Person to Person Car Rentals in L.A.
They're like the Airbnb for auto rentals
3 Min Read
3 Min ReadWhen it comes to renting a car, there’s been a tried-and-true method for years. That is, until now. Recently, person-to-person car rental has hit the scene and has changed the rental game for the better.
You used to have to stand in line at some stuffy rental counter, pay way too much, and fill out reams of paperwork to rent a car. Now the process has become as simple as opening an app on your phone. Today, it’s possible to land in a new city, and instantly rent a real person’s car for a few days, a week, or even a month.
Here’s what you need to know about this innovative method of car rental in L.A. and beyond.
What is a person-to-person car rental?
Person-to-person car rental is also known as car sharing. This concept is ideal for people who need a car to drive during vacations. On the flip side, it’s also good for people who don’t use their car very much and want to rent it out to make some extra cash. Car sharing has become a hit in places like Los Angeles, which is such a large, sprawling city. Many people compare it to Airbnb for auto rentals. 
Here’s how it works:
Owners are covered during each trip within the United States and Canada by $1 million of liability coverage. When the car is being rented, the parent company’s insurance steps in and acts as the primary policy on the vehicle. If an owner does have to file a claim, this prevents their insurance premiums from being affected.
Beyond this, car-sharing companies vet all parties involved in the transactions and may run background checks as well.
Car-sharing companies operating in L.A.
Interested in taking advantage of car sharing in L.A.? Here are the two companies to check out:
Turo
Formerly known as RelayRides, Turo offers something for every taste and budget. Whether you want a sleek, luxurious car or just one that is cheap and reliable, you can find whatever you’re looking for. The service is available in the United States, Canada, Germany, and the UK. Also, Turo has certain car hosts who don’t mind renting to drivers that are under 25 years old.
After downloading the app to your smartphone, sign up for an account with your email address or Facebook account. You won’t be asked to provide any personal details until you officially book or list your car. Once you’ve signed up and your account is ready to go, all that’s left to do is input your travel dates and your pick up address.
Getaround
Those who are willing to share their vehicles on Getaround, pay $99 for the company to install a device that can unlock the vehicle through a smartphone app. There also is a pouch in which the owner places the key. In addition, owners pay a $20 monthly fee to be connected to the company’s network.
Then, the cars are rented out on an hourly basis, with a rate that starts around $5. Getaround guarantees car owners will accrue around $1,000 in the first three months.
To list your car online and start earning, keep in mind that your vehicle must be 10 years old or newer and shouldn’t have more than 125,000 miles.
Enjoy the perks of car sharing in your new city
If you’ve recently moved to Los Angeles, car sharing is a fantastic way to get from point A to point B. Less expensive than owning a car, car sharing is a convenient option for visitors and residents alike.
By knowing your options ahead of time, you can start feeling your way around the city. If you’re still looking for a place to stay, Blueground offers properties in some of the most sought-after sections of Los Angeles and helps new residents (and lifelong locals) figure out where to live. Blueground manages privately-owned apartments, decorates them beautifully and equips them with all necessities. Then, they are made available for periods of a month, a year or even more. The flexible lease terms mean you can explore various neighborhoods and experience more than one property during your L.A. stay.
Now that you’ve been informed about your transportation options, decide what will work best for you, your schedule and your budget.
