IMS partners with Turo to offer telematics-based vehicle security

Insurance and Mobility Solutions (IMS) has teamed up with Turo to offer a telematics-based vehicle security package to car owners using its platform.

As part of the partnership, vehicle owners who work with Turo can get IMS’ telematics hardware installed in their vehicles, with security specialists W4G providing ongoing monitoring and theft recovery services.

The service is offered via a pre-paid annual subscription giving owners access to the asset tracking service. Leon Hurst, CEO of the IMS Mobility Solutions division, says that if a vehicle owner suspects their vehicle is at risk, they can notify Turo customer support and W4G will be alerted immediately to take remedial action.

Hurst said that providing the vehicle security technology will help create further growth for Turo in the UK.

He said: “The principle behind peer-to-peer car sharing is just like Airbnb, but for cars instead of houses. Turo users (guests) can rent anything from a Lamborghini to a Fiat 500 through the platform, and owners (hosts) right across the spectrum can get extra peace of mind and confidence from knowing that their vehicle benefits from professional protection against theft or misuse.

“People in the UK have taken to Airbnb like ducks to water, but they have seemingly been a little more reserved when it comes to loaning out their cars.

“We expect that the access to anti-theft technology through Turo will help allay any remaining concerns and unlock the potential for owners of under-utilised vehicles to earn significant extra income.”

IMS recently partnered with Sogo to supply telematics solutions focused on asset protection and collision detection.

In January 2021, IMS announced the appointment of Sharyn Morley as head of vehicle security services at the mobility division.

Hurst said that while vehicle security was the motivation behind the Turo partnership, other mobility operators are  using connected technologies in various forms to determine how cars are being driven.

Turo is predicting a surge in inteterest this year due to the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine and the increasing number of people opting for a 'staycation' in the UK, with overseas travel likely to remain widely prohibited amid the pandemic. 

Xavier Collins, UK director at Turo, said: “We are excited for a great British summer and powering people’s staycations after a very challenging year.

“Partnerships such as this are key to bringing additional security for our hosts and I’m excited to work with IMS and W4G; it will make it even easier for hosts to share their vehicles with total confidence.”

In 2020, Turo appointed FMG to provide incident management for its UK users.