Turo, also known as “Airbnb for cars,” is a car-sharing platform allowing car owners to rent out their vehicles to others. With Turo, renters can access a wide range of cars that may not be available through traditional car rental companies. However, like all rental services, there are rules and regulations that renters must abide by. One of the most important rules is the smoking policy, and Turo has a smoking fee for enforcing it.
What is the Turo Smoking Fee?
Turo’s strict smoking policy prohibits smoking in any vehicle rented through the platform. This policy applies to both renters and their passengers. If a renter violates this policy, the car owner may charge a smoking fee. The smoking fee can range from $50 to $250, depending on the severity of the smoking damage. Turo also reserves the right to deactivate the renter’s account if they repeatedly violate the smoking policy.
How is the Smoking Fee Determined?
The car owner determines the smoking fee based on the severity of the smoking damage. Car owners are responsible for inspecting their vehicles after the renter returns them to determine if there is any smoking damage. If smoking damage is detected, the car owner will document the damage with photos and submit a claim to Turo. Turo will then review the claim and determine if the smoking fee is warranted.
Factors that may influence the severity of smoking damage include the time the smoker was in the car, the number of cigarettes smoked, and whether the smoker used the car’s ashtray or discarded cigarette butts on the floor or seats. If the smoking damage is severe, the car owner may need to take the car to a professional cleaner or detailer, which can result in a higher smoking fee.
How to Avoid the Smoking Fee?
To avoid the smoking fee, renters should follow Turo’s smoking policy and refrain from smoking in any vehicle rented through the platform. If a renter needs to smoke, they should do so outside the car and dispose of their cigarette butts properly. Renters should also inform their passengers of the smoking policy and ask them to refrain from smoking in the car.
If a renter accidentally smokes in the car, they should immediately inform the car owner and take steps to mitigate the smoking damage. This may include airing out the car, using air fresheners, and cleaning any ash or cigarette butts from the car’s interior. By being proactive and taking responsibility for any smoking damage, renters may be able to avoid or reduce the smoking fee.
What Happens if the Smoking Fee is Charged?
If a smoking fee is charged, the renter’s account will be debited for the fee amount. If the renter disputes the smoking fee, they can submit a claim to Turo’s customer support team. Turo will review the claim and make a final determination based on the evidence provided by both parties.
If the smoking fee is upheld, the renter’s account may be deactivated if they refuse to pay it. Deactivation may also occur if the renter repeatedly violates Turo’s smoking policy or other rental policies.
Conclusion
Turo’s smoking policy and smoking fee are designed to protect the car owner’s property and ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all renters. By following Turo’s smoking policy and avoiding smoking damage, renters can avoid the smoking fee and provide a positive rental experience. However, if smoking damage does occur, renters should take responsibility for their actions and work with the car owner to resolve the issue.