GPS Tracking for Turo Hosts: Stay Compliant and In Control

Every few years, a new economy emerges from the internet. Ride-sharing, short-term lodging, and digital content creation are now so well-established as viable income sources that it seems difficult to remember a time before they existed. Soon, the car-sharing economy will take its place among them.

Platforms like Turo, HyreCar, ZipCar, and Getaround now empower everyday individuals to turn their vehicles into revenue-generating assets. As this trend accelerates, so does the need for solutions that help manage their cars effectively. A substantial number of Turo hosts have found that GPS is a versatile technology that not only tracks vehicle location but also significantly enhances the experience for both Turo hosts and guests.

That’s because the right GPS device adds security and transparency to the experience. Clear communication and mutual understanding between hosts and guests contribute to a smoother rental experience, and GPS trackers facilitate that with objective data. The technology also helps hosts provide proof of compliance with applicable laws and the platform’s rules. Bouncie, the feature-packed yet easy-to-use GPS tracker, has become a favorite of Turo hosts for these reasons and more. Here’s a look at how GPS tracking for Turo with Bouncie helps hosts stay compliant and in control.

Why GPS Tracking Is Valuable for Turo Hosts

Handing over the keys to a stranger, even through a trusted platform like Turo, comes with inherent risks. In an ideal world, everyone would adhere to the law and abide by Turo's terms of service. However, we don’t live in a perfect world. Car theft, unexpected detours, and unauthorized use are real threats in the car-sharing world. GPS tracking provides an invaluable and versatile solution for Turo hosts. Here’s why:

Track Your Vehicle’s Real-Time Location

Imagine the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where your vehicle is at any given time. That’s what you get with Turo vehicle tracking powered by GPS. Before a trip, you can confirm your car is ready and in the designated pickup spot. During the rental period, real-time tracking allows you to monitor its whereabouts. This is especially helpful with new renters whom you don’t know or trust yet. After the trip, you can easily locate your vehicle for recovery and inspection.

Protect Your Investment Against Theft or Unauthorized Use

Even with the protections provided by Turo and other car-sharing services, the unfortunate reality is that vehicle theft and misuse can still happen. However, GPS trackers are designed to help mitigate these problems. 

In the event of theft, GPS is an essential recovery tool. Law enforcement can use the tracker's precise location data to expedite recovery, minimizing the potential for total loss. On top of that, GPS devices can alert you when the vehicle is outside the expected geographical area or is driven at excessive speeds, all of which are indicators of unauthorized use.

Improve Accountability and Transparency With Guests

The Turo platform helps you set clear expectations for how guests will use your car. GPS tracking provides the objective data to verify that those expectations are met. GPS data is an impartial record of trip details, invaluable in resolving potential disputes between host and guest. 

For example, if there are questions about mileage, late returns, or the vehicle's route, GPS trackers offer factual data that leaves no room for dispute. This level of transparency not only helps prevent misunderstandings but also fosters trust, leading to a better experience for all involved..

Understanding Turo’s Policy on Tracking and Technology

It’s easy to see the benefits GPS offers, but what is Turo’s take on tracking guests? Do they allow hosts to use technology other than their own? These are common questions for both hosts and guests. It’s important to know and understand Turo’s Host policies on these matters, which have the answers you need.

Turo generally permits hosts to use tracking devices and other technology to safeguard their vehicles. However, the most critical point in Turo’s policy is disclosure. Hosts are required to inform guests about the presence of such devices. Here’s what this means in real-world terms:

• Disclose tracking in your listing: You must clearly state in your vehicle's listing description that a tracking device is installed.
• Device visibility: Any tracking devices you install in your vehicle must be clearly visible, so that the guest can see what they are and what they do.
• Consent for interior recording: While not applicable to GPS trackers like Bouncie, another important point in Turo’s technology policy is the language around devices that can record audio or video. Turo requires hosts to obtain explicit, written consent from guests (via Turo messaging) to activate any device, including OEM-installed cameras or aftermarket dashcams, that can capture audio or video footage in the vehicle’s interior.

Violating Turo’s tracking and technology policies can lead to serious consequences. You may face financial penalties such as reduced protection plan payouts, temporary account suspension, or even permanent removal from the Turo platform. Therefore, it’s best to remember all the rules discussed above and routinely check Turo’s policies for updates.

Types of GPS Trackers Allowed by Turo

Another policy question Turo hosts frequently have is about the types of trackers Turo allows. The good news here is that most GPS trackers that meet the above requirements are permitted. This includes devices that plug into the car’s OBD-II port, a standard feature for vehicles made since 1996. Bouncie is one such example, as it uses the OBD-II port for power and to communicate with the car’s computers.

Another notable clause in Turo's Guest policy is the requirement to follow the disclosure laws required by your state and local jurisdictions. Finally, Turo reserves the right to use data from built-in and aftermarket tracking and telematics devices installed in your vehicle to investigate reports of reckless driving or aid in theft recovery efforts.

Best Practices for Turo Hosts Using GPS Tracking

To stay in compliance with Turo’s policies, hosts using GPS tracking should follow these best practices:

Where to Place the Device

For devices that plug into the OBD-II port, like Bouncie, the installation point is fixed. The OBD-II port is typically located in the floorboard near the pedals, making it both easily accessible and out of immediate sight for a Turo guest. 

For battery-powered devices, choose a discreet but accessible location. You want the tracker to be somewhat concealed to deter tampering, but also visible enough to meet Turo’s requirements.

How to Notify Guests

First and foremost, you must notify your guests that GPS tracking devices are used in your Turo listing. Remember, this is a requirement mandated by Turo policy. You should also reiterate this in your welcome message, which is automatically sent to guests once a reservation is completed. This can be as simple as, "Just a reminder, as mentioned in the listing, this vehicle is equipped with a GPS tracking device for security and management purposes."

Balancing Security With Trust and User Experience

Tech security is often a balancing act. You can make things super-secure, but at the expense of the user experience. Conversely, making things very easy frequently means leaving some security holes unaddressed, so as not to bother the user. This same principle applies when securing your vehicle with GPS. 

To find a middle ground, focus on security rather than micromanagement. Remember that the primary purpose of installing a tracker is to protect your asset and ensure compliance with rental terms. If your GPS monitoring or data usage goes beyond those needs, you’re probably out of balance.

Introducing Bouncie for Turo Hosts

Hosts interested in a GPS tracking device for Turo have many to choose from, but an increasing number are opting for Bouncie. Why is that?

The fact is that many Turo hosts have found Bouncie to be reliable, feature-rich, easy to use, and perfectly suited for car-sharing applications. Consider these Bouncie features:

• Real-time GPS tracking: Bouncie provides precise, real-time location updates, allowing Turo hosts to know their vehicle's location at all times. This constant visibility offers peace of mind whether the car is awaiting pickup, on a trip, or due for return.
• Detailed trip data: Access detailed trip logs, including start and end times, mileage, routes, and driving behavior like speed and acceleration. Bouncie offers a wealth of data that helps verify guest usage and resolve disputes.
• Geofencing: Bouncie allows you to create virtual boundaries and receive instant alerts when your vehicle enters or exits these Geo-Zones. Geofencing is ideal for ensuring cars stay within agreed-upon regions, since you can instantly know if the guest goes off course. You can also receive notifications when your vehicle leaves your home base or is returned to a designated drop-off spot.
• Monitor vehicle health: Since Bouncie plugs into your vehicle’s OBD-II port, it can access critical information such as diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). You can even receive alerts about the DTCs, allowing you to stay on top of potential issues.
• Approved by Turo: Bouncie is listed on the Turo webiste under approved Tools & Technology.

Software That’s Easy to Install and Use

Bouncie is plug-and-play, and its software is equally easy to install and use. First, there is a powerful web app that allows you to monitor your vehicle, review trip histories, set up Geo-Zones, and manage account settings. You can access this app from a modern web browser on any internet-connected device. 

Alternatively, Bouncie also offers acclaimed web apps for iOS and Android devices. On the Apple App Store, the Bouncie app has a 4.8 out of 5 rating, and it has earned a 4.7 from Android users on the Google Play Store.

Real-Time Monitoring Benefits With Bouncie

Most people understand that GPS tracking devices allow you to monitor a vehicle’s location, but there’s much more to it than that. These extra benefits become especially important when you’re a Turo host. Consider these benefits of real-time monitoring with a Bouncie Turo GPS tracker:

• Setting up Geo-Zones: Bouncie’s Geo-Zones feature can instantly notify hosts when their vehicle leaves a geofenced area, such as a city or custom-defined region. Benefits include confirming your car stays in agreed-upon areas, being alerted to unauthorized uses, knowing if your vehicle traveled outside a predefinded area, or instantly knowing when your vehicle is picked up and returned.
• Track mileage and trip history for maintenance and billing: Accurate record-keeping is essential for any Turo host. Bouncie automatically logs detailed trip information like mileage and comprehensive trip histories. This means no more manual odometer readings or disputes over distance traveled. This ensures accurate billing if you have mileage limits and helps you track usage for tax purposes.
• Monitor guest driving behavior: While you trust your guests, having insight into driving behavior can help protect your vehicle. Bouncie can send alerts for events like speeding, hard braking, and rapid acceleration. While you should use this information judiciously and in accordance with Turo's Host and Guest policies, it can help ensure both vehicle health and driver safety.
• Impact Detection: Accidents can happen anytime. Stay informed with instant alerts the moment an impact is detected.

Drive Your Turo Business Forward With Bouncie

Car sharing is one of the most exciting new digital economies in recent years. Yet, this exciting new world comes with unique responsibilities and concerns. Unlike ride-sharing, where most licensed and insured drivers with a reasonably recent car can potentially sign up, car sharing requires a greater level of trust and oversight. And that’s where GPS for car sharing comes in.

Among all the GPS tracking options available, Bouncie stands out as an ideal partner for Turo hosts. Bouncie is packed with the features that matter most in car-sharing, such as detailed trip data, Geo-Zones, and vehicle health monitoring, yet it offers unparalleled ease of installation and user-friendliness.

To make it even easier for Turo hosts to get started, Bouncie deals and promotions are regularly featured on the Turo Marketplace. In addition, there are a number of Turo partners with Bouncie and a number of insurance companies, including ABI, Tint, LULA, Inshur, and Roamly, so that you can have confidence throughout the entire experience.

In short, Bouncie offers compliance and simplicity for Turo hosts, a rare combination. Whether you have a single Turo car or an entire fleet, there’s no better GPS partner than Bouncie. Start securing your car share business today by checking out Bouncie.