What Getaround Is and How the Platform Operates
Getaround is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform where private car owners rent their vehicles to other members by the hour or day. You read the Getaround app, search for available cars near you, book one, and unlock it through your phone. The owner sets the price per hour or day, and Getaround handles the payment, insurance, and dispute resolution between you and the car owner.
Unlike traditional rental companies with fixed locations and business hours, Getaround cars are parked throughout your city — in driveways, parking lots, and garages. You pick up the car when you need it and return it to the same spot. The platform uses GPS and smartphone technology so you never meet the owner in person; you unlock the car digitally and drive away.
Getaround operates in select cities across the United States. The availability of cars, prices, and specific features vary by location. Before you sign up, check whether Getaround serves your area by entering your zip code on their website.
Key Takeaways
- Getaround lets you rent cars owned by private individuals through an app, with pickup and return at the owner's location.
- You pay hourly or daily rates set by the car owner, and Getaround's insurance covers damage during your rental period.
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and pass a background check to join the platform.
- Getaround charges a service fee on top of the hourly or daily rate, and you are responsible for fuel and any traffic violations or tolls you incur.
- The platform is available only in certain cities, so you need to confirm service in your area before creating an account.
What You Pay and What Is Included
The hourly or daily rental rate is set by the car owner and varies widely depending on the vehicle, location, and demand. A compact car might rent for $8 to $15 per hour in one city and $12 to $20 in another. Getaround adds a service fee on top of this rate — the percentage varies but is typically shown before you confirm your booking.
Getaround's insurance covers damage to the car during your rental period, so you do not need to purchase additional coverage through the platform. However, you are responsible for fuel costs, parking fees, tolls, and any traffic violations or parking tickets you receive while driving. If you return the car with less fuel than when you picked it up, Getaround charges a refueling fee.
Some owners offer unlimited mileage; others charge per mile. Check the car's listing before you book to see whether mileage is included or metered. If you exceed the mileage limit, you will be charged the per-mile rate set by the owner.
How to Join and What Documents You Need
To use Getaround, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and provide a working phone number and email address. read the Getaround app or visit their website, enter your information, and upload a photo of your driver's license. Getaround runs a background check that typically takes a few hours to a few days.
You will also need to add a payment method — a credit or debit card. Getaround charges this card for each rental. If you want to rent a car, that is all you need. If you want to list your own car on the platform to earn money, you will need to provide additional information about the vehicle, including its registration, insurance details, and photos.
During the background check, Getaround reviews your driving history and criminal record. The exact criteria they use are not public, but the company states that serious traffic violations or felonies may disqualify you. If your process is denied, you can contact Getaround support to ask why and whether you can reapply.
How to Book and Use a Car
Open the Getaround app, enter your location and the dates and times you need a car, and browse available vehicles. Each listing shows the hourly or daily rate, the car's condition, mileage, fuel level, and the owner's rating. Read the owner's house rules — some prohibit smoking, pets, or driving outside a certain area.
When you find a car you want, tap to book it. You will see the total cost including the service fee, taxes, and any other charges. Confirm the booking and pay through the app. A few minutes before your rental starts, you will receive instructions on how to unlock the car — usually through the Getaround app or a keypad code.
Drive the car as you normally would. When your rental period ends, return the car to the exact location where you picked it up, lock it through the app, and take a photo of the odometer and fuel gauge. The owner will review your rental and leave a rating. You will receive a receipt and can rate the car and owner as well.
Insurance and Liability During Your Rental
Getaround provides insurance that covers damage to the car during your rental period. This insurance is primary, meaning it covers claims before the owner's personal auto insurance. The coverage includes collision, comprehensive, and liability protection. However, this insurance does not cover your own vehicle or personal property, and it does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or property.
If you cause an accident or damage the car, you are responsible for a damage waiver fee set by Getaround. This fee varies by location but is typically between $500 and $2,500 per incident. You are also liable for any injuries or property damage you cause to third parties — other drivers, pedestrians, or property owners. Your own auto insurance may cover this liability, so check your policy before you rent.
If you receive a traffic ticket or parking citation while driving a Getaround car, you are responsible for paying it. Getaround will not cover traffic violations. The owner will not be held liable for your driving behavior.
What Happens If There Is a Problem
If you damage the car, the owner can report it through the app and Getaround will investigate. You will be notified of the claim and given a chance to respond. If Getaround determines you are responsible, you will be charged the damage waiver fee. If the damage exceeds the waiver amount, you may be liable for additional costs.
If you have a dispute with the owner — for example, if they claim you damaged the car but you believe you did not — contact Getaround support through the app. Provide photos, messages, and any other evidence. Getaround will review the case and make a information. This process typically takes several days to a week.
If you are locked out of the car, cannot unlock it, or encounter a mechanical problem during your rental, contact Getaround support when ready through the app. They can help you troubleshoot or arrange a replacement car. Do not attempt to force the car open or drive it if you believe it is unsafe.
Cancellations, Refunds, and House Rules
If you cancel a booking before the rental period starts, Getaround's cancellation policy determines whether you receive a refund. Most cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are refunded in full. Cancellations made closer to the rental time may result in a partial or no refund. Check the specific car's cancellation policy before you book, as owners can set their own terms.
Each car owner sets house rules that you must follow — no smoking, no eating, no pets, no driving outside the city, or other restrictions. Violating house rules can result in a poor rating, a ban from renting that car again, or removal from the platform. Read the rules carefully before you confirm your booking.
If an owner cancels on you after you have booked, Getaround will refund your payment and may offer a credit toward a future rental. If you cannot find another car and miss an important trip, contact Getaround support to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own car insurance to rent through Getaround?
No. Getaround's insurance covers the rental car during your rental period. However, your own auto insurance may provide additional coverage or liability protection, so review your policy. If you cause damage to another vehicle or property, your insurance may cover it depending on your coverage limits.
What if I get into an accident while driving a Getaround car?
Contact Getaround support when ready through the app and provide details of the accident. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's information, and file a police report if anyone was injured. Getaround's insurance will investigate and determine liability. You may be charged the damage waiver fee if you are found responsible.
Can I drive a Getaround car outside my city?
It depends on the owner's house rules. Some owners allow driving outside the city; others restrict you to a specific area. Check the car's listing before you book. If you violate the owner's restrictions, you may be charged additional fees or banned from the platform.
How do I know if a car is reliable?
Read the owner's rating and the reviews left by previous renters. Check the car's mileage, condition photos, and maintenance history if provided. If a car has very few ratings or mostly negative reviews, choose a different one. You can also message the owner through the app to ask about recent maintenance or any known issues.
What happens if the car breaks down during my rental?
Contact Getaround support when ready. Do not attempt to repair the car yourself. Getaround will help you troubleshoot the problem or arrange a replacement vehicle if the car is unsafe to drive. You will not be charged for the rental time if the car is unavailable due to a mechanical failure.