Turo vs Getaround vs Zipcar: Which Car-Sharing Wins?
Need a car but don’t want the commitment (or cost) of owning one? Car-sharing services have exploded in popularity, offering convenient alternatives. But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This comparison dives deep into the world of car rentals, specifically focusing on Turo and Getaround.
We’ll break down the key differences between Turo and Getaround, analyzing everything from pricing and vehicle selection to insurance and the overall user experience. This guide will help you determine which platform best suits your individual needs and budget. Get ready to explore the pros and cons of each service.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or simply need a car for a few hours, understanding the nuances of Turo vs Getaround is essential. We will also touch upon Zipcar to help you make an informed decision and hit the road with confidence. Let’s find your perfect car-sharing match!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Turo | Getaround |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Availability | Wide | Limited |
| Vehicle Variety | Extensive | Moderate |
| Booking Process | Simple | Simple |
| Insurance Coverage | Provided | Provided |
| Mileage Policies | Varies | Varies |
| Cancellation Policy | Varies | Varies |
| Keyless Entry | Often Available | Standard |
| 24/7 Roadside Assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Cleaning | Host Responsibility | Getaround Responsibility |
| Delivery Options | Available | Limited |
| Geographic Reach | Wider | More Focused |
| Customer Support | Varies | Standard |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Vehicle Selection & Availability
- Turo: Offers a vast and diverse selection of vehicles, ranging from economy cars to luxury and exotic models. Availability can vary greatly depending on location and demand, and searching can be time-consuming.
- Getaround: Typically has a more streamlined selection, often focusing on newer and more common models. Availability is generally good, especially in urban areas, but you might have fewer unique options.
- Winner: turo
Pricing & Fees
- Turo: Pricing is set by the car owners, leading to a wide range of rates. Fees can include service fees, mileage charges, and insurance, which can sometimes be complex and increase the overall cost.
- Getaround: Pricing is generally more transparent and often includes insurance. They often offer hourly and daily rates, and fees are usually clearly stated upfront.
- Winner: getaround
Insurance Coverage
- Turo: Provides various insurance options, but the level of coverage and the deductible can vary. Renters should carefully review the insurance details before booking.
- Getaround: Typically includes insurance coverage with every booking, making the process straightforward. Deductibles still apply, but it is generally easier to understand.
- Winner: getaround
Booking Process
- Turo: The booking process can be more involved, often requiring communication with the car owner to arrange pickup and drop-off.
- Getaround: The booking process is usually automated, with keyless access via a smartphone app. This simplifies the pickup and return process.
- Winner: getaround
Pick-up & Drop-off
- Turo: Pick-up and drop-off are arranged directly with the car owner, which can be convenient but may require more coordination and flexibility.
- Getaround: Uses keyless technology, allowing for a self-service pick-up and drop-off process, simplifying the process.
- Winner: getaround
Vehicle Condition & Maintenance
- Turo: Vehicle condition can vary significantly depending on the owner. Renters should inspect the car carefully before starting their trip. Maintenance standards can also differ.
- Getaround: Vehicles are typically newer and well-maintained. The platform has some maintenance requirements and standards, leading to a generally better vehicle condition.
- Winner: getaround
Cancellation Policies
- Turo: Cancellation policies vary based on the owner’s chosen policy. This can range from flexible to strict, depending on the individual host.
- Getaround: Cancellation policies are generally more standardized, offering options for full or partial refunds based on timing.
- Winner: getaround
Customer Support
- Turo: Customer support is available, but the response time and quality of assistance can vary depending on the situation and the owner.
- Getaround: Offers dedicated customer support. This is helpful when encountering issues.
- Winner: getaround
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Selection | Turo |
| Keyless Entry | Getaround |
| Geographic Availability | Turo |
| Ease of Use | Tie |
| Rental Flexibility | Turo |
What They Have in Common
- Insurance Coverage: Both Turo and Getaround provide insurance coverage for renters, offering peace of mind in case of accidents or damage to the vehicle.
- Online Booking: Both platforms offer convenient online booking systems, allowing users to browse vehicles, check availability, and reserve cars through their websites or mobile apps.
- Roadside Assistance: Both Turo and Getaround include roadside assistance services, providing support for issues like flat tires, jump-starts, and towing.
- Mobile App: Both companies offer mobile apps for ease of use.
- Vehicle Inspection: Both platforms have some form of vehicle inspection.
Turo Vs Getaround Vs Zipcar Buying Guide
Cost Comparison
When comparing Turo, Getaround, and Zipcar, cost is a primary consideration. Turo often presents the most variable pricing, influenced by the car’s make, model, location, and the owner’s pricing strategy. Getaround typically offers more competitive rates, especially for shorter rentals, as owners aim for quick turnovers. Zipcar’s subscription-based model provides fixed hourly or daily rates, which can be advantageous for predictable usage. Consider your typical rental duration and budget when making your choice.
For budget-conscious renters, Getaround might offer the most affordable option, especially for short-term needs. Turo’s prices can fluctuate significantly, while Zipcar’s membership fees add an extra layer of cost to consider.
Vehicle Selection and Availability
Turo boasts the widest selection of vehicles, ranging from everyday cars to luxury and exotic models, due to its peer-to-peer nature. This variety provides renters with a greater range of choices to suit their specific needs and preferences. Getaround’s vehicle selection is generally more limited, though it still offers a diverse range of cars. Zipcar’s fleet is comprised of its own vehicles, which are often compact and fuel-efficient, ideal for urban use.
Availability varies by location and demand, but Turo’s larger network often increases your chances of finding a suitable car. Getaround and Zipcar can be more limited in certain areas, particularly during peak seasons.
Insurance and Protection
Turo offers various protection plans, providing coverage for both the renter and the vehicle owner. Renters can choose the level of coverage that best suits their needs. Getaround also provides insurance coverage as part of the rental process, which simplifies things for the renter. Zipcar includes insurance coverage as part of its membership and rental fees, making it a convenient option.
Carefully review the terms and conditions of each platform’s insurance policy to understand the coverage details, including deductibles and covered incidents. Always consider the potential risks associated with renting a car.
Convenience and Accessibility
Turo offers a highly flexible rental experience, with options for delivery and remote unlocking of vehicles, depending on the owner’s preferences. Getaround emphasizes a seamless, keyless rental experience, using a mobile app to locate, reserve, and unlock cars. Zipcar’s convenience is centered around designated parking locations and easy access with a membership card or app.
Consider the accessibility of vehicles in your area and the ease of the rental process. If you value flexibility and a wider range of vehicles, Turo might be a better choice. For ease of use and quick rentals, Getaround and Zipcar are excellent options.
Rental Duration and Usage
Turo offers the greatest flexibility in rental duration, allowing rentals for as short as a few hours or as long as several weeks. This makes it suitable for a wide range of needs. Getaround typically focuses on shorter-term rentals, often ideal for hourly or daily use. Zipcar is also geared towards short-term rentals, with hourly and daily rates, perfect for urban errands and quick trips.
If you need a car for a longer period, Turo is often the best choice. If you only need a car for a few hours or a day, Getaround and Zipcar are competitive choices.
Customer Service and Support
Turo provides customer support through its website and app. Response times can vary depending on the issue and the volume of requests. Getaround offers customer service via its app and website, providing assistance with rentals and issues. Zipcar’s support is available to members, with resources to address common questions and resolve issues.
Consider the importance of customer support when choosing a platform. If you anticipate needing assistance during your rental, assess the responsiveness and availability of each service’s customer support channels.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Turo If…
- You want a wider selection of vehicles, including unique and luxury cars.
- You prefer to have more flexibility in terms of rental duration and mileage limits.
- You are comfortable dealing directly with individual car owners.
- You need to find a car in a more diverse range of locations.
Buy Getaround If…
- You prioritize convenience and a seamless keyless entry experience.
- You prefer a more streamlined and standardized rental process.
- You want to rent a car for a shorter period, such as by the hour.
- You are looking for a car in a more urban environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between Turo and Getaround?
The primary difference lies in the vehicle ownership model. Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace, where owners list their vehicles for rent. Getaround operates similarly, but also allows owners to use keyless technology to open the cars. Zipcar owns all of its vehicles. This affects vehicle selection, pricing, and the overall rental experience.
How does insurance work with Turo?
Turo offers different protection plans during booking, at an additional cost, with varying levels of coverage for both the renter and the vehicle. These plans include liability, physical damage, and sometimes roadside assistance. Renters should carefully review the terms and conditions of their chosen protection plan to understand the coverage details, including deductibles and covered incidents.
What are the key benefits of using Getaround?
Getaround’s key benefits include its ease of use, convenience, and generally competitive pricing, especially for short-term rentals. The keyless technology simplifies the rental process, and the app-based system allows for quick and easy access to vehicles. It’s often a good choice for urban errands and short trips.
How does Zipcar’s pricing structure work?
Zipcar uses a membership-based pricing model. Members pay a monthly or annual fee, plus hourly or daily rental rates. These rates include insurance, gas, and mileage. This structure is often best for those who need a car occasionally and value predictability in their costs. The rates can vary based on location and the vehicle type.
Which platform offers the widest selection of cars?
Turo offers the widest selection of cars due to its peer-to-peer nature, which allows owners to list a vast array of vehicles. You can find everything from economy cars to luxury and exotic models. This broad selection caters to diverse needs and preferences, offering renters more choices.
What happens if I have an accident with a rental?
If you have an accident with a rental, immediately contact the rental platform’s customer support and the local authorities. Report the incident to the police and exchange information with the other parties involved. The platform will guide you through the claims process, which will be based on the insurance plan you selected during booking.
Which platform is best for longer-term rentals?
Turo is generally the best platform for longer-term rentals. It allows for flexible rental durations, ranging from a few hours to several weeks. While Getaround and Zipcar are primarily geared towards shorter rentals, Turo offers the most options for those needing a car for an extended period.
Final Verdict
Turo and Getaround both offer compelling car-sharing solutions. Turo excels in vehicle selection and rental flexibility, catering to diverse needs. Getaround provides a keyless, streamlined experience and competitive pricing, particularly for short rentals. Zipcar is not included in the final assessment. For overall flexibility and choice, Turo is the better option.
Winner: Turo