Drivo is a peer-to-peer car rental platform, not a traditional rental company
Drivo connects car owners who want to rent out their vehicles with people who need temporary transportation. You rent directly from the vehicle owner rather than from a company like Enterprise or Hertz. The owner sets the price, availability, and terms within Drivo's framework. You handle the booking, payment, and insurance through the Drivo platform.
This model means lower daily rates than traditional rental agencies in many cases, but also different rules about what happens if something goes wrong. The owner's car is not a fleet vehicle maintained by a rental company — it is someone's personal car, and the rental agreement reflects that.
Key Takeaways
- Drivo is a peer-to-peer rental service where you rent from individual car owners, not from a rental company, which typically costs less per day than traditional agencies.
- You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license, and Drivo runs a background check and driving record review before you can rent.
- Damage and liability coverage are included in the rental price, but the deductible, coverage limits, and what counts as damage are set by the owner and vary by listing.
- The owner can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before pickup, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup; after that, cancellation fees explore.
- You pay through the Drivo app or website, and disputes over damage or extra charges go through Drivo's resolution process, not through a rental company's standard claim procedure.
How the rental process works on Drivo
You start by searching for available cars in your area and dates on the Drivo app or website. Each listing shows the owner's photos, the car's mileage and condition, the daily rate, and what insurance coverage is included. You can message the owner with questions before booking.
Once you book, you pay the full rental amount upfront through the app. Drivo holds the payment until the rental is complete. You then arrange a pickup time and location with the owner — this is usually at their home or a nearby meeting spot, not at a rental counter. At pickup, the owner walks you through the car's condition, shows you how to operate features, and hands over the keys. You take photos or video of the car's condition before you drive away.
When you return the car, the owner inspects it and confirms the condition in the app. If there is no dispute, Drivo releases your payment to the owner (minus Drivo's commission) within a few days. If the owner claims damage, Drivo's resolution team reviews the evidence — your photos, the owner's photos, and any documentation — and decides who pays.
Insurance coverage and what you are responsible for
Every Drivo rental includes damage coverage, but the details depend on the owner's listing. Most owners offer a deductible of $500 to $2,500 per incident — meaning you pay that amount out of pocket if there is damage, and the owner's insurance or Drivo's coverage pays the rest. Some owners offer zero-deductible coverage at a higher daily rate.
You are responsible for damage caused by your negligence or misuse — collisions, hitting a curb, spilling liquid inside the car, or driving off-road. You are not responsible for pre-existing damage that was already on the car. This is why the photo or video walk-through at pickup is critical: it documents what condition the car was in when you took it.
Liability coverage (if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of an accident) is also included, but coverage limits vary. Check the listing to see the liability limit before you book. If you cause an accident that exceeds the coverage limit, you could be personally liable for the difference.
Requirements to rent and what Drivo checks
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Drivo runs a background check and reviews your driving record. If you have recent serious violations — DUI, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents — you may be declined. The exact threshold varies, and Drivo does not publish a detailed list of disqualifying offenses.
Some owners set additional requirements: a minimum age (often 25), proof of insurance, or a security deposit. These are the owner's rules, not Drivo's, and they appear in the listing before you book.
You will need a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to complete the booking. Drivo does not rent to people without a credit or debit card.
Cancellation, refunds, and what happens if plans change
If you cancel more than 24 hours before the scheduled pickup, you receive a full refund. If you cancel between 1 and 24 hours before pickup, Drivo charges a cancellation fee — typically 50% of the rental cost. If you cancel less than 1 hour before pickup, you lose the full amount.
The owner can also cancel up to 24 hours before pickup. If they do, you receive a full refund. If they cancel less than 24 hours before pickup, Drivo usually offers you a credit toward a future rental or a refund, depending on the circumstances.
If you are late picking up the car, the owner is not obligated to wait. If you do not show up at all, you forfeit the rental payment. If you are significantly late returning the car, the owner can report it to Drivo and you may be charged an additional hourly rate or the full daily rate for the extra day.
Comparing Drivo to traditional rental companies
Drivo is usually cheaper per day than Hertz, Enterprise, or Avis — often 30% to 50% less for economy cars in urban areas. You avoid airport surcharges and facility fees. However, you do not get a may provide car type: you rent the specific vehicle in the listing, not a car in a category. If the owner cancels, you have to find another car rather than being rebooked at the same location.
Traditional rental companies have standardized damage policies, 24-hour customer service, and a physical location to visit if something goes wrong. Drivo's support is through the app and email, and disputes are resolved by Drivo's team rather than by a rental company's claims department. If you need a car for a road trip and want the security of a major company's roadside information and standard policies, a traditional rental may be worth the extra cost. If you are renting locally for a few days and want the lowest rate, Drivo is often the better choice.
Common issues and how Drivo handles disputes
The most common disputes are over damage. If the owner claims you damaged the car and you disagree, Drivo asks both of you to submit photos, video, and written explanations. Drivo's resolution team reviews the evidence and decides who pays. This process can take a week or more, and during that time your payment is held.
If the owner charges you for damage that was pre-existing, your photos from pickup are your best defense. If you did not take photos, it becomes a he-said-she-said situation and Drivo may side with the owner. If the owner charges you for normal wear and tear — a small scratch, a dent that does not affect function — Drivo generally does not require you to pay, but this depends on the severity and the owner's claim.
If you have a mechanical problem with the car during the rental, contact the owner when ready. If the car breaks down and cannot be driven, the owner is responsible for recovery and a replacement car (if available). You are not charged for the rental days you cannot use the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own insurance to rent from Drivo?
No. Drivo's coverage is included in the rental price and does not require you to have your own car insurance. However, if you do have insurance, your policy may cover rentals — check with your insurer. Using your own insurance instead of Drivo's coverage could save you money if your deductible is lower than Drivo's.
What if I get into an accident while renting?
Contact the owner and Drivo when ready through the app. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's information, and file a police report if anyone is injured or damage is significant. Drivo's coverage will pay for repairs (minus your deductible) if you are not at fault or if you are at fault but the damage is within the coverage limit. If you are at fault and the damage exceeds the limit, you pay the difference.
Can I rent a Drivo car for a one-way trip?
No. Drivo rentals require you to return the car to the same location where you picked it up. If you need a one-way rental, use a traditional rental company or a one-way car-sharing service like Turo or Zipcar.
What happens if the owner does not show up for pickup?
Contact Drivo through the app when ready. Drivo will attempt to reach the owner and may offer you a refund or a credit toward a future rental. If the owner is unresponsive, Drivo will refund your payment. You can also leave a review of the owner so other renters know about the experience.
Is my personal information safe on Drivo?
Drivo collects your driver's license information, payment details, and background check data. The platform uses encryption to protect this information. However, you are sharing your name, phone number, and location with the car owner, so choose owners with good reviews and communicate through the app rather than sharing personal contact details.