Luna Harper
If you're planning to rent a U-Haul truck, you may be wondering if you need insurance. It's important to understand the requirements and options available to make an informed decision. U-Haul offers its own protection plans, but you may also be covered by your personal auto insurance or credit card benefits. Let's explore the topic in detail to help you navigate the process confidently.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you need insurance to rent a U-Haul truck? | U-Haul does not require proof of insurance to rent its trucks. However, if you decline their optional SafeMove® coverage, you will be asked for proof of insurance. |
| SafeMove® coverage | SafeMove® is an optional coverage offered by U-Haul that includes a damage waiver, cargo coverage, and medical-life coverage. It does not include liability coverage. |
| SafeMove Plus® coverage | SafeMove Plus® is an additional liability coverage that includes a damage waiver, cargo coverage, medical-life coverage, and one million dollars in liability coverage. |
| Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLI) | SLI safeguards your personal insurance policy for the first one million dollars of losses. It provides protection in case of bodily injury or property damage claims made against you during the rental period. |
| Personal insurance coverage | Personal auto policies often exclude coverage for rental trucks and trailers due to weight restrictions. Check with your insurance carrier to see if your policy covers rental trucks. |
| Credit card coverage | Credit card coverage typically applies only to cars and other passenger vehicles, and may not cover rental trucks. |
| Rental company insurance | Rental companies usually have insurance on their vehicles. They may offer a damage waiver or limited damage waiver to protect against financial responsibility for damage to the truck. |
| Age requirement | U-Haul requires customers to be at least 18 years old to rent a truck. |
| Driver's license requirement | A government-issued driver's license is required to rent U-Haul trucks and trailers. |
| Additional requirements | U-Haul requires a form of identification (e.g., credit or debit card, valid passport) in addition to a driver's license. A deposit may also be required, depending on the method of payment. |
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What You'll Learn
U-Haul's insurance requirements
U-Haul offers several insurance options for its rental trucks, which are not considered commercial vehicles and can be driven by anyone with a standard driver's license. The company encourages customers to purchase its optional SafeMove® coverage, which includes a damage waiver, cargo coverage, and medical-life coverage. This is not technically insurance but a waiver that protects you from financial liability for damage to the vehicle. SafeMove Plus® is also available and includes liability coverage.
You are not required to purchase U-Haul's coverage, but you are then financially liable for any damage to the vehicle, regardless of fault. You will be asked for proof of your own insurance coverage if you decline SafeMove®. It is important to note that many personal auto insurance policies do not cover rental trucks, particularly larger vehicles, so you should check with your insurer before renting a U-Haul truck. Your credit card company may also offer coverage for rental vehicles, but this usually applies only to cars and other passenger vehicles.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) is also available from U-Haul, which safeguards your personal insurance policy for the first $1,000,000 of losses. You can also purchase a Personal Damage Waiver (PDW) or Limited Damage Waiver (LDW) to protect against any damage to the truck or theft of the truck. Personal Accident and Cargo Protection covers injuries to you or your passengers, as well as your belongings.
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Personal auto insurance coverage
U-Haul recommends that all customers purchase a company-provided insurance policy to protect them from liability for any damage to the vehicle. While a rental truck insurance policy is similar to policies provided by car rental companies, the circumstances of renting a U-Haul truck differ from renting a car. Many drivers decline rental car agency coverage because their personal insurance policy usually covers rental cars. However, most personal car insurance policies specifically exclude cargo vehicles, trailers, and vehicles that weigh more than the amount specified in the policy.
Your auto insurance generally won't cover U-Haul rentals or rentals from its competitors due to the size and weight of these vehicles. However, some smaller rental vehicles might be covered. Your personal auto insurance policy may also apply if your insurer extends coverage to truck rentals. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal auto insurance policy, you may also be covered for damage to the rental. Most insurers only cover vehicles up to a certain weight, which means your policy may not cover damage to large moving trucks or cargo vehicles.
If your personal auto insurance doesn't provide any coverage, you should consider purchasing insurance from the rental agency. If you decline and don't have another form of insurance to protect the vehicle, the liability coverage from the rental agency may be insufficient, and you'll be responsible for any damage that occurs while the moving truck is in your hands.
Before renting a moving truck, be sure you have adequate protection. Whether it's through your own existing policy or by purchasing additional supplemental insurance coverage, you'll have more peace of mind while transporting your belongings.
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Credit card coverage
U-Haul states on its website that "damage coverage is essential" because all major credit cards typically do not cover their rental equipment. Visa, for example, excludes trucks and vans that seat more than eight people, while American Express excludes cargo vans and box trucks. Even if your credit card offers coverage for rental cars, it may not extend to larger vehicles like trucks due to weight and size restrictions.
Additionally, credit card coverage usually provides excess coverage, meaning it comes into effect after your own insurance policy limits have been reached. This type of coverage is designed to supplement your primary insurance and may not be sufficient on its own. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your credit card agreement to understand the extent of its rental coverage.
While some credit cards may provide a level of protection, it is generally recommended to purchase additional insurance when renting a U-Haul truck. U-Haul offers its own damage protection packages, such as Safemove and Safemove Plus, which provide coverage for accidental damage, cargo protection, and medical-life protection. These packages can give you peace of mind and ensure you are adequately covered in the event of an accident or incident during your rental period.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that even if your credit card offers some coverage, you may still be required to reimburse U-Haul for any damage caused during your rental. This can result in unexpected expenses, especially if the damage is significant. Therefore, carefully consider your options and review the coverage provided by both your credit card and any additional insurance packages offered by U-Haul before making a decision.
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Weight restrictions
U-Haul offers various trucks for rent, including pickup trucks, cargo vans, and moving trucks. The weight restrictions for renting a U-Haul truck can depend on the specific truck size and type you choose. Here is a detailed overview of the weight restrictions for different U-Haul trucks:
Pickup Trucks
U-Haul's pickup trucks are suitable for small loads and home improvement projects. According to the U-Haul website, the maximum load capacity for their pickup trucks is 2,280 lbs, with a gross vehicle weight maximum of 6,800 lbs. The empty weight of the pickup truck is specified as 4,474 lbs, and it has a towing capacity of up to 6,000 lbs.
10 ft Mini Mover® (Smallest Box Truck)
The 10 ft Mini Mover is designed for moving studios, apartments, or dorms. It can accommodate a king-sized bed, a loveseat, end tables, and a dining room set, with additional room for boxes. The maximum load capacity is specified as 2,850 lbs, while the gross vehicle weight maximum is 8,600 lbs. The empty weight is 5,790 lbs, and it also has a towing capacity of up to 6,000 lbs.
26 ft Moving Truck (Largest Moving Truck)
The 26 ft moving truck is ideal for moving 5-8 room homes and offers ample space and easy loading. This truck has a maximum load capacity of 12,859 lbs and a gross vehicle weight maximum of 25,999 lbs. The empty weight is specified as 13,140 lbs, and it has a towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs.
It is important to note that U-Haul mentions that all rental truck and trailer measurements are approximate and may vary based on the specific models available in your area.
Regarding insurance and weight restrictions, U-Haul recommends checking with your insurance carrier before renting. Many personal auto policies have weight restrictions on rental vehicles, and it is important to understand the terms and conditions of your policy. U-Haul also offers optional coverage plans, such as Safemove® and Safemove Plus®, which can provide additional protection for accidental damage, cargo coverage, and medical-life coverage. These plans may be beneficial if your personal insurance has weight restrictions or does not cover rental trucks.
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Additional driver requirements
U-Haul does not charge for an additional driver. However, other rental companies will allow you to add additional drivers for an additional fee ranging from $10 to $15. All companies will require the additional driver(s) to show a valid, acceptable driver's license and form of identification just like the main driver.
U-Haul requires a government-issued driver's license to rent their trucks and trailers. If the license is from one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, a Canadian province, the military, or a foreign country, it should be accepted. A commercial driver's license is not required for U-Haul truck rentals as they are not considered commercial vehicles. The only exception to this rule is in Quebec, Canada, where a Class 3 Driver's License is needed to operate their 26-foot truck.
U-Haul also suggests bringing multiple forms of identification when picking up a rental to verify identity and avoid any issues. In addition to a driver's license, accepted forms of identification include a credit or debit card, a valid U.S. passport, or a paycheck.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need insurance to rent a U-Haul truck. However, you will be responsible for any damage to the truck during the rental period if you do not purchase U-Haul's optional SafeMove coverage or provide your own insurance.
SafeMove coverage includes a damage waiver, cargo coverage, and medical-life coverage. It does not include liability coverage. SafeMove Plus coverage, which is for moving trucks only, includes liability coverage in addition to the other components of SafeMove.
It depends on your policy. Many personal auto policies specifically exclude rental trucks, particularly those that exceed a certain weight. You should check with your insurance carrier before renting a U-Haul truck to see if your policy will cover it.
