
If you're planning to rent a U-Haul truck or trailer for a move, you're probably wondering if your auto insurance will cover it. The answer is not always a simple yes or no.
In most cases, your standard auto insurance policy will not cover a U-Haul rental truck or trailer. This is because a U-Haul is considered a separate vehicle, and your policy may not extend to it. However, some policies may offer additional coverage for non-owned vehicles, which could include a U-Haul.
To determine if your auto insurance covers a U-Haul, you'll need to check your policy documents or contact your insurance provider directly. They can help you understand what's covered and what's not.
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Auto Insurance Coverage for U-Haul
Auto insurance coverage for a U-Haul rental can be a bit tricky.
Most car insurance policies won't double for U-Haul rental truck coverage, so you'll need to check with your insurance broker or agent to see what's covered.
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If your coverage does extend to rental trucks, there are generally size restrictions - a U-Haul is very likely to surpass them.
If you don't buy in-house U-Haul insurance, you're generally responsible for any and all damages to your rented truck.
Here's a quick rundown of what's typically covered and what's not:
- Physical damage coverage is limited to $1,500 for personal use.
- If the value of the trailer you rent is greater than $1,500, buy the CDW coverage offered by the rental agency.
- U-Haul insurance won't cover damages to your car if you're towing it behind your rental truck.
- Mechanical damage, such as transmission or drive train problems, is also not covered.
It's essential to read the fine print before renting a U-Haul, as exclusions can vary by state.
Understanding Your Policy
Your auto insurance policy might cover a rented moving vehicle, but only up to a certain weight and size. This means a small pickup truck or van might be covered, but a larger truck usually wouldn't be covered.
Most car insurance policies won't double for U-Haul rental truck coverage, or if your coverage does extend to rental trucks, there are generally size restrictions – which a U-Haul is very likely to surpass.
If your insurance company tells you it covers moving truck rentals, you should ask what size truck the policy covers, what is covered under the policy, and what the policy doesn't cover. You should also ask about the deductible and how a claim will affect your auto premium.
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It's essential to know what your insurance policy covers or doesn't cover before renting a moving truck. Understanding your responsibilities and coverages makes a big difference if you get in an accident.
Here are some key questions to ask your insurance broker or agent:
- What size truck does the policy cover?
- What is covered under the policy?
- Is there a deductible?
- How will a claim affect my auto premium?
Your car insurance might provide some coverage for a regular rental car, but many policies limit coverage to a certain size of vehicle—and moving trucks exceed those limits.
Rental Truck Policy Options
Rental truck policy options can be confusing, but it's essential to understand your coverage options before renting a moving truck. You can purchase coverage from the rental company, such as U-Haul, which may include collision and damage waivers, supplemental liability insurance, accident and cargo protection, and auto-tow protection.
Some rental companies, like U-Haul, offer basic insurance that covers most accidental damage, cargo damage, and medical bills associated with an accident. However, this coverage may not be sufficient to pay for costs related to damage or injuries.
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It's also worth noting that your personal auto policy may cover a moving truck rental, but there may be exclusions based on the truck size or weight. If you're renting a large truck, such as a 15-foot U-Haul truck, your auto insurance may not cover it.
Here's a summary of the types of insurance you can purchase from rental companies:
- Collision and damage waivers: Protects you from damage or theft of the rental truck
- Supplemental liability insurance: Covers expenses if you damage someone else's vehicle or property
- Accident and cargo protection: Covers costs associated with injuries or accidental death involving you or others
- Auto-tow protection: Covers damage to your car while it's being towed by a moving truck
Should I Buy the Rental Offer?
You might be wondering if you really need to buy the rental coverage offered by the rental company. The truth is, it's not a good idea to go without insurance. Credit card rental insurance typically doesn't cover truck or trailer rentals due to size and weight limits.
Even if you have your own auto insurance, you'd still need to pay for any damage out of your own pocket and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company. This can be a hassle and might not even be worth the cost.
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U-Haul, for instance, offers a basic insurance that covers most accidental damage, including dents and dings. It also covers cargo damaged in a collision, windstorm, or rollover accident, with coverage limits of $25,000 on a one-way rental and $15,000 on an in-town rental.
Some types of damage, like "overhead" damage caused by bridges or low-hanging roofs, might not be covered, though. It's essential to review the policy details before renting the moving vehicle.
You can purchase various types of coverage, including collision and damage waivers, supplemental liability insurance, accident and cargo protection, and auto-tow protection. Here are some examples of what's covered by U-Haul's basic insurance:
- Most accidental damage, including dents and dings.
- Cargo damaged in a collision, windstorm, or rollover accident.
- The driver and passengers for up to $1,000 of medical bills associated with an accident.
- Your car while it's being towed on U-Haul equipment or your personal property while it's stored on a U-Haul trailer.
Considering the potential costs and hassle of paying for damage out of pocket, it's likely a good idea to purchase the rental coverage offered by the rental company.
Rental Truck Policy Options
You're considering renting a truck for your move, but you're not sure about the insurance options. First, it's a good idea to check if your personal auto policy covers a moving truck rental. Even if it does, you should still consider getting supplemental insurance.
Typically, you can get various types of insurance, such as supplemental liability insurance, damage waiver, personal accident and cargo protection, and auto-tow protection. U-Haul offers a basic insurance that covers most accidental damage, cargo damaged in a collision, and medical bills associated with an accident.
If you're renting a pickup truck or cargo van, U-Haul only offers collision damage waiver coverage. You should also consider getting flat-rate roadside assistance, which can cover fuel delivery, jump starts, and other issues.
To make sure you don't overpay for rental truck insurance, decide which size vehicle you need for your move, check if your car insurance's liability coverage will apply, and examine your other insurance policies. You should also check your budget to ensure you can afford any additional costs.
Here are some types of insurance you can get for your rental truck:
- Supplemental liability insurance: This covers other people's liability or damage claims if you're in an accident while driving the truck.
- Damage waiver: A personal or limited damage waiver protects you for damage to the rental truck.
- Personal accident and cargo protection: This covers injuries to you, your passengers, and your belongings during transit.
- Auto-tow protection: If you're towing your car behind the moving truck during your move, this policy covers that auto damage while towed.
U-Haul Pricing
U-Haul pricing varies depending on your location. Safemove insurance packages cost $14 to $16 per day, while Safemove Plus costs $30 per day.
If you're planning a move, it's a good idea to consider the costs of insurance to ensure you're prepared.
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Exclusions and Limitations
Safemove and Safemove Plus don't cover damaged tires or equipment damage caused by colliding with overhead objects.
If you're planning to tow your car behind a rental truck, you're not covered in case of damage to your vehicle, even if it's inside the truck. This is a pretty significant exclusion to be aware of.
Safemove, Safemove Plus, and Safetow don't cover your personal vehicle or its contents, even when towing it on U-Haul auto transport equipment or in a U-Haul moving truck.
Rocking a U-Haul truck to get it unstuck from mud or snow can damage its transmission, and this damage is not covered by Safemove or Safemove Plus.
Here are some states where Safemove Plus isn't available:
- Canada
- Connecticut
- Louisiana
- New Jersey
- New York
Maine Rented Trailer Insurance
If you're planning to rent a trailer in Maine, your auto insurance liability coverage applies for personal use. However, you should be aware that physical damage coverage is limited to $1,500.
You can rent a trailer in Maine without worrying about liability coverage for personal use, as your auto insurance policy has got you covered. But, if the value of the trailer you rent exceeds $1,500, you should consider purchasing the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage offered by the rental agency.
In Maine, your auto insurance policy's physical damage coverage is capped at $1,500 for rented trailers, so it's essential to factor this into your rental decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you get in an accident with a U-Haul?
U-Haul may cover damage costs, but you'll likely be billed or your insurance will be notified. Check your policy to see if box truck accidents are covered
Sources
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/does-auto-insurance-cover-uhaul-rentals/
- https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/auto-insurance/articles/does-car-insurance-cover-rental-trucks
- https://www.thebalancemoney.com/do-you-need-uhaul-insurance-5192471
- https://www.noyeshallallen.com/blog/does-your-car-insurance-cover-you-if-you-rent-a-truck/
- https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/news/what-is-u-haul-truck-insurance-is-it-worth-it/
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