Annual Mileage Limit ON Your Car Lease Save Money And Tow Your Car

Leasing a new car instead of buying it has become popular with many drivers. Lower monthly payments and shorter commitments can make leasing an appealing option, but what happens when you’re moving long-distance or out of state with a leased vehicle?

Unlike a short road trip, driving hundreds or thousands of miles during a move can quickly push you over your mileage limit on your lease. U-Haul® offers simple towing solutions that help you move your belongings and your leased car in one trip, without adding unnecessary miles.

What Does Leasing a Car Mean?

If you’re new to car leasing, think of it like renting an apartment instead of buying a home. You make monthly payments to use the vehicle for a set period, then return it to the dealer when the lease ends.

Many drivers choose leasing because it can offer lower monthly payments in some cases and less long-term commitment than a traditional multi-year auto loan. However, leases come with mileage limits.

What Is the Annual Mileage Limit on a Lease?

Nearly all car leases include an annual mileage limit, which caps how many miles you’re allowed to drive each year. This limit varies by contract, but most leases fall between 5,000 and 12,000 miles annually.

Some high-mileage lease options exist, but they are less common and typically come with higher monthly payments. If you’re planning a long-distance move, it’s important to consider how many miles the trip could add to your odometer.

What Happens If You Go Over Your Lease Mileage?

If you exceed your lease mileage limit, you’ll likely be charged a per-mile fee at the end of your lease. While rates vary, mileage overages often add up quickly, especially on cross-country or out-of-state moves.

Many people lease vehicles because they don’t expect to do a lot of driving. Unexpected long trips, like a move, can lead to higher fees if you’re not prepared.

Moving with a Leased Car: How It Works

Moving with a leased car doesn’t have to be complicated. When you choose U-Haul for your move, you have access to vehicle towing options that allow you to transport your leased car without driving it.

By pairing U-Haul towing equipment with a moving truck, you can move your household belongings and your vehicle together, saving time, money, and mileage.

U-Haul Vehicle Towing Options

The towing setup you use will depend on what vehicle you are towing and what you plan to tow it with. U-Haul offers several towing solutions that allow you to transport your leased vehicle safely without adding miles.

Auto Transport

U-Haul auto transports are ideal for long-distance moves and are designed to safely carry vehicles with a maximum load capacity of 5,290 lbs. These auto transports include features that make loading and towing easier and more secure:

• An easy-access loading ramp
• Ratchet-operated tire straps
• Security chains or cables and automatic brakes
• Tilt-out fenders for easier door access

Tow Dolly

A tow dolly is a more affordable option for towing certain vehicles. Tow dollies are lightweight, durable, and designed for secure vehicle transport. Tow dolly features include:

• Heavy-duty security cables
• Ratchet-operated tire straps

U-Haul tow dollies can tow most front-wheel-drive vehicles and some rear-wheel-drive vehicles. When towing an older model rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the driveshaft must be disconnected. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual before towing to ensure proper setup.

Toy Hauler

For drivers with full-size trucks or SUVs who want a heavy-duty, professional-grade towing option, consider the U-Haul Toy Hauler. Toy hauler has a wider deck and higher weight capacity, which adds stability when transporting larger or heavier vehicles and helps reduce mileage and wear on your leased car during a move.

Key features of the Toy Hauler include:

• A 16-foot flatbed with a low-profile design for added stability
• Built-in loading ramps for easy drive-on access
• Multiple tie-down points for secure transportation
• A durable steel frame designed for long-distance towing

Combination Towing with a U-Haul Truck

All U-Haul towing equipment, including auto transports, tow dollies, and toy haulers, can be paired with a U-Haul moving truck when recommended by U-Haul's equipment validation process. During the reservation process, U-Haul verifies compatibility based on your vehicle, load, and towing setup to help ensure safe operation.

Why Tow Your Leased Vehicle When Moving Long Distance?

Towing your leased vehicle offers several important benefits during a move.

• Save Money: Mileage overage fees can add up quickly, often around $0.30 per mile. Towing your car helps you avoid those extra miles while also saving fuel by only driving one vehicle instead of two.
• Reduce Wear and Tear: Leasing companies often charge fees for excessive wear and tear. Towing your vehicle helps prevent unnecessary mileage, tire wear, and exposure to road damage during a long move.
• Move Everything in One Trip: One-way moves can be challenging when coordinating both your belongings and your vehicle. Using a tow dolly, toy hauler, or auto transport trailer allows you to move your household items, your leased car, and even a passenger together in one efficient trip.

Find a Tow Dolly, Toy Hauler, or Auto Transport Trailer Near You

If you’re planning a one-way or long-distance move with a leased vehicle, pairing a U-Haul moving truck with a tow dolly, toy hauler, or auto transport trailer is a smart solution.

U-Haul towing equipment helps you avoid excess mileage, reduce wear and tear, and simplify your move, all while keeping costs under control. Find a car trailer near you today and start planning your move with confidence.