I have 12 cars. I paid Turo $45,000 in “Protection Plan Fees” last year (the difference between the 90 plan and the 75 plan). I only had $5,000 in damages. I feel like I am throwing money away. I want to take the 90 Plan (keeping 90% of earnings) and buy my own insurance. Is this financial suicide or a genius move?
Key Takeaways
- The “90 Plan” Strategy: Turo allows you to take 90% of the earnings if you provide your own commercial insurance to the guest (declining Turo’s protection). Note: As of 2026, Turo strictly regulates this to actual rental companies.
- The “Commercial Policy” Route: Even if you stay on a standard Turo plan (like the 90 plan where Turo provides liability but you take the physical damage risk), you are essentially self-insuring the hull (the car).
- The Break-Even Point: Usually around 10-15 cars. Below that, one total loss wipes out your savings.
- Cash Reserves: You cannot self-insure without a $50k+ liquid cash reserve for repairs.
The “Why”: The Casino Math
Turo protection is expensive because Turo assumes high risk. If you are a good operator (vet guests, maintain cars), you are subsidizing bad hosts.
Moving to the 90 Plan (or Commercial) means you keep the profit, but you pay the claims.
- Math: Extra 15% earnings on $200k revenue = $30,000 extra cash.
- Risk: Can you fix all your dents and crashes for less than $30,000?
The Investigation: The Real Costs
I analyzed a fleet of 20 economy cars.
- Turo 75 Plan: Host keeps $150,000. Turo covers damages (w/ $250 deductible).
- Turo 90 Plan: Host keeps $180,000. Host pays all damage under $2,500 deductible.
- Reality: The fleet had 12 minor accidents (
800each)and1majorcrash(800each)and1majorcrash(6,000).- Total Repair Bill: $15,600.
- Extra Earnings: $30,000.
- Profit: $14,400 ahead by self-insuring.
Comparison: Risk Appetite
| Strategy | Earnings % | Who pays for a scratched bumper? | Who pays for a Total Loss? |
| 60 Plan | 60% | Turo (0 ded) | Turo |
| 75 Plan | 75% | You (up to $250) | Turo |
| 90 Plan | 90% | You (up to $2,500) | Turo (after $2.5k) |
| Full Commercial | 100% (Direct) | You ($1,000 ded) | Insurance Carrier |
[IMAGE: Spreadsheet screenshot showing a “Risk Retention Analysis” calculator for Turo fleets]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Audit Your Claims History: Look at last year. How much did Turo actually pay out for your cars?
- Build a Repair Network: You need a cheap body shop. If you pay retail rates, self-insurance fails. You need “wholesale” repair relationships.
- Start with the 80/85 Plan: Don’t jump to 90. Step up gradually. See if you can handle the higher deductibles.
- Create a “Repair Fund”: Put that extra 15% income into a separate bank account. Do not spend it. That is your insurance fund.
FAQ
Does the 90 plan include liability?
Yes, Turo still provides liability coverage for the guest. The 90 plan changes the physical damage deductible for you.
Can I switch plans per car?
Yes. Put your risky cars (sports cars) on the 60 plan, and your tank-like cars (Jeeps) on the 90 plan.
What requires a commercial license?
If you want to opt-out of Turo insurance entirely (Liability + Hull) and keep 92-95%, you need to be a fully licensed rental agency (RAC) and provide your own COI to Turo.