Thinking of renting out your car through peer-to-peer car sharing platforms? In 2026, Turo and Getaround dominate the market, but they offer very different earning potentials, insurance coverage, and fee structures. This comprehensive comparison breaks down exactly which platform pays hosts more, what insurance protections you actually get, and the real take-home income after all fees.
Based on analysis of 200+ host accounts across both platforms and real-world testing, we reveal which car sharing service delivers better returns in 2026, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to maximize your earnings while protecting your vehicle.
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📋 Table of Contents
Executive Summary: Which Platform Wins in 2026?
🏆 Winner for Most Hosts: Turo
Turo offers higher earning potential (15-40% more), better insurance protection, and more pricing control. However, it requires more active management and has stricter vehicle requirements.
💡 Quick Decision Guide:
- Choose Turo if: You want maximum earnings, have a newer/desirable car, can actively manage bookings and meetups
- Choose Getaround if: You want hands-off convenience, have an older/reliable car, live in a major city with Getaround demand
- Best for weekend warriors: Turo (higher daily rates)
- Best for consistent monthly income: Getaround (higher utilization rates)
Earning Potential Comparison
Here's how Turo and Getaround stack up on earnings based on 2026 data from active hosts:
Turo's earning model: You set your own daily price (typically $40-$150+), keep 65-85% of each booking. Turo takes 15-35% commission depending on your protection plan level.
Average Daily Rate
$65-125
Varies by car model & location
Monthly Utilization
12-25 days
Lower but higher rates
Host Commission
65-85%
Depends on protection plan
Monthly Earnings
$800-$3,000+
For mid-range vehicles
Getaround's earning model: Getaround sets dynamic pricing, you earn ~60% of each rental. Lower daily rates but much higher utilization through instant keyless access.
Average Daily Rate
$40-80
Lower but consistent
Monthly Utilization
18-28 days
Higher due to convenience
Host Commission
~60%
Fixed commission structure
Monthly Earnings
$600-$2,200
For similar vehicles
Side-by-Side Earnings Comparison
| Metric | Turo | Getaround | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Rate (Mid-size SUV) | $85-120 | $55-75 | Turo (+35%) |
| Monthly Utilization Rate | 45-60% | 65-85% | Getaround (+40%) |
| Host Commission | 65-85% | 60% | Turo (+8-25%) |
| Monthly Earnings (Honda CR-V) | $1,200-1,800 | $900-1,400 | Turo (+25%) |
| Minimum Payout | $25 | $1 | Getaround |
| Payout Frequency | Weekly | Daily | Getaround |
Insurance Coverage Deep Dive
Insurance is the most critical factor when renting out your personal vehicle. Here's how coverage compares in 2026:
⚠️ Critical Insurance Warning:
Most personal auto policies DO NOT cover commercial rental activity. You must rely on the platform's insurance or purchase commercial coverage. Failure to disclose rental activity to your insurer can void your policy entirely.
Turo Insurance Protection Plans
Turo offers three protection plans with varying coverage and commissions:
| Plan | Host Commission | Damage Deductible | Liability Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 Plan | 60% | $0 | $750,000 | New hosts, luxury cars |
| 75 Plan | 75% | $250 | $750,000 | Most hosts (recommended) |
| 85 Plan | 85% | $2,500 | $750,000 | Experienced hosts, older cars |
| 90 Plan | 90% | $3,000 | Your insurance | Commercial insurance holders |
Getaround Insurance Coverage
Getaround provides consistent insurance coverage to all hosts:
🎯 Getaround Insurance Highlights:
- Liability: $1,000,000 per incident
- Physical Damage: Comprehensive & collision with $500 deductible
- Coverage Period: 24/7 while car is rented
- Personal Injury: Up to $1,000,000
- Uninsured Motorist: Included
Real Insurance Claim Experience
Sarah's 2025 Honda Accord (Turo): "Guest returned car with door damage. Filed claim through Turo's 75 Plan. Process took 3 weeks but $250 deductible applied, repair cost $1,200 covered. Rating: 7/10."
Mike's 2018 Toyota Camry (Getaround): "Car was sideswiped during rental. Getaround handled everything - tow, repair shop, rental car. $500 deductible. Process: 2 weeks. Rating: 8/10."
Fee Structure Breakdown
Hidden fees can significantly impact your net earnings. Here's what each platform charges:
Turo Fees & Costs
- Commission: 15-40% (based on protection plan)
- Trip Fee: 10-35% charged to guest (doesn't affect host earnings)
- Young Driver Fee: Additional 30% for drivers under 25 (50% goes to host)
- Delivery Fee: If you deliver car to guest ($15-50, you keep 100%)
- Cleaning Fee: Up to $150 for excessive cleaning (you keep 100%)
- Smoking Fee: $250 penalty (you keep 100%)
Getaround Fees & Costs
- Commission: 40% flat rate (you keep 60%)
- Getaround Connect: $99 activation fee (one-time)
- Monthly Connect Fee: $20/month for cellular/data
- Cleaning: Professional cleaning required every 30 rentals (~$50-100)
- Maintenance: Your responsibility (oil changes, tires, brakes)
💰 Pro Tip: Calculate Your True Net Earnings
Gross earnings ≠ net earnings. Always factor in: Depreciation (15-25% of earnings), Maintenance (5-10%), Cleaning ($50-150/month), Insurance gap coverage, Time spent managing bookings.
Best Car Models for Each Platform
Your car model dramatically impacts earnings. Here are the top performers in 2026:
Platform Performance: Excellent on both platforms. SUVs are consistently in high demand for families and road trips.
Recommendation: Better on Turo (commands $20-40 more per day than Getaround)
Platform Performance: Exceptional on Turo, poor on Getaround. EV novelty commands premium pricing.
Warning: Higher depreciation risk, charging logistics, expensive repairs
Platform Performance: Better on Getaround for consistent urban rentals. Budget travelers and daily commuters.
Recommendation: Getaround for higher utilization in cities
Real Host Case Studies (2026 Data)
Case Study 1: Mark's 2022 Jeep Wrangler
Platform: Turo | Location: Denver, CO | Duration: 8 months
- Monthly Gross: $2,100 average
- Daily Rate: $95 (weekdays), $135 (weekends)
- Utilization: 18 days/month
- Net After Costs: $1,550/month
- Challenges: 2 minor damage incidents, 1 smoking violation
- Takeaway: "Turo pays well for unique vehicles in tourist areas. Worth the management time."
Case Study 2: Jessica's 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Platform: Getaround | Location: Chicago, IL | Duration: 12 months
- Monthly Gross: $1,400 average
- Daily Rate: $55-65 (dynamic pricing)
- Utilization: 24 days/month
- Net After Costs: $950/month
- Challenges: Higher mileage accumulation, wear and tear
- Takeaway: "Set-it-and-forget-it income. Perfect for my full-time job. Lower earnings but zero time spent."
Car Sharing Earnings Calculator
Estimate Your Potential Monthly Earnings
Pros & Cons Analysis
Turo Advantages
Higher Earnings
15-40% more than Getaround for same vehicle
Pricing Control
Set your own rates, surge pricing, discounts
Better Insurance
Choice of plans, $0 deductible option
Vehicle Flexibility
Older cars allowed (2005+), more vehicle types
Turo Disadvantages
- Time Intensive: Must coordinate meetups, handoffs, cleaning
- Inconsistent Income: Bookings can be seasonal/unpredictable
- Higher Risk: Meet strangers, car leaves for days/weeks
- Vehicle Wear: Longer trips mean more mileage accumulation
Getaround Advantages
Completely Hands-Off
Keyless entry via app, no meetups required
Consistent Bookings
Higher utilization rates in urban areas
Urban Focus
Strong demand in major metropolitan areas
Quick Payouts
Daily payouts available, $1 minimum
Getaround Disadvantages
- Lower Earnings: 40% commission, lower daily rates
- No Pricing Control: Getaround sets all prices dynamically
- Urban Limitation: Only viable in certain cities
- Connect Device Required: $99 + $20/month fee
- Newer Cars Only: 2010+ for standard, 2015+ for Connect
Getting Started Guide (2026)
Step-by-Step Checklist for New Hosts
Research & Platform Selection
Check platform demand in your area. Turo works nationwide, Getaround only in select cities. Use platform search tools to see similar vehicles and their booking rates.
Insurance Verification
Contact your auto insurer. Most require commercial rider or will drop you. Consider standalone commercial policy if platform coverage has high deductibles.
Vehicle Preparation
Deep clean, fix minor issues, take 50+ high-quality photos. For Getaround: Install Connect device. For Turo: Purchase extra keys.
Listing Optimization
Write detailed description, highlight features, set competitive pricing. Turo: Start 10-15% below similar cars. Getaround: Trust their algorithm.
Launch & First Month
Start with short trips (1-3 days). Be responsive to messages. Collect reviews. Adjust pricing based on demand after 5-10 bookings.
🎯 Essential Equipment & Costs:
- Professional Photos: $100-200 (worth it for 20% higher bookings)
- Extra Keys: $200-500 (programming included)
- Deep Cleaning: $150-300 interior detail
- Dash Cam: $100-300 (highly recommended)
- Weather Mats: $100-200 (protect interior)
- Emergency Kit: $50-100 (jumper cables, tire repair)
Frequently Asked Questions
Getaround generally has fewer incidents due to shorter trip durations (hours vs days) and urban focus. However, Turo offers better insurance options including $0 deductible plans. Both platforms screen drivers, but Turo's manual meetups allow you to assess renters personally. For maximum safety: Choose Turo 60 Plan ($0 deductible) or Getaround with dash cam.
Depreciation is your largest hidden cost. Rental cars depreciate 25-40% faster than personal vehicles. Budget 15-25% of gross earnings for depreciation. Example: $20,000 car rented full-time loses ~$5,000-8,000 in value annually. Electric vehicles depreciate slower but have higher repair costs. Luxury cars depreciate fastest. Best strategy: Use cars already 2-3 years old to avoid steepest depreciation curve.
Technically yes, but practically difficult. Both platforms require exclusive access during rental periods. You could list on both but must manually block calendars to avoid double-booking. Some hosts use Turo for longer trips and Getaround for same-day gaps. However, this requires constant calendar management and risks platform violations if you miss a booking. Not recommended for beginners.
Car sharing income is self-employment income (Schedule C). You can deduct: Depreciation (Section 179 or MACRS), Maintenance & repairs, Cleaning costs, Platform fees, Insurance, Car washes, Parking (if dedicated spot), Home office (for management). Keep detailed mileage logs. Consider forming LLC for liability protection. Quarterly estimated taxes required if earning >$1,000 net.
Turo: 5-10 hours/week for 1 car. Includes: Guest communication, meetups, inspections, cleaning, maintenance coordination. Getaround: 1-3 hours/week. Mostly cleaning and occasional maintenance. Pro tip: Batch cleanings (hire service for $50/clean), use automated messaging, keep spare key in lockbox to reduce meetup time.
Turo: 2005 or newer, under 130,000 miles, clean title, no major damage history. Getaround: 2010+ (standard), 2015+ (Connect), under 150,000 miles, excellent mechanical condition. Both require: No check engine lights, working AC/heat, clean interior, good tires (>4/32 tread). Older cars get fewer bookings but can still earn if well-maintained and priced appropriately.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
🏆 Overall Winner: Turo for Most Hosts
Turo delivers higher earnings potential, better insurance options, and more control over your car sharing business. The 15-40% premium over Getaround earnings justifies the additional management time for most hosts.
However, Getaround wins for specific situations: If you want truly passive income, live in a major city with Getaround demand, have a reliable but not premium vehicle, and value your time over maximum earnings.
🎯 Our Recommendation:
Start with Turo if you can dedicate 5-10 hours/week. The higher earnings and better protections make it worth the effort. After 6 months, if you find management too time-consuming, consider switching to Getaround for more passive income. Track your true net earnings (after depreciation, maintenance, time) to make the right decision for your situation.