Do I Have Coverage if I Rent a Uhaul Truck?

Renting a Uhaul may seem like a straightforward way of moving things without risk, but you could actually face even more risk by renting a Uhaul than using your own vehicle. This is because in most cases, a personal auto insurance policy will not cover you if you are driving a Uhaul. Most auto insurance policies have limits when it comes to vehicles you will be covered operating. Uhaul trucks are typically over the maximum weight for a vehicle you can be covered for when driving, especially since the vehicle is technically a commercial vehicle. 

This all depends on your auto insurance policy and your insurer, of course. If you are thinking about renting a Uhaul truck, contact your insurance agent to see if you will be covered. In some cases you may be able to add coverage. 

Do I Need Liability for a Uhaul? 

All vehicles on the road must be insured according to state laws where the vehicle will be operating. Uhauls typically come with these minimum liability requirements in case you cause bodily injury or property damage to someone else while operating the Uhaul truck. 

Minimum requirements in Iowa, for example, include: 

• $20,000 bodily injury liability per person 

• $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident 

• $15,000 property damage liability

All Uhaul trucks in Iowa should come with this coverage. However, any additional liability or unrelated damages will not be covered.  

For example, say someone else hits you while you are driving the rented Uhaul truck. The accident is not your fault and thus will not be covered under liability. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be held responsible for damages to the Uhaul. 

If the Uhaul is damaged due to an accident, the business you rented the truck from may expect compensation in return for the damages. Make sure to speak with your insurance agent about your auto insurance options when it comes to renting a vehicle. While operating a rented vehicle, make sure you are driving defensively and avoiding distractions on the road. When parking, keep the Uhaul preferably somewhere covered and well lit to avoid damages or loss caused by environmental damage, vandalism or theft. 

Ask your insurance agent about increasing or expending the coverage offered by your personal auto insurance policy. It is crucial to remain covered to matter where you are or what vehicle you are driving.