It’s a fact of life that accidents happen. Whether it’s your fault, or the fault of the driver behind you, we here at Moving Insider want to make sure you’re covered. It’s a question that we get all the time, “Do I need coverage on a moving truck rental?” That’s why we always recommend some sort of protection on your vehicle.
However, not all policies are created equal — some don’t cover cargo while others don’t cover negligence. Although it seems small, it’s important to pay attention to the details when it comes to selecting the right insurance for your next moving truck. Overall, there are a few key points that you should make sure are included in every one of your protection contracts.
Type of Plan
It’s important to make sure that you select a plan that actually covers a rental moving truck. Most personal plans through auto insurers do not cover moving trucks. Examples of insurance and credit card plans in regards to moving trucks can be found here. While not necessary, it is extremely important to ensure that you have personal coverage if you opt-out of a plan through the moving truck company — if not you may be responsible for immediate reimbursement of damages on the spot.
Medical Coverage
Personal injury coverage is one of the most important parts of any insurance plans. Be cognizant of options available and make sure that you are fully covered. Items can be replaced, but you can not. Look for a plan that offers some sort of injury and medical coverage. SafeMove by U-Haul offers medical coverage up to $1,000 for the driver of the moving truck and any passengers.
Cargo Coverage
One of the most under-valued aspect of any DIY move is peace-of-mind. Moving truck coverage is about more than just the truck and yourself; your whole life is in the back of the truck and is ranked number two on the importance scale, following your life and coming before the truck itself. A plan with some sort of cargo coverage is optimal, with the suggested coverage level varying on the value of your goods. Some cargo coverage plans do have deductibles, so make sure to read all the fine print.
Damage Waiver
Accidental damages are bound to happen, so make sure to select a plan that covers damage to the vehicle. Most plans don’t include contact with overhead objects — always remember to check height clearance and be aware of your surroundings. If you don’t have some sort of damage protection, you may be responsible for the immediate reimbursement on any damage done to the vehicle.
At the end of the day, time is money. When you’re unsure or on a tight budget, it’s best to go with a coverage offered by the rental company. The plans offered by rental companies save you time by making it a one-stop-shop and can offer considerable discounts by doing so. If you’re tight on a budget think is the $14 a day for coverage worth more than the possibility of shelling out thousands of dollars on the spot for repair costs?
If you have questions about your moving truck coverage, please e-mail safemove@uhaul.com.