U-Haul Insurance: Broken Strap, Big Trouble

Renting a U-Haul truck or trailer for moving can be a stressful experience, especially if you get into an accident. While U-Haul and other rental companies offer insurance, it is not mandatory to purchase it. However, if you decline their coverage, you will be held financially responsible for any damage to the vehicle, even if it was not your fault. This includes vandalism and accidents caused by other people.

Before renting a U-Haul, it is essential to understand the coverage options available and make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.

U-Haul insurance covers accidental damage to the rental vehicle, but not mechanical damage or damage caused by hitting an overhead object

U-Haul insurance, also known as SafeMove®, is an optional protection package that covers accidental damage to the rental vehicle. This includes overhead and tire damage, as well as loss or damage to cargo resulting from a collision, fire, windstorm, or overturn. It also provides medical and life protection for the driver and passengers in the U-Haul rental truck.

However, it's important to note that U-Haul insurance does not cover mechanical damage or damage caused by hitting an overhead object. Mechanical damage can include issues with the transmission or drive train, and is often excluded if it results from improper use, such as attempting to rock the truck back and forth when stuck. Damage caused by hitting an overhead object, such as an overhang, tree, or bridge, is also typically excluded from coverage and may result in additional costs.

In addition, U-Haul insurance does not cover damage to your personal belongings during the move. For that, you would need to purchase additional cargo coverage or rely on your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, if applicable.

When considering U-Haul insurance, it's recommended to review the specific terms and exclusions outlined in the rental contract and protection package details.

Your personal auto insurance policy likely won't cover a U-Haul rental truck due to weight restrictions

If you're renting a U-Haul truck, it's important to consider whether your personal auto insurance policy will cover you in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, your personal auto insurance policy likely won't cover a U-Haul rental truck due to weight restrictions.

Most auto insurance policies have weight and size restrictions, and specifically exclude cargo vehicles like moving trucks. U-Haul trucks can weigh over 8,000 pounds, which is well above the weight limit of the average personal auto insurance policy. As a result, your standard car insurance policy won't cover your rental truck, and you'll be financially responsible for any damage or repairs.

However, if you're renting a smaller U-Haul vehicle, such as a pickup truck or van, there's a chance that your auto insurance policy may provide coverage. It's important to carefully review your policy or contact your insurance provider to confirm what is covered.

Even if your personal auto insurance policy does cover your U-Haul rental, you may still want to consider purchasing additional insurance from U-Haul. U-Haul offers various protection plans, such as Safemove and Safemove Plus, which can provide coverage for damage to the rental truck, your personal belongings, and medical and life coverage.

It's also worth noting that your credit card may not provide coverage for U-Haul rentals due to weight and size restrictions. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the extent of your coverage before renting a U-Haul truck to ensure you're adequately protected in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle.

U-Haul insurance covers damage to your rental truck and your personal belongings, as well as medical and life coverage

U-Haul insurance, or SafeMove®, covers damage to your rental truck and your personal belongings, as well as providing medical and life coverage.

SafeMove® is an optional protection package offered by U-Haul that covers accidental damage to your rental truck, including overhead and tire damage. It also includes coverage for loss or damage to your cargo resulting from a collision, fire, windstorm, or overturn of the rental truck.

SafeMove® also provides medical and life protection for you and your passengers in the cab of the rental truck, subject to certain exclusions. This coverage is designed to give you peace of mind and protect you from financial responsibility in the event of an accident.

In addition to SafeMove®, U-Haul offers SafeMove Plus®, which includes additional liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage claims made against you during the rental period. SafeMove Plus® also has a $0 deductible for any accidental damage claims for the U-Haul truck, giving you even more peace of mind.

While U-Haul does provide some minimum liability coverage with each rental, purchasing additional coverage can be beneficial, especially if you don't have a personal auto policy or other insurance that extends to rental trucks. It's important to note that your personal auto policy and credit card might not cover you in case of an accident with a rental truck due to weight and size restrictions.

By choosing SafeMove® or SafeMove Plus®, you can ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your rental truck, your belongings, and any medical or life situations that may arise during your move.

U-Haul insurance is worth it for long-distance travel, as there are many opportunities for accidents to occur

Protection from Financial Liability

U-Haul insurance provides financial protection in the event of an accident. Without it, you are responsible for all damage to the rented equipment, which can result in costly repairs. U-Haul insurance covers accidental damage to the rental truck and your personal belongings, providing peace of mind during your long-distance journey.

Coverage for Medical and Life

In addition to damage coverage, U-Haul insurance offers medical and life coverage for you and your passengers. This is especially important when travelling long distances, as the risk of accidents and injuries increases with longer trips.

Supplemental Liability Coverage

Safemove Plus offers supplemental liability coverage of up to $1 million for property damage, lawsuits, or bodily injury claims. This added protection is crucial when travelling long distances, as the potential for accidents and liability claims increases.

Coverage for Common Accidents

U-Haul insurance covers common accidents, such as collisions, fire, and overturning of the truck. These types of incidents are more likely to occur during long-distance travel, making the insurance a worthwhile investment.

Protection for Inexperienced Drivers

If you're not used to driving larger vehicles, U-Haul insurance can provide valuable protection. Long-distance travel may involve navigating unfamiliar roads and driving for extended periods, increasing the risk of accidents. U-Haul insurance can help mitigate the financial impact of such incidents.

Coverage for Overhead and Tire Damage

U-Haul insurance covers overhead and tire damage, which are common issues for rental trucks. Long-distance travel may involve driving through varying road conditions, increasing the likelihood of encountering low-clearance bridges or road hazards that can cause such damage.

Peace of Mind

Opting for U-Haul insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you're protected in case of an accident. Long-distance travel can be stressful, and having insurance coverage can reduce worries about unexpected incidents.

While U-Haul insurance may not be necessary for experienced drivers or short trips, it is a wise decision for long-distance travel. The coverage options provide financial protection, medical coverage, and peace of mind during your journey.

If you decline U-Haul insurance, you are responsible for all damage to the rental vehicle, including vandalism

U-Haul insurance, called Safemove®, is an optional coverage plan that you can purchase when renting a U-Haul vehicle. It covers most accidental damage to the rental equipment, including overhead and tire damage. It also includes medical and life protection for you and your passengers in the cab of the rental truck. Without this coverage, you are responsible for all damage to the rental vehicle, which can be costly.

It's important to note that your personal auto insurance policy and credit card may not cover U-Haul trucks and trailers due to weight and size restrictions. Even if your policy does cover rentals, you will likely have to reimburse U-Haul for the full damage amount and then deal with your insurance company afterward. Therefore, it is recommended that you carefully review your insurance policy and consider purchasing U-Haul's insurance to ensure you are protected in case of any damage to the rental vehicle.

In addition to the financial responsibility for damage, you may also be charged for lost rental revenue while the equipment is being repaired. This means that if the rental vehicle is damaged and cannot be rented out to other customers, you will be responsible for the lost income for U-Haul. This can add up to a significant amount, especially if the repairs take a long time.

To avoid being financially responsible for any damage to the rental vehicle, it is advisable to purchase U-Haul's insurance or ensure that your personal insurance policy covers rental vehicles of that size and weight. Review your insurance policy carefully and consider the potential risks and costs before deciding to decline U-Haul's insurance coverage.

Frequently asked questions