If youre going to rent a truck when moving, one of the first questions the clerk will ask you is: Do you want to buy the optional insurance we offer?
While your auto, homeowners or renters insurance may cover damage to a rental truck or your contents inside the truck during a move, the extra insurance can be worth checking into.
Here are some questions to ask when that clerk tries to sell you insurance:
What if youre at fault? A rental truck company likely wont cover you for physical damage you cause to the truck or bodily injury you suffer in an accident where youre at fault; however, your personal car insurance may cover property damage or bodily injury to others in the case of an accident. Keep in mind, your auto insurance policy likely excludes vehicles that weigh more than 9,000 pounds, such as a moving truck.
If the accident isnt your fault, then the other drivers insurance should pay for damage to the truck and for your bodily injuries.
What about my credit card coverage? Paying for a rental truck with a credit card will likely get you free insurance from your credit card company, though it may cover damage to other people and vehicles and not to the rental truck youre driving.
What does the extra insurance cover? U-Haul, one of the biggest moving companies, sells truck rental coverage that protects renters from being financially responsible for damage to its equipment. U-Haul says its essential because credit cards and car insurance dont typically cover its rental equipment.
U-Hauls Safemove package covers the truck and its belongings, but doesnt provide liability coverage. It has a few optional purchases within it, such as a damage waiver to protect you if you accidentally back into a street sign because youre not used to driving such a large vehicle. Theres no deductible for the coverage.
U-Haul offers up to $25,000 in cargo coverage for a one-way rental and $15,000 for an in-town rental. Theres a $100 deductible and coverage is for actual cash value.
U-Haul also has a Super Safemove program that adds liability coverage, like full coverage on an auto policy. The liability coverage is primary coverage, with the first $1 million in liability covered by U-Haul and not your personal insurance.
If you do decide to buy extra insurance when moving, first check with your auto insurer to see if they cover anything during your move.
Published with permission from RISMedia.