How to Cancel a Turo Trip? We’ll Explain it!

Sometimes, plans change, and you might need to cancel your Turo car rental booking. But how do you go about it without getting into a sticky situation? 

Worry not! 

We’re here to guide you through the cancellation process and ensure you’re well-informed about Turo’s policies.

In this article, we’ll break down Turo’s cancellation policies, walk you through the steps to cancel your trip, and share practical advice to help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Key Takeaways

• Turo has different cancellation policies based on the trip’s duration, location, and start date.
• To cancel a trip, log in to your Turo account and navigate to the trip in question.
• Canceling a trip too close to the start time or without a valid reason may result in cancellation fees.
• Turo may offer a full refund or waive cancellation fees for extenuating circumstances, such as a death in the family or severe illness.
• It is essential to familiarize yourself with Turo’s cancellation policies and carefully consider the timing and reason for canceling a trip to avoid financial penalties.

Turo cancellation policies

Let’s start by understanding what Turo’s cancellation policies are all about.

Essentially, these policies are set rules outlining the circumstances and conditions under which you can cancel your Turo trip and the potential consequences or charges you might face.

These rules protect the renter and the car host, ensuring a fair deal for all parties involved.

Different Cancellation Policy Tiers

Each policy has its own unique terms and conditions, so it’s essential to understand which one applies to your rental.

Flexible: 

This policy is the most lenient. You can cancel your trip for free up to 24 hours before it starts. However, if you cancel within 24 hours of the trip starting, you’ll be charged for the first day or 50% of the trip cost (whichever is less), plus any trip fees.

Moderate: 

Under the moderate policy, free cancellations are available seven days before the trip starts. Within seven days but before 24 hours of the trip, you’ll be charged 50% of the trip cost plus trip fees.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the trip start will cost you the first day or 75% of the trip cost (whichever is less), plus trip fees.

Strict: 

The strict policy is the least forgiving of the three. Free cancellation is only available until 14 days before the trip starts.

Within 14 days but before 24 hours of the trip, 50% of the trip cost plus trip fees will be charged. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the trip start will result in a charge of the first day or 75% of the trip cost (whichever is less), plus trip fees.

Long Trip: 

This policy applies to trips booked for 30 days or more. In this case, you can cancel for free until 30 days before the trip starts. Within 30 days but before 24 hours of the trip, you’ll be charged for the first 30 days plus trip fees.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the trip start will result in a charge of the first 30 days plus 50% of the remaining days plus trip fees.

Factors That Determine the Applicable Policy Tier for a Trip

The car host determines the cancellation policy that applies to your trip. Each car host selects their preferred cancellation policy, and you can find this information in the car listing before you make your booking.

So, check the cancellation policy of each car listing before hitting that “Book” button!

Also, remember that the “long trip” policy automatically applies to any trip booked for 30 days or more, regardless of the host’s chosen policy.

How to Cancel a Turo Trip

Change of plans? No problem. Turo’s platform is user-friendly and makes it easy to cancel your trip if necessary. You can cancel your trip through either the Turo website or the app.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Log in to your account: 

Open the Turo app or website and sign in to your account.

Find your trip: 

Navigate to the “Trips” tab and select “Booked.” Here, you’ll find a list of your upcoming trips.

Choose the trip you want to cancel: 

Click on the trip you wish to cancel to access its details.

Select “Cancel Trip”: 

Scroll down to the “Cancel Trip” option and click on it.

Specify a reason for cancellation: 

You’ll be prompted to select a reason. Choose the one that best fits your situation.

Review the refund amount: 

Turo will show you the amount you’ll be refunded based on the cancellation policy associated with the trip. Review this amount before proceeding.

Confirm cancellation: 

If you want to cancel, click “Confirm.” Keep in mind that cancellations cannot be undone.

Refunds and cancellation fees

As Turo’s cancellation policies are tiered, so are their refund policies. In short, the amount you’re refunded when you cancel a trip depends on the host’s chosen cancellation policy and the timing of your cancellation.

Here’s a brief overview:

Full refund: 

You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel within the free cancellation period specified by the host’s policy (24 hours for flexible, seven days for moderate, 14 days for strict, and 30 days for a long trip).

Partial refund: 

You’ll receive a partial refund if you cancel after the free cancellation period but before the trip starts. The trip price and some or all of the trip fee will be withheld, depending on how close to the trip’s start you cancel.

No refund: 

You won’t receive a refund if you cancel after the trip starts.

How to Receive a Refund After Canceling a Trip

When you cancel a trip, Turo processes refunds automatically. The refund amount, based on the host’s cancellation policy and the timing of your cancellation, will be returned to your original payment method.

While Turo initiates the refund immediately, the processing time can depend on your bank. It typically takes 3 to 5 business days for the refund to reflect in your account.

It’s important to carefully review the cancellation policy of each car you’re considering renting on Turo. This way, you’ll know what to expect if your plans change and you need to cancel.

Also, remember that the earlier you cancel, the better your chances of receiving a full or partial refund.

Extenuating circumstances and special cases

Instances Where Turo May Offer a Full Refund or Waive Cancellation Fees

While Turo’s cancellation policies are generally strict, there are extenuating circumstances in which Turo may waive cancellation fees or offer a full refund. These are unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond a guest’s control. Here are a few examples:

Serious illness or injury: 

If you, your traveling companion, or a member of your immediate family becomes seriously ill or injured, Turo may consider this an extenuating circumstance.

Government-mandated obligations: 

Unexpected obligations, including jury duty, travel restrictions, or military deployment, may qualify as extenuating circumstances.

Severe weather or natural disasters: 

If severe weather conditions, a natural disaster, or an endemic disease (like COVID-19) make traveling unsafe or impossible, Turo may offer a full refund or waive cancellation fees.

Host cancellations: 

 You’ll receive a full refund if your host cancels the trip. In addition, if your trip is within 72 hours, Turo will also provide additional credit to help you find a new car.

Car issues: 

You can opt for a full refund if the car you booked becomes unavailable due to maintenance issues or accidents.

Conclusion

Canceling a Turo trip can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the platform’s policies and procedures. This article has provided a comprehensive guide on Turo’s cancellation policies, how to cancel a trip, refunds and cancellation fees, and dealing with extenuating circumstances. With this information, you should be well-equipped to handle any unexpected changes in your travel plans while using Turo.

Frequently Asked Questions