U-Haul Rental Coverage: What You Need To Know About American Family Auto Insurance

Does American Family Auto Insurance Cover U-Haul Rentals?

If you're planning a move, you might be wondering if your auto insurance will cover a U-Haul rental truck. Unfortunately, in most cases, it won't. Auto insurance policies typically have weight and size restrictions, excluding cargo vehicles like U-Haul trucks. However, smaller U-Haul vehicles, such as pickup trucks or vans, may be covered by your auto insurance policy, but it's not guaranteed. To ensure you're protected, it's worth considering purchasing additional coverage from U-Haul or the rental company.

Even if your auto insurance policy does cover U-Haul rentals, you'll likely need to pay for any damage out of pocket and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company. Additionally, credit card rental insurance usually doesn't cover U-Haul trucks due to weight and size restrictions. Therefore, it's essential to check with your insurance provider and credit card company before assuming you have coverage.

Credit cards typically don't cover U-Haul rentals

U-Haul's website states: "Damage coverage is essential because all major credit cards and most car insurance policies do not typically cover our rental equipment."

However, it is worth checking with your credit card company to be sure. Even if your credit card company does offer coverage, you may want to purchase additional insurance to properly protect yourself and your belongings.

Personal auto insurance policies usually exclude cargo vehicles

Most auto insurance policies have a maximum weight limit for vehicles they will insure, which typically includes personal cars but excludes cargo vehicles. For example, a small pickup truck or van may be covered by your auto insurance policy, but it's not guaranteed. It's important to check with your insurance company, as comprehensive coverage on your personal auto insurance policy may only cover vehicles up to a certain weight.

Additionally, credit card rental insurance typically doesn't cover truck or trailer rentals due to size and weight limits. For instance, Visa cards do not cover rented trucks or cargo vans, while Mastercard excludes rental coverage for rented trucks or full-size vans.

Therefore, if you're renting a cargo vehicle, it's worth considering purchasing separate insurance to avoid being responsible for any damage to the vehicle. While you're not legally required to insure a cargo vehicle rental, U-Haul and other rental agencies generally prefer that customers have some form of insurance. If you decline their coverage and don't have another form of insurance to protect the vehicle, you'll be responsible for any damage that occurs while the moving truck is in your possession. This includes damage caused by someone else.

To summarise, personal auto insurance policies typically exclude cargo vehicles due to weight and size restrictions. As such, it's important to review your policy carefully and consider purchasing additional coverage to ensure you're protected when renting a cargo vehicle.

U-Haul offers two protection packages

The second package, SafeMove Plus, offers more comprehensive coverage. In addition to the benefits of SafeMove, SafeMove Plus includes driver liability coverage for up to one million dollars. This added protection is crucial for those who want to ensure they are covered in case of any accidents or incidents while driving the rental truck.

Both packages provide valuable protection for U-Haul customers, with SafeMove Plus offering an enhanced level of coverage. It is important to note that U-Haul strongly recommends that all customers purchase one of these company-provided insurance policies to shield themselves from liability in the event of any damage to the rental equipment. While it may be tempting to decline rental coverage, especially if you have personal auto insurance, it is essential to understand the limitations of your existing policies.

Most personal auto insurance policies have weight and size restrictions, specifically excluding cargo vehicles like moving trucks. Credit card companies also typically exclude trucks and trailers from their rental coverage due to similar weight and size limitations. Therefore, it is highly likely that your personal insurance and credit card benefits will not cover U-Haul rentals. By purchasing one of U-Haul's protection packages, you can rest assured that you are adequately protected during your move.

You may need to buy a standalone policy to cover damage or injuries

When renting a U-Haul vehicle, it's important to consider the possibility of damage or injuries and ensure you have adequate coverage. While U-Haul and other rental companies typically offer their own insurance plans, it's worth noting that your personal auto insurance policy and credit card coverage may not extend to U-Haul rentals due to weight and size restrictions.

Most auto insurance policies have maximum weight limits for the vehicles they insure, and U-Haul trucks often exceed these limits. Additionally, personal auto policies may specifically exclude cargo vehicles like moving trucks. Therefore, it is likely that your standard auto insurance policy will not cover your U-Haul rental.

Credit card companies usually provide rental car protection, but this typically applies only to cars and other passenger vehicles. For example, Visa's rental protection excludes all trucks, while Mastercard excludes rental coverage for trucks and full-size vans. As a result, credit card coverage may not be applicable to U-Haul rentals.

If your auto insurance and credit card coverage do not apply to your U-Haul rental, you may need to purchase a standalone policy to cover any damage or injuries that may occur during your move. U-Haul offers several protection packages, such as Safemove and Safemove Plus, which include coverage for damage to the truck, damage to your cargo, medical coverage, and liability coverage.

Even if your personal auto insurance provides some coverage for your U-Haul rental, it may not be sufficient. It's important to review your policy's weight restrictions and exclusions to determine if additional coverage is necessary. Additionally, keep in mind that if your insured car is being towed by the U-Haul vehicle, your auto insurance will typically cover it if you have comprehensive and collision coverage.

When deciding whether to purchase a standalone policy, consider the potential costs of repairs and injuries if an accident occurs. Without adequate coverage, you could be financially responsible for damage to the U-Haul vehicle, your own vehicle, and any property or belongings that may be damaged. You may also be liable for medical expenses resulting from injuries to yourself, your passengers, or others involved in the accident.

In summary, while U-Haul and other rental companies offer insurance options, it's important to carefully review your existing coverage and consider purchasing a standalone policy to ensure you're fully protected in the event of damage or injuries during your move.

You can rent a U-Haul without insurance, but it's not recommended

While it is possible to rent a U-Haul without insurance, it is not advisable. U-Haul and other rental agencies generally prefer that customers have some form of insurance when renting a vehicle, but it is not a requirement. If you decline insurance and don't have another form of insurance to protect the vehicle, you will be responsible for any damage that occurs while the moving truck is in your possession. This includes damage caused by someone else.

Your auto insurance most likely does not cover U-Haul rentals due to the size and weight of these vehicles. However, some smaller rental vehicles might be covered. Keep in mind that providers of moving rentals typically sell insurance to cover your trip.

Types of insurance offered by U-Haul

U-Haul offers several protection packages to cover different scenarios:

• SafeMove: Covers most accidental damage to rental equipment, including overhead and tire damage. Also includes cargo, medical/life, and auto-tow protection.
• SafeMove Plus: Includes all SafeMove protections, plus supplemental liability coverage.
• SafeTow: Covers damage to the U-Haul rental trailer or towing device, as well as damage to your cargo or vehicle while being transported with a U-Haul rental trailer.
• SafeStor: Low-cost storage insurance that covers loss or damage to your stored goods from major perils.
• SafeHaul: Shipping coverage to protect your items while they are in transit.
• SafeTrip: Supplemental roadside protection for unexpected events such as a flat tire, trailer hook-up problems, or getting stuck in mud or snow.

Other insurance options

If you don't want to purchase insurance from U-Haul, there are a few other options to consider:

• Check with your auto insurer and credit card company to see if they may extend any coverage to the type of vehicle you're renting. However, keep in mind that credit card rental insurance typically doesn't cover truck or trailer rentals due to size and weight limits.
• Purchase a standalone policy that would cover damage or injuries arising from an accident in a moving truck.
• If you don't own a car but frequently rent vehicles or borrow other people's cars, consider getting a non-owner insurance policy. These policies provide liability protection if you are legally responsible for damage or injuries in an accident.

Frequently asked questions