U-Haul Rental: Am I Covered?

If you're planning a move, you might be wondering whether your auto insurance covers a U-Haul rental truck. Well, the answer is likely no. Most auto insurance policies have weight and size restrictions, specifically excluding cargo vehicles like moving trucks. Therefore, your standard car insurance policy will probably not cover your U-Haul rental. However, if you're renting a small U-Haul vehicle, such as a pickup truck or van, there's a chance your auto insurance policy might provide coverage, but it's not guaranteed. It's important to check with your insurance carrier before assuming you're covered.

Auto insurance policies often have weight limits for vehicles they cover

Weight restrictions are a common reason why personal auto policies don't cover rental trucks. Credit card coverage usually only applies to cars and other passenger vehicles, and many credit cards have weight and size restrictions for the vehicles they cover.

Even if your auto insurance policy covers your rental, you must reimburse U-Haul for the full damage amount when you return it and then deal with your insurance company. It's worth noting that U-Haul will charge you for any damage you cause, plus lost rental revenue while the equipment is being repaired.

Before renting a truck, ask the rental agency what coverage is automatically included and what coverage is optional. You should also check with your auto insurer and credit card company to see if they extend any coverage to the type of vehicle you're renting.

Credit cards typically don't cover U-Haul trucks

However, it's important to check with your credit card company to be sure, as some credit cards may offer coverage for U-Haul rentals. For instance, while Chase typically only covers cheaper economy cars, they may cover U-Haul rentals with their premium coverage.

Even if your credit card company does provide coverage for U-Haul rentals, it's worth noting that this coverage may be limited and may not include your belongings inside the truck or trailer. Additionally, there may be limitations on where you can park and whether remote towing or vehicle repairs are included.

Therefore, it's generally recommended to purchase separate insurance for U-Haul rentals to ensure you're fully covered in the event of any damage or accidents.

U-Haul recommends customers buy their insurance

U-Haul recommends that its customers buy their insurance. This is because, in the event of an accident, U-Haul customers may be liable for repairs to the rental 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.

Most personal car insurance policies specifically exclude cargo vehicles, trailers, and vehicles that weigh more than the amount specified in the policy. Credit card companies also offer additional rental car coverage, but this usually only applies to cars and other passenger vehicles. Visa's rental protection, for example, specifically excludes all trucks, as well as vans that seat more than eight people. American Express excludes cargo vans and box trucks.

U-Haul warns that all major credit card companies and most insurance providers do not provide coverage for U-Haul's rental equipment. Therefore, U-Haul recommends that its customers buy their insurance.

U-Haul offers different levels of damage coverage for your move. Their basic insurance policy, Safemove, covers most accident damage to rented equipment (excluding damage caused by collision with an overhead object). It also offers medical and life protection for yourself and your passengers, as well as loss or damage to your belongings caused by collision, fire, windstorm, and overturn of the rental truck. There is no liability coverage included in this policy. Safemove Plus includes all of the same coverages as Safemove, as well as $1,000,000 in supplemental liability coverage. It also covers your rental truck for damage caused by collision with an overhead object.

Personal auto policies may exclude cargo vehicles

Personal auto insurance policies typically have a maximum weight limit for the vehicles they insure, and this often excludes cargo vehicles like moving trucks. Therefore, your standard car insurance policy will likely not cover a rental truck. However, if you are renting a small U-Haul vehicle, such as a pickup truck or van, there is a chance that your auto insurance policy may provide coverage. It is important to check with your insurance carrier before renting to understand the specific limitations and exclusions of your policy.

Credit card coverage usually only applies to cars and other passenger vehicles, and it often has weight and size restrictions. Therefore, it typically does not cover U-Haul trucks and trailers. Similar to personal auto policies, it is essential to check with your credit card company to confirm whether coverage is provided for rental vehicles.

When renting a U-Haul or similar vehicle, it is crucial to understand the limitations of your personal auto policy and credit card coverage. In most cases, purchasing separate insurance or opting for the rental company's coverage may be necessary to ensure you are protected in the event of any damage or accidents.

U-Haul offers different levels of damage coverage

Safemove covers U-Haul's moving trucks, pickup trucks, and cargo vans, while Safemove Plus is only available for moving trucks. Safemove covers damage to the rental equipment, including overhead and tire damage, and loss or damage to cargo resulting from a collision, fire, windstorm, or overturn of the rental truck. It also includes medical/life protection for the driver and passengers in the cab of the rental truck, with a $150 deductible in New York and for damage to pickup trucks and cargo vans, and a $250 deductible for overhead damage to rental equipment.

Safemove Plus offers additional benefits, including liability coverage of up to $1 million, which safeguards your personal insurance policy for the first $1 million of losses. It also has a $0 deductible for any accidental damage claims for the U-Haul truck, meaning no extra out-of-pocket costs.

In addition to these plans, U-Haul offers other optional coverages, such as Safetow, Safestor, and Safetrip. 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 is a low-cost storage insurance option that covers loss or damage to your stored goods from major perils, including flood coverage. Safetrip is a supplemental roadside protection plan that covers events such as fuel services (up to three gallons), vehicle stuck in mud or snow, and trailer/towing hookup problems.

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