Axle is a premium service within Wheelbase that provides automated verification of a renter’s personal auto insurance. While Wheelbase offers its own Protection Packages for drivers aged 25 and older, Axle is a vital tool for hosts who allow guests to decline that coverage or for situations where a guest does not qualify for the standard protection. For a $3.00 fee per verification, Axle confirms if a guest’s existing policy is active and meets key rental criteria for any auto booking (not RVs).
How to Enable and Use Axle
1. Enable the Service
To get started, navigate to Account Settings > Premium Services (or the Integrations page). This option is available to any account with at least one auto in their fleet. Toggle Personal Insurance Verification to ON.
The $3.00 fee is automatically deducted from the host payout.
-
Note: If this is switched off, the host is 100% responsible for manually verifying the renter's insurance and driver's license.
2. The Renter Checkout Flow
Once enabled, renters will see a "Verify Insurance" button on their confirmation page immediately after completing checkout.
-
Crucial Step: Guests must click this button and sign into their insurance provider's portal (e.g., State Farm, Geico, Progressive). If a guest simply uploads a photo of an ID card to the "Files" tab, Axle cannot verify the policy.
3. Monitoring and Reminders
You can track the verification status directly in your Wheelbase dashboard sidebar. If a guest has not started the process, use the "Send Reminder" button to email them a direct link back to the verification portal.
Understanding Verification Results
Axle automatically evaluates four specific requirements:
Policy is Active: Is the insurance currently in force?
Date Coverage: Is the policy active during the specific reservation dates?
Collision Coverage: Does the policy include collision for rental vehicles?
Identity Match: Does the name on the policy match the renter?
Status Definitions
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Completed | The policy meets all 4 requirements. |
| Under Review | Insufficient info was found (e.g., name mismatch). The host should manually review documents in the Files tab. |
| Does Not Meet Requirement | The policy failed one or more core requirements. |
Critical Best Practices for Hosts
Direct Insurance Confirmation
While Axle is a powerful automation tool, it is best practice to contact the renter’s insurance company directly, especially when a Wheelbase Protection Policy is not in place. Automated systems may not flag specific exclusions. Call the provider and ask:
"Does this policy extend physical damage and liability coverage to the policyholder while operating a rental vehicle for hire?"
"Does this policy include a rideshare/gig-work endorsement?" (Axle does not verify this, and without it, your business may be at risk).
Age and Eligibility
Using Wheelbase insurance includes automated driver's license verification, but renters must be at least 25 years old to qualify. If you choose to rent to someone under 25, or if a renter declines Wheelbase coverage, you must manually complete their driver verification and use Axle to confirm their insurance coverage.
Handling "Liability Only" Renters
If a renter's personal policy only provides liability and lacks collision coverage, you can add Roamly Rental Shield via Premium Services.
This provides up to $50,000 in physical damage coverage with a **$0 deductible** for the renter.
-
The host must still confirm the guest has active personal liability, as the Shield covers the vehicle only.