Short answer: if you list a car with a fair market value of A$75,000 or more on Turo in Australia, Turo requires you to keep an activated GPS tracker in it. The tracker must not be connected through the OBD-II port. If you don't meet the rule, Turo may withhold up to 20% of covered damages above your plan's damage responsibility.
What Turo's policy says
The rule is in Turo's Vehicle tracking and technology policy for hosts, in the section for Australia. It has three parts:
- Which cars: any vehicle with a fair market value of A$75,000 or more.
- What tracker: an activated GPS tracker that is not connected through the OBD-II port.
- Cooperation: hosts are expected to work with Turo, its partners and police if a car goes missing or isn't returned on time.
Every Australian host also has to acknowledge the tracking policy when listing a car, even if the car is worth less than A$75,000.
What happens if you don't have one
Turo can withhold up to 20% of covered damages above the damage responsibility on your earnings plan. On a prestige car, a 20% cut of a big repair or theft claim can easily cost more than a tracker and years of monitoring.
Why a plug-in OBD tracker doesn't count
OBD trackers plug into the diagnostic port under the dashboard. That makes them quick to fit, but just as quick for a guest or thief to find and unplug. Turo's rule for Australia specifically excludes them. You need a tracker that's hardwired to the vehicle's power and hidden behind the trim.
Can I use an AirTag?
No. Turo prohibits AirTags as an active tracking device and may penalise hosts who use them. AirTags also rely on nearby iPhones to report a location, and iPhones warn people when an unknown AirTag is travelling with them. Read more in our AirTag vs GPS tracker guide.
What a compliant setup looks like
- A hardwired 4G tracker, such as the Teltonika FMC920, wired to the car's power and hidden out of sight.
- A backup battery and power-cut alerts, so it keeps reporting if someone cuts the wires.
- An active data plan, so the tracker is "activated" as Turo requires. GeoGuard's Personal plan covers Turo cars, from $15 a month.
- Proof of installation: keep your invoice in case Turo asks.
Worth it for cars under A$75,000?
Many hosts fit one anyway. A tracker helps with late or no returns, theft recovery and disputes about kilometres or where the car went, and you can check every car in your fleet from one app.
Telling guests about the tracker
Be upfront. Add a line to your listing such as "This vehicle is fitted with a GPS tracker for security and recovery." Follow Turo's disclosure rules and the privacy and surveillance laws in your state.
Policy summarised from Turo's Help Centre in October 2026. Turo can change its policy, so always check the current version. GeoGuard is an independent tracking provider and isn't affiliated with Turo.
