What Cars Are Eligible For Turo Go: Essential Guide

To qualify for Turo Go, your car must generally be model year 2015 or newer, have an active Turo protection plan, be valued under $150,000, and be equipped with Turo-approved remote unlock hardware, like a specific telematics device.

Welcome! Trying to list your car on Turo and seeing the “Go” option is confusing? You want the convenience of contactless rentals, but the requirements seem a bit technical. Don’t worry! Turo Go is Turo’s fantastic feature that lets guests instantly book and unlock cars using their phone, without you having to meet them. Making your car eligible is easier than it sounds once you know the main checkpoints. As your friendly auto guide, I’ll break down exactly what Turo looks for so you can confidently unlock this feature today.

We will cover the hardware, the vehicle requirements, and the step-by-step process to get your car set up for this awesome feature.

Table of Contents

Understanding Turo Go: The Key to Contactless Car Sharing

Turo Go is one of the biggest game-changers for hosts looking to maximize their rental time and improve guest satisfaction. Instead of exchanging keys in person, guests use the Turo app to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely. It’s fast, safe, and super convenient—a win-win for everyone!

For this magic to happen, Turo needs a reliable way to verify the guest and ensure the vehicle is secure. This security relies almost entirely on special hardware installed in your car, which links the vehicle directly to the Turo platform. If you’re wondering, “what cars are eligible for Turo Go,” remember that the eligibility is often based more on the technology inside the car than just the make and model.

Why Does Turo Go Have Strict Eligibility Rules?

Think of Turo Go as a premium, verified rental experience. To maintain this high standard and protect both you and the renter, Turo has specific rules:

Security and Trust: The remote unlock system must be reliable. If the connection fails, the guest can’t start their trip securely.
Insurance Implications: The remote tracking and control help Turo manage liability and insurance coverage effectively during the rental period.
Vehicle Condition: Newer cars generally have better built-in security systems, which integrate more safely with the Turo hardware.

The Three Main Pillars of Turo Go Eligibility

When checking if your car qualifies, you need to look at three main areas. If your car ticks all these boxes, you are likely ready for Turo Go! Here are the core requirements we need to focus on.

Pillar 1: Vehicle Age and Value Restrictions

Turo sets basic physical guidelines for all vehicles on the platform, but for Go, these become even more important because of the technology integration.

1. Model Year Threshold

Most hosts know that Turo has age limits. For Turo Go, devices need a modern vehicle electrical system to interface with reliably. This means:

Your car must generally be a 2015 model year or newer. Some specific pre-2015 vehicles might be grandfathered in if they already have approved hardware installed, but for new setups, 2015 is the baseline.

2. Maximum Vehicle Value

Because Turo Go involves remote access, Turo manages the risk associated with higher-value assets carefully. There is a cap on how expensive the car can be to use the Go feature.

The total insured market value of your vehicle must be under $150,000 USD.

3. Clean History

As always with Turo, a clean slate is mandatory. Your car must not have a salvage, rebuilt, or branded title. This is crucial for maintaining insurance coverage integrity.

Pillar 2: The Essential Hardware Component

This is the biggest hurdle for most hosts. Turo Go cannot work without approved hardware that allows the Turo platform to communicate directly with the car’s locking systems.

You cannot just use any off-the-shelf GPS tracker. Turo mandates specific devices that they have tested and vetted for security and functionality. Think of it like using an official charging cable for your phone—it has to meet the manufacturer’s standard.

Approved Hardware Options

Currently, the primary way to enable Turo Go is through a hardware installation, usually professionally done. The most common approved devices fall under Turo’s “Turo Go Key” program or similar high-security telematics installations. These devices perform two main functions:

Remote Locking/Unlocking: They securely interface with the car’s internal computer to allow app-based control.
Trip Monitoring: They provide real-time GPS location and mileage tracking required for the protection plan.

Important Note on Installation: Turo typically requires that hardware installation is performed by a certified technician or a designated Turo partner to ensure safety and warranty compliance. Improper installation can damage your vehicle’s electrical system, which is a major risk we want to avoid!

For the most up-to-date list of required hardware and installation procedures, always refer to the official Turo Support documentation regarding Go eligibility, as approved devices can change over time.

Pillar 3: Protection Plan Requirements

Your car must be listed under a specific Turo protection plan that supports the real-time tracking and control capabilities that Turo Go requires. This is standard for hosts running a professional operation.

The Necessary Plan Details

You usually must select one of the higher-tier protection plans (like the 70/30 or 80/20 plans, depending on your market and Turo’s current structure) that includes full host liability protection supported by Turo’s safety net.

Why this matters: The hardware constantly reports data back to Turo. The higher protection plans are designed to handle the specific data streams and liabilities associated with remote access rentals.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Car for Turo Go

Ready to make your vehicle Go-eligible? Follow these straightforward steps. If the hardware installation feels intimidating, remember you can always find professional help!

Step 1: Confirm Basic Vehicle Fit

Before ordering any hardware, check the easy stuff first:

Is the car 2015 model year or newer?
Is the value under $150,000?
Does it have a clean title (no salvage/rebuilt)?

If you answered yes to all three, proceed!

Step 2: Research and Acquire Approved Hardware

You must determine which specific hardware Turo currently endorses for your region. This is a fluid part of the system.

Log into your Turo Host dashboard and look for the “Turo Go” setup guide. This guide will list the current approved telematics devices (e.g., specific models from companies like Gogo or P2G).
Purchase the specific hardware kit required.

Step 3: Professional Installation

Do not attempt this yourself unless you are a trained automotive electrician. Connecting the wrong wire can disable airbags or communication systems.

Locate an authorized Turo Go installer in your area. Turo often provides a list of certified shops when you purchase the hardware kit.
Schedule the installation. This usually requires access to the OBD-II port or direct wiring into the vehicle’s power supply and data bus.
Ensure the installer confirms the device is functioning correctly and reporting to the network upon completion.

Step 4: Update Your Vehicle Listing on Turo

Once the hardware is successfully installed and activated:

Go to your active car listing on your Turo account.
Navigate to the “Features” or “Access” section.
You should see a section prompting you to enable Turo Go now that the required hardware is detected. Select “Enable Turo Go.”
Confirm your protection plan meets Go requirements.

Step 5: Testing and Verification

Turo may initiate a final remote test to ensure the lock/unlock sequence works perfectly before making the listing fully available for instant booking via Go.

Follow any final prompts in the app from Turo to finalize the setup.
If you see the Turo Go symbol on your listing, congratulations! Your car is ready for instant, keyless bookings.

Compatibility Deep Dive: Why Some Popular Cars Don’t Qualify

It’s not always the age; sometimes, it’s the technology within those modern vehicles that blocks Turo Go eligibility. This is often related to manufacturer anti-theft systems.

The Issue with Integrated Telematics

Many newer cars (especially luxury brands like some BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or certain high-tech Teslas) come with their own proprietary connected services (like OnStar or proprietary OEM connectivity). These systems fiercely guard access to the vehicle’s electronic locks and ignition systems.

Turo’s third-party hardware must gain secure, authorized access. If the manufacturer’s encryption is too tough or proprietary Turo cannot get the necessary security permissions, the car cannot become Go-enabled, even if it’s a 2023 model.

Practical Example: A 2020 Honda CR-V is often an ideal candidate because its systems generally allow easier integration with third-party telematics hardware than a similarly aged Audi equipped with highly secure factory encryption.

Table 1: General Vehicle Guideline Comparison for Turo Go

Requirement Field	Turo Go Standard Requirement	Why It Matters
Model Year Minimum	2015 or New	Modern electric systems needed for hardware integration.
Vehicle Value Cap	Under $150,000 USD	Risk management for instant booking features.
Title Status	Clean (No Salvage/Rebuilt)	Ensures reliable insurance coverage.
Hardware Install	Mandatory, Turo-Approved Telematics Device	Required for remote lock/unlock functionality.
Mileage Limit	Generally no strict daily limit, but must meet plan requirements.	Linked to the protection plan you select.

Tips for Hosts Adding Turo Go Hardware Safely

As your automotive guide, my number one concern, besides getting you renters, is keeping your vehicle safe and reliable. Installing hardware is sensitive work.

Battery Drain Concerns

A common question is whether the constant GPS tracking and cellular connection of the Go hardware will drain your car battery when it’s parked?

Modern, approved Turo Go hardware is designed to enter a low-power “sleep mode” when the vehicle is inactive and hasn’t been unlocked via the app for a set period. However, if your car is older or the installation is faulty, drain can occur.

Check Power Source: Ensure the installer taps into a consistent, switched power source (one that turns off with the ignition) or uses a guaranteed hardwired connection that detects battery voltage drops.
Monitor Voltage: If you notice your battery dying frequently after installation, contact your installer immediately to check wiring integrity.

Vetting Your Installer

This is not a service you want a friend to try in their garage. You are dealing with high-tech security and vehicle diagnostics.

Always choose an installer recommended by Turo, or one who can provide proof of certification for installing high-end telematics systems. This protects your vehicle’s warranty and ensures the remote access functions legally and securely. For reference on safe automotive electronics installation, resources from organizations focused on vehicle safety often stress proper wire fusing and routing—something only a professional should handle.

Maximizing Your Earnings with Turo Go Capability

Once you have successfully navigated the eligibility hurdles and gotten that hardware installed, you’ve opened the door to a much larger segment of the Turo market. Instant booking is a massive draw for travelers on the move.

Guests using Turo Go are often looking for speed and simplicity. They frequently book last-minute trips, and they prefer hosts who offer maximum convenience. Statistically, listings marked with the Turo Go feature often experience higher conversion rates and can command slightly higher daily rates because they eliminate the scheduling dependency between host and guest.

The Value Proposition for Guests

Think about it from the renter’s viewpoint. When they land at an airport or need transportation immediately, the ability to book and start their trip within minutes is priceless. They don’t need to coordinate a 30-minute handover in heavy traffic. This ease of use is what makes navigating the technical Go requirements worth the effort.

Remember that enabling Turo Go means you are committing to being responsive. While you don’t have to physically meet the guest, you must be available via phone or chat to handle any unexpected issues that might arise during the remote process.

Final Checklist Before You Go Live

Before you finalize the setup and start reaping the benefits of contactless rentals, run through this brief final checklist. This ensures everything is buttoned down, keeping your car safe and your bookings smooth.

Hardware Certified: Confirmed the installed telematics device is on Turo’s current approved list?
Installation Verified: Did the professional installer confirm the device is communicating properly with the Turo network?
Listing Updated: Did you check the box or toggle the setting in your host dashboard to actively enable Turo Go?
Protection Plan Active: Is your current protection plan compatible with Go features?
Contact Info Current: Are your phone number and email up to date in case Turo needs to reach you about the remote connection?

Turo Go is designed to automate and streamline your hosting experience, turning your car into a truly passive income machine. While the hardware requirement—specifically knowing “what cars are eligible for Turo Go” based on their internal tech compatibility—can seem tricky at first, following the official guidelines regarding model year and mandated devices makes the path clear.

By focusing on getting that certified hardware installed correctly, you move your listing into the premium, instant-booking category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turo Go Eligibility

Q1: Can I use any generic GPS tracker from Amazon to enable Turo Go?

No, absolutely not. Turo requires specific, approved telematics devices because they have vetted the security protocols and confirmed they integrate perfectly with their instant booking and protection systems. A generic tracker will not work.

Q2: If my car is a 2014 model but runs perfectly, can I still get Turo Go?

It is highly unlikely for new installations. The 2015 model year is a firm guideline because Turo needs assurance regarding the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics and security architecture. Occasionally, Turo might permit exceptions if the car already had an older, grandfathered Go system, but brand new activations usually require 2015+.

Q3: Does Turo pay for the installation of the Go hardware?

Typically, the host is responsible for the purchase of the hardware and the cost of installation. Sometimes, during promotional periods or for high-value hosts, Turo might offer subsidies or credit toward the installation fee. Always check the current host incentive program details.

Q4: What happens if the Turo Go hardware stops working during a trip?

If the hardware fails mid-trip (e.g., the guest cannot lock the vehicle at the end of the rental), the guest must immediately contact Turo support. Turo support can often remotely reboot the device or, in rare cases, coordinate roadside assistance to manually secure the vehicle, although this is very rare with reliable hardware.

Q5: Does enabling Turo Go raise my insurance costs?

Enabling Go requires you to be on a protection plan that is designed to support remote access, which is usually one of Turo’s slightly higher-tier plans. While the plan cost itself might be slightly higher than the absolute base plan, you benefit from potentially higher booking rates due to the convenience factor.

Q6: If my car is worth $155,000, is it completely ineligible for Turo Go?

Yes, if the actual market value used for insurance purposes exceeds the $150,000 cap, the vehicle is ineligible for the Turo Go feature, even if all physical and technological requirements are met. This limit is firm for risk management.