Anyone offering a vehicle rental with their STR?

Question

I have multiple STR properties on the beach and looking at adding a vehicle to each property to enhance the vacation experience. Was thinking about using Turo for this part.  Anyone have experience with this?

Henry T. · Answer

I've seen a couple places offering but I would not. Liability. constant maintenance. How do people treat rental cars? You gotta be kidding...I stayed at a place that offered free bikes. They were poorly maintained, death traps, no brakes, waiting for a lawsuit. Very rarely are people vigilant enough about anything to cover their *ss and consistantly ensure safety. People in general are lazy, and that's when it goes to hell.  Other services.  Stocking a fridge for a guest? No thanks, they can call Safeway delivery for less than I'd do it for. AND I wouldn't offer it anyway. Just more problems. Leave me alone, just give me money for the stay.

Patrick King · Answer

Having used Turo as a host and having had STR properties, I think combining the two would be awesome.  I'd cross advertise on both platforms (if allowed) and have them as additional 'arrows in the quiver' in differentiating your property from others.  Great idea.

Brooklyn McCarty · Answer

No for me. Most people who don’t have a vehicle or fly are already going to get one at the airport anyways.

David Suarez · Answer

It seems not many STR hosts are doing it.  I've wondered this myself, but mostly because I manage my own property locally and feel I could easily do it.  And just to clarify the legal concerns - when the rental takes place through the car-sharing platform, such as Turo, the liability is covered up to $750K.  The wear and tear of the vehicle would be a concern.    But it would still be nice to hear from a STR host that has actually done it, as opposed to someone like me and others who have opinions but haven't actually tried it.  It might be worth a try to see how it worked.  I do agree with the comment about the amount of work as it relates to profits - in comparison to the STR property returns.

Martha M. · Answer

Kris,

I think for STR it would be tough and, as everyone else has said, too much liability with having a lot of different people and stays.  However, Jesse Vasquez (MTR specialist) raves about it for MTR's and offers it as an add-on to his 30+ day stays.  I haven't delved into it enough yet, but I would think that a traveling nurse would love that option.  Jesse has it parked in the garage so that it's there after they take an uber from the airport.  Certainly a nice way to set yourself apart.  Hope that helps!

Kris Realander · Answer

Thank you everyone for your input. Turo seems very difficult to do remotely based on the feedback I have received from a good friend that has copious amounts of transactions with Turo. I need to research it some more. Weighing on the side of not offering this.

Frank Barletta · Answer

Sure. Differences of opinions, and no wrong answer here. Thanks for replying :)

January Johnson · Answer

But then you have to manage it and worry about insurance.  I wouldn't do it, regardless.  Too much liability for the extra few dollars, in my opinion.

Ryan Moyer · Answer

Some people are doing it with success.  Biggest problem is that managing a Turo rental is more hands on than managing an STR, and is more difficult to do remotely.

But if you can find a way to do that work, you've basically got two businesses where every customer for one is a free, super valuable, super targeted lead for the other, with the opportunity to offer a bundle discount to close the deal.

Frank Barletta · Answer

I wouldn't put that on Turo. I'd include it in the rental and charge an extra few $ a night.

Guest experience is ultimately the only difference between your product and the next one, so why not provide what others don't? The reward should outweigh the risk, so if you're on a mountain top..... disregard :)

Anyone offering a vehicle rental with their STR?

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