Refunds for DC Residents Who Were Misled by Car Sharing Company
November 25, 2025
OAG Investigation Found that Getaround Misled DC Consumers About Insurance Coverage and Customer Support in Violation of 2021 Settlement
Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that car sharing company Getaround, Inc., will pay $75,000, including refunds to more than 50 DC customers who were misled about car insurance coverage and charged large and unexpected damage fees, as part of a settlement with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Getaround no longer operates in North America, but in addition to the $75,000 payment, the settlement also requires the company to reform its business practices and provide advance notice to OAG should it ever begin operating in DC again. The settlement resolves an OAG investigation that uncovered evidence that Getaround misled consumers and violated DC consumer protection law and the terms of a 2021 settlement agreement with OAG.
“This settlement puts money back into the pockets of DC residents who were misled by Getaround and charged large damage fees after being led to believe that they were covered by insurance,” said Attorney General Schwalb. “My office will always protect DC consumers from companies that seek to profit through deception, ensuring that all lawful businesses can compete in the District on a level playing field.”
Getaround, Inc. (Getaround) is a peer-to-peer car sharing company that allowed consumers to rent vehicles from individual owners who listed their cars on the platform. In 2020, OAG received reports of more than a dozen car thefts connected to the platform, seemingly enabled by Getaround’s practice of leaving unsecured keys inside cars and allowing anyone to view the exact locations of available cars. OAG opened an investigation, and after discussions with the company, Getaround agreed to immediately improve the security of vehicles on the platform.
OAG’s 2020 investigation also uncovered evidence that Getaround made misrepresentations to users—including misrepresentations about the safety and security of its platform that resulted in customers’ cars being damaged and stolen—and that Getaround had failed to collect and pay required sales tax for car rentals in the District. In 2021, OAG reached a settlement with Getaround to resolve these alleged violations of District law. The settlement required the company to pay $950,000 in back taxes and penalties; obtain required business licenses; improve its customer support; and properly disclose the terms of vehicle insurance it offers.
Based on a subsequent investigation, OAG alleges that from 2022 to 2025, Getaround continued to operate in the District in violation of the terms of the 2021 settlement and DC’s consumer protection laws. Specifically, Getaround:
Misled users about insurance coverage and failed to properly disclose coverage exclusions, which led to some users being charged large and unexpected damage fees.
Misled users about customer service hours and falsely claimed it offered 24/7 customer service.
Misled users about car and user vetting practices.
Operated in DC without the required business licenses.
Getaround ceased operating in North America in early 2025, but under the terms of a new settlement agreement with the District, the company is required to:
Pay $75,000, including refunds to more than 50 DC consumers who were misled about the company’s insurance and who paid significant damage fees, or who had insurance claims improperly denied. Any funds left over after refunds are paid to consumers will be paid to the District in penalties.
Notify OAG at least 90 days in advance of starting any business operations in DC, and submit a complaint resolution policy to OAG for review prior to beginning operations.
The new settlement also requires Getaround to comply with all DC consumer protection laws, properly disclose the terms of any insurance coverage it offers, and cease making misrepresentations about security features.
The settlement is available here.
This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Marcia Hollingsworth and Matthew James, Investigator Mark Thunstedt, and Office of Consumer Protection Director Kevin Vermillion and Deputy Director Emily Holness.