Does my car insurance cover a moving truck rental?

Most likely not — most auto insurance policies have a maximum weight limit for vehicles they'll insure, usually excluding cargo vehicles like moving trucks. If you're renting a small vehicle like a pickup truck or van, there's a possibility you can get coverage from your auto insurance policy, but it's not guaranteed. While you're not legally required to buy insurance for a truck or van rental, it's worth considering to avoid being responsible for damage to it.

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What kind of car insurance should I have to rent a moving truck?

At a minimum, you should have some liability coverage so you're covered for injuries or property damage you cause while driving the rental. Many rental agencies include a minimum amount of liability coverage in their rental agreement. Your liability coverage on your personal auto policy may also apply if your insurer extends coverage to truck rentals.

If you also have comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal auto insurance policy, then you may also be covered for damage to the rental. Keep in mind that you would have to pay your deductible for any damage claim involving your rental truck.

Pro tip:

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. Call your insurer to see what, if any, coverage you have for a moving trunk rental.

When picking up your vehicle, you'll have the option to purchase insurance coverage from the rental agency. If your personal auto insurance doesn't provide any coverage, then 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. Plus, you'll be responsible for any damage that occurs while the moving truck is in your hands.

The typical coverage available from a moving truck rental agency includes:

Damage waivers: Protects against any damage to the truck or theft of the truck. The rental company may offer a Personal Damage Waiver (PDW), which means the person renting the truck won't be financially responsible for covering any damage. A Limited Damage Waiver (LDW) means the renter may be responsible for up to $500 worth of damage.
Supplemental liability insurance: This will cover other people's liability or damage claims if you're in an accident while driving the truck.
Personal accident and cargo protection: These cover injuries to you or passengers as well as protecting your belongings from damage. Be sure to read the specifics because it doesn't cover everything, including damage caused by shifting cargo, theft, or burglary.
Personal effects insurance: This typically helps cover your valuables if they're stolen from your rental truck or damaged in a collision.
Auto tow protection: This policy covers any auto damage while your own car is being towed.

Can I rent a moving truck without car insurance?

You can typically rent a truck even if you decline all coverage options the rental agency provides. Many truck rental agencies automatically provide a minimal amount of liability coverage, so you may still be covered for damage or injuries you cause while using the truck. However, it's still worth considering buying additional coverage, especially if your personal auto policy doesn't extend any coverage to your rental.

Before renting a truck, ask the rental agency what coverage is automatically included and what coverage is optional. You should also check with your auto insurer and credit card company to see if they may extend any coverage to the type of vehicle you're renting.

What happens if I damage a moving truck rental?

If you damage a U-Haul or other rental and you aren't protected under their coverage, you may be required to pay for the damage in full when returning the vehicle — even if someone else caused the damage. You may seriously want to consider buying a damage waiver before using the rental truck, which will save you money if an accident or damage occurs.

Before renting a moving truck, be sure you have adequate protection. Remember — you may not be used to or comfortable with driving a rental van (which may be larger than what you usually drive) while navigating through streets and on highways.

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.