GPS Trackers for Turo Hosts: What You Should Know

As a Turo host, handing over your car to a complete stranger is just part of the job. But let’s be honest — it never really feels “normal” until you’ve built in the right protections. One of the most important tools in that toolbox? A GPS tracker.

It doesn’t matter if you manage one car or twenty — having reliable GPS tracking is key to protecting your fleet, holding guests accountable, and maintaining peace of mind, especially when you’re not nearby.

But not all GPS trackers are created equal. And more importantly, not all of them are built for the unique challenges we face as hosts.

Why Every Turo Host Needs a GPS Tracker

Ask anyone who’s dealt with a late return, a missing car, or a claim dispute — knowing where your car is (and how it was driven) can make all the difference.

A GPS tracker helps you:

• Locate your car in real time

• Identify unsafe or unauthorized use

• Track mileage for claims or reimbursements

• Add a layer of security for remote handoffs and check-ins

In short, it gives you visibility and control — two things we lose the moment a guest drives off.

OBD vs. Hardwired: What Is The Difference?

In the Turo community, there’s an ongoing conversation about what type of GPS tracker is better: OBD plug-in or hardwired.

OBD devices are appealing because they’re quick to install and easy to move between vehicles. But the trade-off? They’re also easy to spot and remove. A lot of hosts in our group have reported guests unplugging or tampering with these units — sometimes intentionally, sometimes not.

On the other hand, hardwired trackers take a little more effort to install (usually by a professional which can also be an additional cost), but they’re hidden, secure, and always connected. That’s why many experienced hosts — including myself — recommend going the hardwired route, especially as your business grows.

If you’re serious about protecting your fleet, it’s worth investing in a tracker that won’t get pulled out or disabled halfway through a trip.

Our Recommendation: Qarhami GPS

Over time, we’ve seen a lot of GPS options. Some are made for fleet companies. Some are overpriced. Some just don’t work well in a Turo use case. After trying a few different products we recommend Qarhami GPS. It is a tracker built with Turo hosts in mind. The owner of Qarhami has experience in the industry and has been consistently improving the product based on real feedback from hosts like us. The Qarhami system offers both OBD and hardwired options, and many hosts in our community have made the switch with great results. What really stands out is that Qarhami isn’t some generic fleet tracker — it’s a system that understands the unique demands of Turo hosting. We’ve personally used it and have seen how much easier it makes managing guest trips, especially when it comes to accountability and support during claims or late returns.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just starting out or running a full fleet, GPS tracking is something we highly recommend building into your hosting business from day one. It’s not just about knowing where your car is — it’s about protecting your investment and your peace of mind.

While there are multiple options out there, we continue to recommend Qarhami as our top choice for Turo hosts because it’s simple, affordable, and made by someone who truly understands what we deal with. You can learn more or place an order here.

Still deciding? Ask around in the group — you’ll hear firsthand what other hosts have experienced with different setups. But if you're ready to take control of your fleet, GPS is the first place to start.