Does Your Personal Auto Insurance Cover You When Renting A U-Haul?

If you're planning to rent a U-Haul, you might be wondering if your personal auto insurance will cover it. Unfortunately, in most cases, it won't. Personal auto insurance policies typically have weight and size limits, and U-Haul trucks often exceed these restrictions. Additionally, some policies exclude vehicles used for specific purposes, such as hauling cargo. However, if you're renting a smaller U-Haul vehicle, like 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 carefully review your policy or consult your insurance agent to determine if your specific situation is covered.

Personal auto insurance policies usually exclude U-Haul trucks due to their size and weight

Personal auto insurance policies typically exclude U-Haul trucks due to their size and weight. Most auto insurance policies have a maximum weight limit for the vehicles they insure, including personal cars, but excluding cargo vehicles like moving trucks. The weight and height of rented trucks do not conform to the coverage the average personal auto insurance policy provides. For example, a typical auto insurance policy will not cover a truck weighing 9,000 lbs. or more.

U-Haul trucks are also often excluded based on their size. Most auto insurance policies exclude vehicles beyond a certain size or weight, such as a maximum gross vehicle weight of up to 10,000 pounds. A 15-foot U-Haul truck, for example, weighs 8,115 pounds when empty and has a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds.

Personal auto insurance policies can also exclude vehicles based on their specific purpose. Auto insurance typically excludes vehicles used for racing, off-road purposes, or those designed for hauling cargo. It is important to review your policy and speak to your insurance agent to determine if there is any coverage extended in your specific situation.

If your personal auto insurance policy does not cover a U-Haul truck, you may need to purchase additional insurance from the rental company. U-Haul and other rental agencies generally prefer that customers have some form of insurance when renting a vehicle, although it is not always a requirement. U-Haul sells short-term insurance policies designed to protect you while renting a vehicle from them.

Your credit card company's rental car protection likely won't cover U-Haul trucks

If you're planning a move, you might be considering renting a truck from U-Haul. It's important to know that your personal auto insurance likely won't cover a U-Haul rental truck, but it may cover a smaller rental vehicle, like a pickup truck or van, depending on the weight and size limits of your policy.

When it comes to credit card rental protection, it's important to note that this typically only applies to cars and other passenger vehicles. Major credit card companies like Visa and American Express specifically exclude trucks and cargo vans from their rental protection policies. Therefore, it is unlikely that your credit card company's rental car protection will cover a U-Haul truck rental.

U-Haul itself warns customers that all major credit card companies and most insurance providers do not provide coverage for their rental equipment. Budget Truck Rental also advises customers to verify their rental truck coverage with their insurance provider. Assuming you have a certain type of coverage when you don't could end up costing you.

So, what are your options if you need to rent a U-Haul truck? 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 this may be an additional expense, it can give you peace of mind and protect you financially in the event of an accident.

Before renting a U-Haul truck, be sure to review the company's coverage options and purchase the level of protection that's right for you.

U-Haul recommends purchasing their company-provided insurance policy to shield against liability for any damage to the vehicle

Additionally, U-Haul's supplemental liability insurance adds $1,000,000 in liability coverage for damage to others and their property. This type of coverage is not typically included in personal auto insurance policies. U-Haul also offers SafeTrip®, which provides supplemental roadside protection in case of unexpected events such as a flat tire, trailer hook-up problems, or getting stuck in mud or snow.

While U-Haul does not require proof of insurance to rent their equipment, it is important to note that if you decline their coverage and damage occurs, you will be held financially responsible for all damage, regardless of fault. U-Haul will charge you for the damage and lost rental revenue, and you will need to deal with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore, purchasing U-Haul's insurance can provide peace of mind and protect you from unexpected costs in the event of an accident or damage to the rental vehicle.

If you damage a U-Haul truck and don't have coverage, you could be charged for repairs and lost rental revenue

U-Haul offers several protection packages to cover these costs, including Safemove, Safemove Plus, Safetow, and Safestor. These packages can cover damage to the truck, damage to your cargo, medical coverage, and life coverage. They also cover loss of use of the rental equipment, meaning you will not be charged for lost rental revenue while the truck is being repaired.

If you don't want to purchase U-Haul's protection packages, you may be able to rely on your personal auto insurance policy or credit card to cover the damage. However, it's important to note that most auto insurance policies have a maximum weight limit for vehicles they'll insure, excluding cargo vehicles like moving trucks. Credit cards typically don't cover U-Haul trucks and trailers due to weight and size restrictions, but you should check with your credit card company to be sure.

Without coverage, you could be responsible for paying for repairs and lost rental revenue out of pocket. Therefore, it's essential to carefully review your insurance policy and understand the risks before renting a U-Haul truck.

You can buy standalone policies to cover damage or injuries arising from an accident in a moving truck

If you're renting a moving truck, it's important to consider your insurance options. Your personal auto insurance policy likely won't cover U-Haul rentals or similar rental trucks due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Therefore, you may want to invest in a standalone policy to cover damage or injuries arising from an accident in a moving truck.

Weight and Size Limitations

Most auto insurance policies have a maximum weight limit for vehicles they cover, typically excluding cargo vehicles like moving trucks. So, while your policy may cover a small pickup truck or van, it's unlikely to cover a larger moving truck. Check with your insurance provider to confirm the weight and size limitations of your policy.

Standalone Policies

If your personal auto insurance doesn't cover rental trucks, you can buy standalone policies to fill this gap in coverage. These policies are designed to cover damage or injuries arising from an accident in a moving truck. You can purchase this insurance from the rental company, and it will provide added protection during your move.

Types of Coverage

Rental truck companies offer various types of coverage, including:

• Collision and damage waivers: The rental company waives their right to seek compensation from you if the rental truck is damaged or stolen.
• Supplemental liability insurance: This coverage helps pay for expenses if you damage someone else's vehicle or property while driving the rental truck.
• Accident and cargo protection: This covers medical expenses for injuries or accidental death for you, your relatives, or other drivers in the moving truck. It may also cover certain types of damage.
• Auto-tow protection: This protects your car if it's being towed by the moving truck and covers specific types of damage.

Cost of Rental Truck Insurance

The cost of rental truck insurance varies depending on the company and the specific coverage options chosen. For example, U-Haul's basic insurance starts at $15 per day, while more comprehensive coverage can cost around $28 per day. It's important to review the protection plans and their rates to make an informed decision.

In conclusion, while your personal auto insurance may not cover rental trucks, you can buy standalone policies to ensure you're protected in case of any accidents or damage during your move. These policies provide valuable peace of mind and financial protection.

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