Turo Fuel Reimbursement: How to Get Paid Every Time

One of the most satisfying parts of being a Turo host is seeing your car return with a full tank of gas. It means the guest followed the rules, and the car is ready for the next trip. However, as any experienced host knows, that isn't always how it goes.

Managing fuel levels is a constant tug-of-war between maintaining guest convenience and protecting your profit margins. Fuel reimbursement is more than just a convenience; it’s a specific administrative process.

If you handle it correctly, you get paid for the gas plus a small convenience fee. If you handle it poorly, you end up paying for the guest’s fuel out of your own pocket. Here is how to navigate the fuel reimbursement landscape like a pro.

The Turo Fuel Policy: How It Works

Turo operates on a "like-for-like" fuel policy. This means the guest is required to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel it had at the start of the trip. If you provide the car with a full tank, they must return it full. If you provide it at half a tank, they return it at half.

The Pro Tip: Always provide your car with a 100% full tank. Trying to track "3/4 of a tank" is a recipe for disputes and messy math. Starting at 100% makes the evidence undeniable.

If a guest returns the car with less fuel than they started with, Turo allows you to bill them for the missing gas. In addition to the cost of the fuel itself, Turo adds a $10 convenience fee to the invoice. This fee goes directly to you to compensate for the time spent driving to the gas station.

Documentation: Your Only Path to Payment

You cannot simply tell Turo the car is empty and expect a check. The reimbursement process is entirely evidence-based. If you don't have the right photos, the guest can dispute the charge, and Turo will side with them.

1. The Pre-Trip Photo During your check-in process, you must take a clear, well-lit photo of the dashboard. This photo needs to show the fuel gauge and the current odometer reading. This proves the exact state of the car when the guest took possession.

2. The Post-Trip Photo Immediately after the trip ends (within 24 hours), take the exact same photo. If the needle is lower than it was in the first photo, you have a valid claim.

3. The Gas Receipt After you fill the car back up to its original level, you must take a photo of the receipt. Turo requires this to verify the price per gallon and the total amount spent. Make sure the date and time on the receipt are visible and correspond to the period immediately following the trip.

Using Advanced Charging for Fuel

Turo has made the reimbursement process much easier with the Advanced Charging feature. You no longer have to wait for a support agent to review your case.

The Workflow:

• Go to the "Trip Details" page for the completed rental.
• Tap "Charge for incidentals" and select "Fuel."
• Upload your pre-trip and post-trip dashboard photos.
• Upload the photo of your gas receipt.
• Enter the total amount from the receipt.

The app will automatically calculate the total, add your $10 convenience fee, and send the invoice to the guest. The guest then has 48 hours to pay. if they don't pay or dispute it, Turo will review the photos and usually release the funds to your account automatically.

The "Prepaid Fuel" Extra

If you want to provide a better guest experience (and earn a bit more upfront), you should offer Prepaid Fuel as an "Extra." This allows the guest to return the car at any fuel level without being billed later.

How to Price It: Look at your car’s tank size. If it’s a 15-gallon tank and gas is $4.00, a full tank costs $60. Setting your Prepaid Fuel price at $65 or $70 is usually the sweet spot. Guests love the convenience of driving straight to the airport without hunting for a gas station, and you get a small "buffer" for your time.

Handling Disputes and Common Issues

Sometimes, a guest will argue that they "filled it up" even if the needle is slightly below the line.

• The "Top-Off" Trick: Some guests will fill the car until the pump clicks once, but if they drove 20 miles from the gas station to your house, the needle might drop. In these cases, it is often better to let it go if it’s just a gallon or two. Fighting over $4 can lead to a 4-star review, which costs you more in the long run than the gas is worth.
• Missing Receipts: If you lose the receipt, you are in trouble. Turo is very strict about this. If you pay at the pump and it doesn't print a receipt, go inside and ask the attendant for a copy. Or, at the very least, take a photo of the total on the gas pump screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if I have an Electric Vehicle (EV)?

The policy is similar. Guests must return the car with the same "State of Charge" (SoC) they started with. If they return it lower, you can charge them based on Turo's EV charging tiers. The convenience fee for EVs is also typically $10.

Q2: Can I charge for gas if I don't have a pre-trip photo?

Technically, no. Turo requires the "before" and "after" comparison. If you forgot the pre-trip photo, you are essentially relying on the guest's honesty. Always take that dashboard photo!

Q3: How long do I have to file for fuel?

You have 72 hours from the end of the trip to submit a reimbursement request for fuel. If you miss this window, the option to charge the guest disappears from the app.

Q4: Can I charge a guest if I used my own home fuel tank or bulk fuel?

Turo requires a commercial receipt. If you have a way to produce a professional invoice or receipt for the fuel, they may accept it, but a standard gas station receipt is the safest bet for guaranteed payment.

Q5: What if the guest returns the car with MORE gas than they started with?

Unfortunately, there is no "reverse reimbursement." You cannot pay the guest back through the app, and Turo doesn't give them a credit. Most guests understand this as part of the "rental" experience.