Flat tire damage

August 8, 2020

Fast Facts:

  • Whether a host or a guest is responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing a flat tire depends on protection plan selected and/or the tire’s condition.
  • If you get a flat tire, follow the instructions below for getting assistance and coordinating with your host. 

Who’s responsible for a flat tire? 

Guest responsibility for a flat tire

If a guest gets a flat tire during a trip, they may be responsible for the cost to repair or replace it. Flat tires that occur because a guest accidentally damaged the tire or because of vandalism are unfortunate. But guests are responsible for the damage costs because they’re responsible for the vehicle during the booked period. However, guests who choose the Premier protection plan offered through Turo never pay flat tire costs, regardless of circumstances.

Host responsibility for a flat tire

If a flat tire is caused by host neglect or poor maintenance, the host would be responsible for the damage costs. Hosts bear the cost of tire replacement or repair if it’s professionally documented that the flat resulted from:

  • a defect
  • a cut, gouge, bulge, or bubble on the sidewall
  • excessive wear that made it unsafe to be driven at the start of the trip
  • improper inflation at the start of the trip
  • a tread depth of less than 4/32”
  • signs of dry rot
  • an age of more than six years

What should I do if I get a flat tire?

If you get a flat tire during a trip, do the following:  

  • Contact roadside assistance.  
    • In the US, call 1-415-965-4525.
    • In Canada, call 1-888-391-0460. 
    • In the UK, call 0344 243 8660.
  • Contact your host to coordinate repair or replacement.   
    • If the tire can be repaired, it might be best to do so. 
    • If the sidewall is damaged or the tire can’t be repaired, get the host’s approval to replace the tire with one of equal or greater quality. 
      •  Make no reduction or pro-ration based on mileage. 
      • You’re not responsible for replacing any of the non-damaged tires. 

Protection plan coverage 

If you and your host are unable to coordinate the replacement or repair as described above, the individual protection plan chosen by each party would be in effect as part of the damage claim.

 

 

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