Does Your Auto Insurance Cover U-Haul Trucks?

Does auto insurance cover U-Haul trucks?

When you're preparing to move, one of the most important things to consider is insurance coverage. Many people believe that their auto insurance covers their rental truck, but this is usually not the case. Most auto insurance policies have a maximum weight limit and exclude cargo vehicles like moving trucks. U-Haul explicitly states that auto insurance policies and credit card rental coverage do not extend to their rental equipment. Therefore, it is essential to review your policy and speak to your insurance agent to determine if you have any coverage for a U-Haul truck rental.

Auto insurance policies often exclude vehicles over a certain weight

U-Haul explicitly states that auto insurance policies do not cover its rental equipment. Other rental truck companies, such as Budget, also remind their customers to verify with their insurance provider whether they have rental truck coverage. Assuming that you are covered could cost you.

Most auto insurance policies will specify a maximum gross vehicle weight of up to 10,000 lbs. It is important to check your policy and speak to your insurance agent to determine if your policy includes coverage for rental trucks.

If your auto insurance policy does not cover rental trucks, you may need to purchase additional insurance from the rental company. U-Haul, for example, offers different levels of damage coverage for your move, such as Safemove and Safemove Plus. These packages include coverage for damage to the truck, damage to your cargo, medical coverage, and life coverage.

It is always important to ensure that you have adequate coverage to avoid huge out-of-pocket expenditures in the event of an accident.

Credit card rental protection usually applies only to cars and other passenger vehicles

Credit cards typically do not cover U-Haul trucks and trailers due to weight and size restrictions. However, it is important to check with your credit card company to be sure, as some credit cards may cover U-Haul rentals in certain circumstances. For instance, some premium credit card coverage options may cover U-Haul rentals, but these tend to be more expensive.

U-Haul itself states that "damage coverage is essential because all major credit cards and most car insurance policies do not typically cover our rental equipment." This is because U-Haul trucks and trailers are often considered commercial vehicles or rented trucks, which are not covered by personal auto insurance policies or credit card rental protection.

Therefore, if you are planning to rent a U-Haul truck or trailer, it is recommended to obtain insurance coverage from the rental company, as your personal auto insurance policy and credit card rental protection may not be sufficient.

U-Haul offers different levels of damage coverage

U-Haul also offers additional coverage options, such as Safetow, which covers damage to a rental trailer or towing device, and any cargo being towed. There is also Safetrip, which is U-Haul's roadside assistance coverage, which includes help with a flat tire, locksmith services, lost keys, towing/winching, trailer hookup problems, and fuel delivery.

U-Haul recommends that all its customers purchase a company-provided insurance policy to shield them from liability for any damage to the vehicle. While a rental truck insurance policy is similar to policies provided by car rental agencies, the circumstances of renting a U-Haul truck differ from renting a car.

It is important to note that U-Haul's coverage options do not include liability coverage. If you are looking for liability coverage, you may need to purchase a supplemental policy from the rental company or a non-owner insurance policy if you do not own a car.

Personal auto insurance policies may not cover your cargo in a U-Haul

U-Haul trucks are generally not covered by your auto insurance policy. Personal auto insurance policies cover passenger cars, including your own vehicle, but not commercial vehicles or rented trucks. The weight and height of rented trucks do not conform to the coverage the average personal auto insurance policy provides. Most auto insurance policies have a maximum weight limit for vehicles they'll insure, including personal cars but usually excluding cargo vehicles like moving trucks.

U-Haul explicitly states that auto insurance through your car insurance policy or any supplementary insurance your credit card provides for rental cars does not extend to its rental equipment.

If you're renting a small U-Haul vehicle, such as a pickup truck or van, there's a chance your auto insurance policy may cover it, but it's not guaranteed. It's essential to check with your insurance company to confirm whether your rental is covered.

Auto insurance does not typically cover personal property inside your vehicle. If you're transporting items in a U-Haul, your belongings may not be covered by your auto insurance policy. Personal property being transported in a rental truck would potentially be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Check with your insurance company to see what would be covered if your belongings were damaged during transit.

If you don't have homeowners or renters insurance, you may need to purchase additional cargo coverage to ensure your items are insured. Cargo coverage obtained through a rental company usually has limits on the amount of coverage provided and often only pays for the actual cash value of your items. For example, it may only cover the cost of replacing an old TV with another old TV, not a new one.

It's important to understand the limitations of your personal auto insurance policy and whether it covers your cargo in a U-Haul. If not, consider alternative insurance options to ensure your belongings are protected during your move.

You can rent a U-Haul without your own auto insurance policy

Before renting a truck, ask the rental agency what coverage is automatically included and what coverage is optional. Many truck rental agencies automatically provide a minimal amount of liability coverage, so you may still be covered for damage or injuries you cause while using the truck. U-Haul, for example, offers $1,000,000 of supplemental liability insurance (SLI) coverage and without a deductible being due.

If you don't have your own auto insurance policy, it's worth considering buying additional coverage from the rental company to avoid being responsible for damage to the vehicle. You can also check with your credit card company to see if they may extend any coverage to the type of vehicle you're renting.

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