My guest sideswiped a guardrail in my Audi. Turo’s “AI-driven” estimate came back:
I was quoted $452.12 for “bumper repair and paint.” I took the car to a certified body shop, and they literally laughed. They explained that the radar sensors are crushed, the headlight mounting tabs are snapped, and the fender is aluminum—none of this can be repaired; it all needs to be replaced. Their estimate was significantly higher than the original quote.
4,100. Now I’m stuck in the middle.
Key Takeaways
- The First Estimate is Always Wrong: Turo uses software (like Snapsheet) designed to write the lowest possible figure. It is never the final number.
- You Must File a “Supplement”: This is the formal process where the shop tells Turo, “You missed this.”
- Choose a Turo-Friendly Shop: Many big chains (Caliber, Gerber) hate Turo claims because the payment process is slow. Find an independent shop.
- Do Not Accept the Payout Yet: If you click “Accept and Close,” you might waive your right to supplements.
The “Why”: Visible vs. Hidden Damage
The AI estimate is based only on the photos you uploaded. It cannot see broken clips behind the bumper or a bent crash bar.
The body shop does a “tear down” (taking the car apart) to find the hidden damage. Turo will pay for this, but only if documented correctly.
The Investigation: The Supplement Workflow
I tracked a claim from start to finish to see where the bottlenecks are.
- Initial Quote: $500 (Visual only).
- Shop Tear Down: Shop removes bumper, finds broken sensors.
- Supplement Request: Shop emails Turo claims with photos of broken parts + new invoice.
- Turo Review: Turo sends an independent appraiser (or reviews photos).
- Approval: Turo approves $3,800 additional.
- Payment: Turo pays the shop directly or sends you the funds.
Comparison: Estimate Accuracy
| Source | Estimate Amount | What it Covers | Accuracy |
| Turo AI / Initial | $450 | Surface scratches only. | 10% |
| Photo-Based Appraiser | $1,200 | Visible dents + some labor. | 40% |
| Body Shop Tear Down | $4,100 | Hidden brackets, sensors, blended paint. | 100% |
[IMAGE: Side-by-side comparison of Turo’s initial estimate PDF vs. the Body Shop’s final invoice showing the list of “Missed” parts]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Tell the Shop “It’s a Turo Claim”: ask them if they work with Snapsheet or peer-to-peer claims. If they say no, go elsewhere.
- Authorize the Tear Down: You might have to sign a paper authorizing them to take the car apart.
- The “Supplement Request” Email: The shop needs to email Turo (or upload to the portal) with:
- Photos of the damaged parts off the car.
- Invoices for the new parts price.
- VIN photo.
- Follow Up Every 48 Hours: Turo claims departments are overwhelmed. If you don’t nudge them, the file sits.
FAQ
Can I pocket the money and not fix the car?
Technically yes, but if the damage is safety-related (like a headlight or sensor), Turo will restrict your vehicle until you prove it’s fixed. Also, you can’t file a supplement if you don’t actually fix it.
What if Turo refuses to pay the shop’s labor rate?
This happens. Turo might cap labor at $60/hr, but your shop charges $120/hr. You are responsible for the difference unless you can prove no other shop in the area is cheaper (Market Rate argument).
Does Turo pay for the days the car is in the shop?
Only if you have “Loss of Income” coverage (usually requires the 60 plan or a commercial policy). Standard protection plans do not pay for downtime.