Everything You Need to Know About U-Haul Rental Insurance

Moving can be stressful, especially when you're handling large moving trucks like those from U-Haul. One key aspect that often gets overlooked is insurance. Many people assume that their regular car insurance will cover U-Haul rentals, but this is not always the case. Renting a moving truck can expose you to various risks, including damage to the vehicle, cargo, or even accidents. In this blog, we’ll break down whether car insurance covers U-Haul rentals, the options U-Haul offers, and why it’s important to consider purchasing additional coverage.

Will My Car Insurance Policy Cover U-Haul Rentals?

When it comes to renting a U-Haul, most standard car insurance policies fall short. In fact, the majority of car insurance policies won’t cover damage to large moving trucks due to weight limits and specific exclusions for commercial vehicles. However, there are a few nuances that could make a difference depending on the type of vehicle you’re renting.

U-Haul Rental Trucks
Car insurance companies generally don’t extend coverage to U-Haul trucks, especially larger vehicles. If your insurance policy does provide some coverage, it will likely be limited to smaller vehicles like pickup trucks or cargo vans. The key determining factor here is the weight limit. For example, if your policy covers vehicles up to 12,000 pounds, a U-Haul truck with a gross weight of 14,500 pounds would be excluded. Even if your insurer provides collision and comprehensive coverage for non-owned vehicles, it’s essential to clarify the specifics with them before renting a U-Haul.

U-Haul Rental Trailers
Coverage for U-Haul trailers is a bit more nuanced. Some auto insurance providers will cover liability for a trailer as long as it's being towed by a covered vehicle. However, this liability coverage won’t include comprehensive and collision unless you specifically add the trailer to your policy. In other cases, some insurers exclude coverage for trailers you don’t personally own. As always, it’s crucial to double-check your coverage before making a rental decision.

Can I Rent a U-Haul if I Don’t Have Car Insurance?

You are allowed to rent a U-Haul even if you don’t have car insurance, but going without coverage leaves you at significant financial risk. Without insurance, you will be responsible for any damage to the U-Haul truck, trailer, or other rented equipment. This includes accidental damage, vandalism, or any losses while the vehicle is in your possession.

If your car insurance does cover U-Haul rentals, you’ll still be required to pay for damages upfront when returning the vehicle. Afterward, you can file a claim with your auto insurance provider for reimbursement. This process can be time-consuming, and there's no guarantee that your insurance company will fully reimburse you for the costs, especially if certain exclusions apply.

Does U-Haul Provide Coverage?

U-Haul offers several types of insurance plans to cover their vehicles and equipment, which can be an excellent option for protecting yourself during your move. Below is an overview of the most common U-Haul coverage types:

Safemove
This is one of U-Haul’s most basic insurance plans, but it offers significant protection. Safemove provides a damage waiver that covers most types of accidental damage to the moving truck, though you will need to pay a $250 deductible for claims involving overhead damage. In addition to truck damage, Safemove includes cargo protection, which insures your belongings against damage caused by collisions, fires, rollovers, or windstorms. Safemove also offers medical and life protection for drivers and passengers in the cab of the rental truck.

Safemove Plus
Safemove Plus offers all the benefits of Safemove, with the added advantage of $1 million in supplemental liability coverage. This means that Safemove Plus will act as the primary coverage for any accident, regardless of whether your personal auto insurance covers U-Haul rentals. Additionally, if you choose Safemove Plus, you won’t have to pay any deductibles for accidental damage claims. This plan is ideal for anyone looking for comprehensive coverage without relying on personal insurance.

Safetow
If you’re renting a U-Haul trailer or towing a vehicle, Safetow is your best bet. This coverage includes a damage waiver for rented trailers, as well as protection for the property being towed. Safetow also insures the vehicle that’s being used for towing, except in Virginia, where state law excludes this coverage. Medical and life protection is also included for the driver and passengers in the towing vehicle.

Safetrip
While all U-Haul rentals include basic roadside assistance, you can upgrade to Safetrip for more comprehensive support. This package provides assistance for common issues like jumpstarts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and help with hooking up trailers. Safetrip also covers situations where your U-Haul rental gets stuck in mud, snow, or ice. This extra coverage can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong on your moving day.

Safestor
If you’re using U-Haul’s self-storage units, Safestor provides insurance coverage for your belongings against several named perils. These include fire, hurricanes, tornadoes, wind, vandalism, vermin, earthquakes, hail, burglary, building collapse, and water damage. It’s important to note that Safestor only covers specific events, and in the case of burglary, you’ll need to provide evidence of forced entry, including a police report.

Safehaul
For those using U-Haul’s U-Box portable storage units, Safehaul is available to protect your belongings while they are in transit. Like Safestor, this coverage doesn’t extend to motor vehicles or high-value items such as money, securities, jewelry, antiques, and art. Make sure to read the exclusions carefully if you opt for this plan.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
If you’re renting a smaller U-Haul vehicle like a pickup truck or cargo van, you’ll need to purchase a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for protection. A CDW will cover most types of accidental damage, with a $150 deductible. However, it won’t provide cargo protection, medical coverage, or supplemental liability insurance, so you may need to consider additional plans depending on your needs.

Exclusions for U-Haul Coverage

While U-Haul offers a range of coverage options, there are several important exclusions to keep in mind. These exclusions apply to most, if not all, U-Haul coverage types:

• Theft of personal property
• Theft of U-Haul property if caused by negligence
• Damage from improper packing or shifting cargo
• Off-roading or reckless driving
• Damage from getting the vehicle stuck in snow, ice, or mud
• Trips outside of the U.S. or Canada
• Overloading the vehicle beyond its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Understanding these exclusions can help you avoid costly surprises when returning your rental.

How Much Does U-Haul Coverage Cost?

U-Haul offers a variety of coverage options at different price points, making it relatively affordable to protect yourself during a move. Here’s a general breakdown of the costs:

• Safemove: $15
• Safemove Plus: $28
• Safestor: $7.95 to $35.95, depending on the coverage limit
• Safetrip: $5

These rates are subject to change, and U-Haul may adjust prices based on location and vehicle type, so be sure to confirm the exact costs when making your rental reservation.

Renting a U-Haul can be an affordable way to move, but it comes with its own set of risks. Your personal car insurance is unlikely to cover a U-Haul rental, particularly for larger trucks. U-Haul’s insurance packages, including Safemove, Safemove Plus, Safetow, and others, provide a range of protections to help ensure that you aren’t left covering the cost of expensive damages. With affordable rates and comprehensive coverage options, purchasing U-Haul insurance can offer peace of mind on moving day.

FAQs

Do I need insurance to rent a U-Haul?
No, insurance is not required to rent a U-Haul, but it’s highly recommended to avoid financial liability.

What happens if I damage a U-Haul truck without insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, you’ll be personally responsible for covering any damage or loss.

Can my car insurance cover U-Haul rentals?
Some car insurance policies may cover smaller U-Haul vehicles, but most won’t cover larger trucks.

How much does U-Haul insurance cost?
Prices range from $5 for Safetrip to $28 for Safemove Plus, depending on the coverage you select.

What is the difference between Safemove and Safemove Plus?
Safemove covers physical damage, cargo, and medical expenses, while Safemove Plus adds $1 million in liability coverage and removes deductibles for damage claims.