It’s been 48 hours since the car was supposed to be returned. The guest’s phone number is disconnected, their credit card declined the extension charge, and the Turo app just says “Late Return.” You called the police, and the officer sighed and said, “Sorry, you gave them the keys. This is a civil dispute, not a theft.” Your Geico policy won’t pay because there was no “forced entry.” You are now in the insurance void known as Voluntary Parting.
Key Takeaways
- It’s Not “Stealing” (Yet): Legally, this is “Embezzlement” or “Conversion.” Standard theft requires breaking and entering.
- Police Reports are Hard to Get: You must force the police to write up a “Failure to Return Hired Vehicle” report, not a standard auto theft report.
- The 72-Hour Rule: Most platforms and insurers require a waiting period before they consider the car “stolen.”
- Repo Teams over Police: Private recovery is often faster than police work in 2026.
The “Why”: The Voluntary Parting Exclusion
Check your personal policy exclusions for “Voluntary Parting” or “Conversion.”
It states: We do not cover loss if you voluntarily entrusted the vehicle to another person.
Because you handed them the keys via the Turo app, you “entrusted” the car. Geico, Progressive, and Allstate wash their hands of this immediately. Turo’s protection plan does cover this, but only if you follow their strict reporting timeline.
The Investigation: Recovering the Car
I spoke with a Repo agent who specializes in Turo recoveries.
- The Police Method: You file a report. They put the plate in NCIC (national database). You wait. If a patrol car happens to scan the plate, they stop it. This can take months.
- The Repo Method: You give the GPS location to a private recovery agent. They go pick it up with a spare key. Cost:
300−300−600. - The Turo Method: Turo’s investigator works with police, but they are slow.
Comparison: Who Covers Conversion?
| Policy Type | Covers “Voluntary Parting”? | Requirement |
| Personal Auto (Standard) | NO | Will deny claim immediately. |
| Turo Protection Plan | YES | Must report to Turo within 24 hours of late return + Police Report. |
| Lula / Commercial Fleet | YES | Usually included, but high deductible. |
| Tracker Subscription (GoldStar) | N/A | Helps you find it, doesn’t pay for the car. |
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a formal “Demand Letter” template sent via text to a guest, a required legal step before filing a theft report]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Send the Demand Text: You must legally demand the return. “Your rental agreement ended at [Time]. You are in possession of a stolen vehicle. Return it to [Address] immediately or I will file a police report for felony conversion.”
- Wait 24 Hours (per Turo): Turo usually requires the car to be 24 hours late before they treat it as a theft.
- File the Police Report: Go to the station. Do not say “My car was stolen.” Say “I wish to report a Failure to Redeliver a Hired Vehicle under Penal Code [Insert State Code].” Bring the contract.
- Contact Turo Trust & Safety: Upload the police report number.
- Track and Recover: If your GPS shows the car is parked at a Walmart, go get it (with a spare key). Do not confront the driver. If it’s moving, let the police handle it.
FAQ
If I recover the car myself, does Turo pay for the days it was gone?
Yes, they usually charge the guest for “Additional Usage,” but collecting that money depends on if the guest has funds.
What if the guest stripped parts off the car?
That is vandalism/theft damage. Turo covers this under the physical damage portion of the plan, subject to your deductible.
Can I report the car stolen immediately?
No. If you report it stolen 1 hour after it’s late, and the guest is just stuck in traffic, you can be liable for filing a false police report. You must verify intent to steal (blocked number, card decline).