Any alternatives to Turo?

Alternative Apps
1

I’m looking for apps similar to Turo for car rentals. I had an issue with Turo’s availability in my area and need alternatives for short-term car rentals. Does anyone know other platforms that work well?

2

  1. Getaround
    Homepage Link: https://www.getaround.com
    Pros & Cons:

    • Pros: Instant booking available, wide variety of vehicles, contactless rentals.
    • Cons: Not available in all areas, additional fees and late return penalties.
      Features:
    • Peer-to-peer car sharing (owners rent out personal vehicles).
    • ‘Hourly rentals’ make it great for short trips.
    • Car unlocking via the app—no need to meet the owner!
      User Reviews: Many users find Getaround extremely convenient for urban rentals but mention occasional maintenance issues with cars. Customer service seems to be inconsistent according to multiple reports.
      Verdict: Great for spontaneous needs, assuming it’s available in your area. App interaction is seamless, but beware of fees stacking up.

  2. HyreCar
    Homepage Link: https://www.hyrecar.com
    Pros & Cons:

    • Pros: Specifically designed for rideshare and delivery drivers. Flexible rental timing.
    • Cons: Limited options for personal use, quality control on vehicles.
      Features:
    • Rents cars to aspiring Uber/Lyft or delivery drivers.
    • Provides insurance coverage within the app.
      User Reviews: Users who’ve needed a car specifically for work love the platform. However, others mention a limited vehicle inventory for non-commercial users. Some have faced delays in reimbursement or claim settlements.
      Verdict: If you’re gig-driving or considering it, this is a solid choice. Otherwise, personal renters might feel underserved.

  3. Avail
    Homepage Link: https://www.availcarsharing.com
    Pros & Cons:

    • Pros: All rentals come with full insurance. Vehicle maintenance is guaranteed.
    • Cons: Slightly less variety compared to larger platforms like Turo.
      Features:
    • Straightforward pricing with no additional hidden fees.
    • Vehicles are owned by private individuals but inspected beforehand by Avail.
      User Reviews: People praise the simplicity of this program and its all-inclusive insurance package. Some complain that the buying selection is less broad, limiting flexibility.
      Verdict: Perfect for those who want peace of mind with well-maintained cars and fewer surprise charges.

  4. Zipcar
    Homepage Link: https://www.zipcar.com
    Pros & Cons:

    • Pros: Perfect for hourly short-term rentals. Includes gas and insurance in rates.
    • Cons: Requires a membership to rent; inventory is mostly smaller cars.
      Features:
    • Cars are usually stationed in major metropolitan areas for easy pickup/drop-off.
    • Includes fuel and parking costs within rental price plans.
      User Reviews: Urban users greatly appreciate this service for casual one-off trips or running errands. Rural users, however, report difficulty accessing vehicles.
      Verdict: Excellent for city dwellers or students needing quick trips. The membership requirement may put off occasional users.

  5. Car Next Door (Australia-focused)
    Homepage Link: https://www.carnextdoor.com.au
    Pros & Cons:

    • Pros: ‘Pay-as-you-go,’ very flexible, and costs include fuel and insurance upfront.
    • Cons: Unique to Australia; can’t compete with global platforms like Turo geographically.
      Features:
    • Rent by the hour, day, or week—fully flexible.
    • Automatic pricing tiers based on vehicle type and rental length.
      User Reviews: Aussies seem to love this platform! Many cite accessibility and affordability as standout traits. However, some reviews highlight car cleanliness issues in rare cases.
      Verdict: A fantastic pick for anyone Down Under. Too bad it’s so geographically limited!

  6. Virtuo
    Homepage Link: https://www.virtuo.com
    Pros & Cons:

    • Pros: Fully digital experience, professional-grade vehicles, no paperwork hassle.
    • Cons: Focused on luxury/sedan rentals—limited for budget travelers.
      Features:
    • Specializes in app-based luxury car rentals with no physical keys.
    • Delivery to your location in some cities (e.g., London).
      User Reviews: Users love its sleek aesthetic and detailed app navigation process. The higher price range keeps it niche, but luxury-seekers are very satisfied.
      Verdict: A fantastic, frictionless experience if you’re okay with paying premium rates for a premium ride.

  7. Kayak (Car Rental Search)
    Homepage Link: https://www.kayak.com/cars
    Pros & Cons:

    • Pros: Aggregates multiple platforms to compare prices. Often finds competitive deals.
    • Cons: Dependent on partnerships with third-party agencies (e.g., Avis, Hertz).
      Features:
    • Excellent booking flexibility combining major brands plus independent operators.
    • Easy comparison tools for filtering by car type, area, and price.
      User Reviews: Users love having a ‘one-stop shop’ for comparing deals. Downsides include surprise fees sometimes applied by third-party vendors.
      Verdict: Not directly a rental service, but it’s invaluable in finding the best bang for your buck among competing platforms.

  8. Hertz
    Homepage Link: https://www.hertz.com
    Pros & Cons:

    • Pros: Trusted brand; typically large inventory. Discounts for frequent travelers.
    • Cons: Pricing can feel high if you’re used to peer-to-peer apps like Turo.
      Features:
    • Standardized terms of service.
    • Access to premium vehicles, one-way rentals, and airport locations.
      User Reviews: Frequent travelers swear by Hertz for consistent reliability, though weekend renters sometimes feel stung by higher rates.
      Verdict: Perfect for business trips or if you value service consistency.

  9. Drivy by Getaround (Europe-based)
    Homepage Link: https://www.getaround.eu
    Pros & Cons:

    • Pros: European counterpart of Getaround—a leader in short-term rentals.
    • Cons: Less known/available outside Europe. Peer-to-peer upkeep issues occasionally.
      Features:
    • Suitable for long or short trips through simple app-based rentals.
    • Insurance automatically included via Allianz Europe partnership.
      User Reviews: Europeans rave about Drivy’s intuitive experience during trips abroad or in small, car-sharing cities. Problems occasionally arise with cancellations/cleanliness.
      Verdict: When traveling through Europe, give this a try—it’s optimized for travelers across nations.

  10. Easirent
    Homepage Link: https://www.easirent.com
    Pros & Cons:

  • Pros: Focused heavily on cost-effectiveness for longer rentals. Flexible durations.
  • Cons: Not great for premium-seekers—‘you get what you pay for.’
    Features:
  • Primarily works from positioned pickup hubs across cities.
  • Free cancellation within 48 hours pre-rental!
    User Reviews: Mixed—some users appreciate the low costs but note that customer service can be slow to respond. A few complaints revolve around hidden fees/snags in final bills.
    Verdict: Budget-conscious travelers will benefit here, though it lacks the flexibility and polish of competitors.

Final Note

While services like Getaround and Avail mirror much of Turo’s core experience, several traditional companies (e.g., Hertz, Easirent) are strong contenders despite less tech-based interaction. Define your needs—location, duration, budget—to decide the perfect match!