DOES AUTO INSURANCE COVER UHAUL

### Does Auto Insurance Cover U-Haul Rentals? Renting a U-Haul truck is often a practical solution for moving or transporting large items, but understanding how insurance works for these rentals is critical. Many people assume their personal auto insurance will extend to cover a U-Haul rental, but that? not always the case. The size and purpose of U-Haul trucks often place them outside the scope of standard auto insurance policies. Below, we?l break down whether auto insurance covers U-Haul rentals, what additional coverage options are available, and how to protect yourself financially when renting a moving truck. --- ## **Does Your Personal Auto Insurance Cover U-Haul Rentals?** In most cases, your personal auto insurance policy **will not cover U-Haul rentals**, especially larger trucks. Here? why: ### 1. Size and Weight Restrictions - Personal auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage for vehicles that exceed certain weight and size limits. - For example, a 15-foot U-Haul truck weighs over 8,000 pounds when empty, which is far beyond the limits of most personal policies[2][3]. ### 2. Exclusions for Cargo Vehicles - Most personal policies specifically exclude coverage for cargo vehicles like box trucks and trailers. - Even if your policy covers smaller vehicles like passenger cars or vans, it likely won? extend to larger moving trucks[2][3]. ### 3. No Coverage for Rental Equipment - Personal auto insurance doesn? cover damage to rental equipment like U-Haul trailers or towing equipment. - While liability coverage might extend to damages caused by a rented trailer attached to your car, it won? cover damage to the trailer itself[4]. --- ## **What About Credit Card Rental Coverage?** Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a perk, but this benefit usually does not apply to moving trucks or cargo vans. Credit card rental protections are typically limited to smaller passenger vehicles and exclude: - Trucks - Cargo vans - Vehicles exceeding certain weight limits[2][3]. For example: - Visa? rental protection excludes all trucks and cargo vans. - American Express also excludes box trucks and similar vehicles. If you?e relying on credit card coverage for your U-Haul rental, it? best to check with your card issuer beforehand to confirm exclusions. --- ## **What Are Your Insurance Options When Renting a U-Haul?** Since personal auto insurance and credit card benefits rarely cover U-Haul rentals, you?l need alternative coverage to protect yourself from financial liability. U-Haul offers its own insurance packages tailored specifically for its vehicles: ### 1. Safemove This is U-Haul? basic insurance package that provides: - **Damage Waiver:** Covers accidental damage to the rental truck with no deductible. - **Cargo Coverage:** Protects belongings inside the truck against damage from collisions, fires, windstorms, or overturns (up to $25,000 for one-way rentals or $15,000 for local rentals). - **Medical Coverage:** Provides up to $1,000 for medical bills resulting from an accident and up to $25,000 in life insurance for the driver. **Example:** If you accidentally hit a low-hanging bridge and damage the roof of the truck, Safemove would cover the repair costs[1][4]. ### 2. Safemove Plus This enhanced package includes all Safemove benefits plus: - **Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI):** Provides up to $1 million in liability coverage for damages or injuries caused to third parties. **Example:** If you cause an accident while driving the U-Haul truck and damage another person? vehicle or property, SLI would cover those costs[1][4]. ### 3. Safetow If you?e towing a vehicle or trailer with your U-Haul rental: - Safetow provides coverage for damage to the vehicle being towed as well as liability protection. --- ## **Why Should You Consider Purchasing U-Haul Insurance?** Opting for U-Haul? in-house insurance can save you from significant financial burdens in case of an accident or damage: 1. **No Gaps in Coverage:** - Since most personal auto policies don? cover moving trucks, purchasing U-Haul insurance ensures you?e fully protected. 2. **Immediate Reimbursement:** - Without U-Haul insurance, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for damages upfront while waiting for reimbursement from other insurers (if applicable). 3. **Peace of Mind:** - Moving can be stressful enough without worrying about potential accidents or damages. --- ## **What Happens If You Decline Insurance?** If you choose not to purchase U-Haul? insurance and your personal policy doesn? extend coverage: 1. You?l be financially responsible for any damage to the truck or equipment. 2. You may also be liable for "loss of use" fees charged by U-Haul while the truck is being repaired. 3. In case of an accident involving third parties, you could face lawsuits or additional costs if you lack sufficient liability coverage. **Example:** If you?e involved in an accident that damages both the truck and another vehicle, you could be responsible for thousands of dollars in repair costs without proper coverage. --- ## **Steps to Take Before Renting a U-Haul** To avoid surprises and ensure adequate protection: 1. **Review Your Auto Insurance Policy:** - Contact your insurer to confirm whether your policy extends coverage to moving trucks. - Ask about size restrictions and exclusions. 2. **Check Credit Card Benefits:** - Verify whether your credit card offers any protection for moving truck rentals. - Understand exclusions related to vehicle type and weight. 3. **Purchase Additional Coverage:** - If neither your auto policy nor credit card provides sufficient protection, consider buying Safemove or Safemove Plus from U-Haul. 4. **Understand Your Rental Agreement:** - Read the fine print in your rental contract to know what you?e responsible for in case of damage or accidents. --- ## **Tips for Protecting Yourself When Renting a Moving Truck** 1. Drive cautiously: - Moving trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making them harder to maneuver. - Take extra care when turning corners or driving under low bridges. 2. Secure your cargo: - Properly load and secure items inside the truck to prevent shifting during transit. 3. Park safely: - Avoid parking under trees or in flood-prone areas during bad weather. 4. Inspect the truck before driving: - Document any pre-existing damage with photos or videos before leaving the rental location. --- ## Conclusion In most cases, personal auto insurance does not cover U-Haul rentals due to size restrictions and exclusions for cargo vehicles. Similarly, credit card rental protections often exclude moving trucks and trailers. To avoid financial risks when renting a U-Haul truck, it? highly recommended that you purchase additional coverage through U-Haul? Safemove or Safemove Plus packages. By understanding your existing coverage limitations and exploring supplemental options from the rental company, you can ensure peace of mind during your move while protecting yourself from unexpected expenses related to accidents or damages!