GON Reader Letter #1
I Give Turo a Big Thumbs Up!
Turo is an app-based person-to-person car rental (versus renting from a big company like Hertz or
Avis) that I've used and I'd like to share a bit about it.
First, research what it would cost to rent from your favorite traditional car rental place. This will give you a good idea of how much you will save.
Create a profile on Turo.com (the phone app works great, but I prefer to set up the actual rental on my computer instead of my phone)
Enter your trip information including: Location, Start/End times, and Vehicle type: You can choose to pick up right at the airport (for an extra fee) or near an
airport and then Uber to the car.
When you apply the filters, you will see photos of the available cars including make, model, year, and number of trips that vehicle has had, as well as the rating.
When you choose to view a vehicle, you will also see available options and fees. Owners may offer amenities like child safety seats (even detailing the models of them). I typically like to look over a few vehicles and read reviews before choosing one.
Check with your car insurance provider. With
the Turo rental, you will be prompted to purchase additional insurance. After a call to my agent, I declined the extra insurance. Insurance coverage will vary state by state, so do your homework!
Choose the Book This Trip button once you have found the vehicle you want.
With your first rental, you will be prompted to enter your Driver’s License and credit card information. Once this is on your profile, you won’t need to provide it again. You will also need to input information on additional drivers. There is no fee for adding drivers.
You will get a confirmation email with the details of the rental, as well as updates confirming you (and any extra people you added) have been approved to drive.
At this point, I just switch to the app because everything seems like it is right there on your
phone.
You will get an email reminding you that they will be charging you for the car a few days ahead of the actual pickup. And then another email when your card is charged.
All communication is done through the app (but you will get an email
letting you know to go look at the app for communication too).
You will be given the exact location of the vehicle right in the app with instructions. Sometimes they will leave the car unlocked and hide the key somewhere in the car. Other times they may choose to use a lock box and send you the code. I would recommend communicating
with the owner ahead of time so you know what to expect.
Typically, you will return the vehicle (with a full tank of gas) at the pickup location. Be polite and tidy up the car while you are fueling. I like to send a nice thank you message letting them know how the vehicle worked for me. There is also a spot to leave both a public and private
review. Be kind.
I think I’ve saved hundreds of dollars already. But what I really appreciate is knowing exactly what vehicle I am getting. I’ve been stuck at a rental counter being told there is not an available vehicle (even though I reserved one). I’ve also been given a different class of vehicle other than what I have reserved.
Through Turo, that is not an issue.
That’s it! Super easy.
-- Weslie Gray
GON Reader Letter #2
Having This for Gardening is a Lifesaver!
You can sit on the bench or flip it over to have a cushioned kneeler and the now upside down
legs can help you to get up off the ground.
With this handy item, I can "play in the dirt" and not become part of the garden.
Thank you for all the helpful tips.
-- Carol in Texas
GON Reader Letter #3
Your Newsletter Reminded Me of Something in My Life
Hi Maria,
I just wanted to comment on your September 10 newsletter. You tied it to a school day but it reminded me of something in my life.
I grew up in a chaotic household. I was envious of friends that lived in a stable, organized home. In my teen years, my brother-in-law and another friend suggested that I join the military. I didn’t give it much thought at first but when I turned 21, I entered the Air Force. I finally found an environment where I could feel comfortable.
Over time, I realized that I been craving certainty and structure and found an environment where I could learn to thrive.
Many of us came from situations that were
lacking structure and you are a guiding light to a better life.
Thank you for all your good advice!
-- Toni
