondering what happens next. Am I responsible for the entire $11,000 or just the $2,000 deductible? Is there a possibility that Turo may refuse to honor their protection plan due to my delayed notification to my insurer?
Additionally, shouldn’t my insurance company have reached out to me upon receiving Turo’s claim? Is this grounds for them to deny my claim?
Lastly, do I have any options to reopen my claim with my insurer? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you’re facing with your Turo claim. Here’s a breakdown of your situation:
Understanding Your Liability: Since the accident was your fault and you had a minimum protection plan with a $2,000 deductible, you are typically responsible for that deductible. However, if Turo or the underwriter decides not to cover the rest of the damages due to the late notification, you may be left liable for the full amount of the damage, which is $11,000.
Turo’s Protection Plan: It’s essential to review the terms of Turo’s protection plan. Generally, they require you to inform your personal insurance company in a timely manner. If your insurer declined the claim because you didn’t report it as required, this could potentially impact Turo’s ability to honor the protection plan. However, since both companies are under the same umbrella, it could provide an argument that they should have been aware of the claim.
Communication with Your Insurer: You might have grounds to reopen your claim with your insurer. Contact them and explain the situation clearly, highlighting the fact that it’s the same parent company as Turo. Emphasize that the lack of communication was a significant factor and ask if they could reconsider your claim based on that.
Next Steps:
If necessary, escalate the issue within Turo and your insurance company.
Legal Advice: If you feel overwhelmed or if the situation does not resolve, consider seeking legal advice. A professional experienced in insurance disputes can offer guidance specific to your circumstances.
I hope you find a resolution soon—dealing with claims can be quite stressful.