Your move is almost here, and you’ve got the keys to a rental truck. But as you picture yourself behind the wheel, it’s natural to wonder: what happens if something goes wrong on the road? A small scrape, a flat tire, or a bigger accident could turn your moving day into an expensive disaster.
That’s where moving truck insurance comes in. It’s not the same as your regular car insurance, and most personal auto policies don’t extend to large rental trucks, anyway. Instead, coverage is usually offered by the rental company, with a few different options depending on what kind of protection you want.
You should know that moving truck insurance isn’t mandatory. You can technically rent a truck without it. Still, for many people, having that extra safety net makes sense. Think of it as a way to protect both your move and your peace of mind.
What Is Moving Truck Insurance?
If you rent a moving truck, the company will usually ask if you want insurance. This isn’t the same as the coverage on your own car. It’s a short-term policy that applies only while you’re driving the rental.
The idea is simple: if something happens on the road, you’re not stuck paying the entire bill yourself. Depending on the option you choose, it may help with things like:
- Fixing the truck if it’s damaged in a crash
- Paying costs if another car or property is involved
- Covering some of what’s inside the truck
- Helping with medical expenses for you or passengers
But it’s not a blanket guarantee. Items like cash, jewelry, or fragile electronics usually aren’t included. Neither is damage from overloading the truck, towing a car behind it, or driving outside the agreed area. Because policies vary, the safest move is to look over the details carefully and double-check with the rental company or your insurance agent before deciding. For even more information on moving truck insurance, see our guide here.
How Moving Truck Insurance Differs From Your Auto Policy
A common question is whether your personal auto insurance covers a rental truck. Often it doesn’t — many policies extend to cars or vans but not to larger moving trucks. That gap can leave you on the hook if something goes wrong.
The only way to know for sure is to ask your agent. They can confirm whether your current policy offers any protection for a rental truck and help you figure out if adding insurance makes sense.
Do I Need Moving Truck Insurance?
You’re not required to buy moving truck insurance, but a lot of people decide it’s worth having. If you’re driving hundreds of miles on highways you don’t know, or if you’ve never handled a truck this size before, it can feel a little intimidating, and mistakes are easy to make.
“Jewelry, cash, collectibles, or high-end electronics also are often excluded, even if you buy cargo protection. Coverage tends to apply to everyday household goods — things like furniture, clothing, or kitchenware — rather than specialty or high-value items.”
Insurance can also matter if you’re hauling expensive furniture or big appliances. Replacing or repairing them on your own dime would cost far more than the policy. And if your regular auto coverage doesn’t apply to rental trucks, you’d be left with no backup at all.
Your decision ultimately depends on your comfort level and what you’re willing to risk. The smartest step is to read the options carefully and call your insurance agent so you know exactly where you stand before you hit the road.
How Do I Get Moving Truck Insurance?
Most people buy moving truck insurance right through the rental company. When you pick up your truck, the clerk will walk you through available plans, and you can decide which ones make sense for your move. It’s also possible to find third-party coverage online, but those policies may have different terms or exclusions, so be sure to compare carefully.
Here’s a look at how the major rental companies structure their coverage:
U-Haul offers several options:
- Safemove®: includes a damage waiver, limited cargo protection, and medical/life coverage for you and your passengers.
- Safemove Plus®: adds supplemental liability coverage (up to $1 million) and removes deductibles on truck damage.
- Safetow®: protection for trailers and towed vehicles.
- Safetrip®: extra roadside help for problems like lost keys or getting stuck.
Penske sells bundles ranging from Basic to Plus. Depending on the level, you can add:
- Limited Damage Waiver (covers the truck itself)
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (third-party claims, up to $1 million)
- Cargo Insurance (covers belongings in the truck, limited to $15,000)
- Personal Accident Insurance (medical/death benefits for driver and passengers)
- Towing Insurance (if you’re hauling your own vehicle)
Budget provides several add-ons:
- Damage Waivers (Physical or Limited) to reduce or remove your responsibility for truck damage or theft
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (up to $750,000 for third-party claims)
- Personal and Cargo Protection (coverage for you and your belongings inside the truck)
- Auto Tow Protection (if you’re towing a personal vehicle)
- Roadside SafetyNet (extra roadside coverage beyond the basics)
Buying directly from the rental company is usually the simplest option, since the plans are designed for their trucks. Still, it’s smart to compare prices and call your own insurance agent to understand what you may already have before adding more coverage.
Types of Moving Truck Insurance Coverage
When you rent a moving truck, the insurance menu can look overwhelming. Do you really need all of these coverages, or just one or two? The answer depends on your move, your budget, and what kind of protection helps you sleep better at night. Here’s a breakdown of the main options most companies offer, what they do, and where the gaps may be.
Damage Waivers / Collision Coverage
A damage waiver, sometimes called collision coverage, is usually the first option on the list. It protects you from paying out of pocket if the rental truck itself is damaged in an accident or by another covered event. For example, if you misjudge a turn and scrape the side of the truck, the waiver may step in so you don’t have to cover the repair bill.
- What it does cover: most accidental damage to the truck. Some plans, like U-Haul’s Safemove Plus®, even cover overhead damage — a common (and costly) issue when drivers forget about low bridges or overhangs.
- What it does not cover: damage caused by breaking rental rules, like driving off-road, or issues from overloading the truck. Normal wear-and-tear or mechanical failure may also fall outside the waiver.
- Cost: typically $15–$30 per day, though companies’ “Plus” packages can be more.
For many renters, this is the baseline coverage to consider, since repairing a truck can cost thousands.
Cargo Protection
Cargo protection focuses on the belongings inside the truck. If your furniture or boxes are damaged in a collision, fire, or rollover, this coverage may reimburse you up to a certain dollar limit.
- What it does cover: items inside the truck that are damaged due to accidents, fire, or severe weather.
- What it does not cover: fragile or high-value items like jewelry, electronics, artwork, or cash. Damage from shifting loads, improper packing, or theft may also be excluded.
- Cost: often $5–$15 per day, with coverage limits that range from about $1,000 to $15,000 depending on the company and plan.
If you’re hauling mostly furniture and household basics, cargo protection can provide peace of mind. Just remember the exclusions and consider whether you need separate coverage for valuables.
Supplemental Liability Insurance
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) helps if another driver or property owner makes a claim against you after an accident. It essentially extends the liability protection provided in your rental agreement, often up to $750,000 or $1 million.
- What it does cover: third-party claims for property damage or injuries caused while driving the rental truck.
- What it does not cover: your own injuries, your belongings, or the rental truck itself. Also, if you violate the rental agreement — for example, letting an unauthorized driver take the wheel — coverage may be void.
- Cost: generally $15–$25 per day.
For long-distance moves or driving through busy urban areas, this coverage can be worth serious consideration, since liability claims can easily exceed the minimal coverage included in a rental agreement.
Personal Accident Coverage
Personal Accident Coverage (PAC) is about medical protection. It provides benefits for you and your passengers in the truck cab if you’re injured or killed in an accident. Coverage can include medical bills, ambulance costs, or even a death benefit.
- What it does cover: medical expenses for the driver and passengers riding in the cab.
- What it does not cover: injuries that happen while loading or unloading the truck, or for anyone riding in the cargo area. Some exclusions apply, so reading the policy carefully is important.
- Cost: often $5–$15 per day.
PAC may be less necessary if you already have strong health insurance, but it can be valuable if your policy has high deductibles or if you want extra reassurance during a long drive.
Towing and Roadside Assistance
Some rental companies include basic roadside help, but you may be offered an add-on that expands it. Roadside assistance typically covers things like lockouts, flat tires, dead batteries, or getting stuck. Towing coverage applies if you’re hauling your own car behind the truck and want protection if the vehicle or towing equipment is damaged.
- What it does cover: towing accidents, mechanical breakdowns, and common roadside mishaps.
- What it does not cover: everything — limits and exclusions vary, and you may still pay out of pocket for certain repairs or replacement parts.
- Cost: $5–$10 per day, though towing insurance may be higher.
This coverage can be a lifesaver if you’re moving long-distance, especially if you’re not confident about handling breakdowns or towing a vehicle yourself.
How Much Does Moving Truck Insurance Cost?
The cost depends on the company, the size of the truck you rent, and the protections you choose. Most plans fall between about $5 and $30 per day per coverage type. A basic damage waiver is usually on the lower end, while more complete bundles that combine cargo, liability, and accident protection can total about $40 to $50 per day when stacked together.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common rental companies and their typical coverage prices (accurate as of publication):
- U-Haul: Safemove usually runs about $14 to $16 per day. Safemove Plus (adds liability and removes deductibles) is about $28 to $30 per day. Safetrip roadside help is about $5 per day.
- Penske: Coverage is sold in bundles that range from about $15 to $40 per day, depending on whether you choose a Basic package or a more complete option that includes cargo, liability, and accident coverage.
- Budget: Damage waivers are typically $10 to $20 per day. Supplemental liability averages about $15 per day. Personal accident or cargo protection is another $5 to $10 per day, and roadside plans add about $5 to $7 per day.
Prices also vary by location, truck size, and rental length, and coverage limits or deductibles can differ by plan. The best way to get an exact number is to ask for a written breakdown when you reserve your truck, then compare it to any protection you already have.
What’s Not Covered by Moving Truck Insurance?
Even if you add insurance to your truck rental, it doesn’t mean everything is automatically protected. Most plans are designed with limits, and it’s important to know where those gaps may be before moving day.
For example, many policies don’t cover damage caused by improper loading. If boxes aren’t secured and furniture tips over mid-drive, that usually falls on the renter. The same goes for towing. While companies like Budget and Penske sell optional auto tow protection, a personal car hitched behind your rental often isn’t covered under standard plans.
“Replacing or repairing them on your own dime would cost far more than the policy. And if your regular auto coverage doesn’t apply to rental trucks, you’d be left with no backup at all.”
Jewelry, cash, collectibles, or high-end electronics also are often excluded, even if you buy cargo protection. Coverage tends to apply to everyday household goods — things like furniture, clothing, or kitchenware — rather than specialty or high-value items.
Because exclusions vary by company and policy type, the safest step is to review the fine print and confirm details with your rental provider or insurance agent. That way, you can decide whether to buy extra coverage, move valuables separately, or explore other insurance options before you hit the road.
Alternatives to Buying Moving Truck Insurance
If you’d rather not buy coverage directly from the rental company, there may be other ways to get some protection. Just know that these options can be limited.
A few credit cards include rental coverage, but it’s far more common for cars than for large moving trucks. Always call your card provider to confirm before assuming you’re covered.
Some drivers add special endorsements to their personal auto insurance, which may extend limited protection to rentals. Because rules vary by state and vehicle weight, you’ll need to ask your insurance agent whether your policy applies.
For your belongings, homeowners or renters insurance may cover items damaged or stolen during a move, though exclusions are common. Fragile or high-value property may require separate coverage.
These alternatives can help, but they’re rarely a complete substitute for a truck rental policy. The safest move is to compare what you already have with what the rental company offers before you decide.
What to Know About Choosing the Right Coverage
Picking the right insurance for your rental truck isn’t about grabbing the first option at the counter. A little planning can save you money and stress.
- Compare policies from different rental companies. Each provider structures coverage differently. One company may bundle cargo and liability together, while another sells them separately. Daily costs, deductibles, and coverage limits can vary widely. Asking for a written breakdown from more than one rental company makes it easier to see what you’re actually paying for.
- Consider the value of your belongings. If you’re moving mostly clothing, dishes, and everyday furniture, you may not need extensive cargo protection. But if your truck is packed with high-ticket items like appliances or electronics, extra coverage could make sense. Just remember that valuables often have exclusions, so you may want separate protection for those.
- Evaluate distance and road conditions. A short local move is less risky than a cross-country drive through heavy traffic or rough weather. The more miles you plan to cover, the greater the chance of something going wrong. Long trips are also harder on vehicles, which makes roadside assistance and towing coverage worth a second look.
The “right” coverage depends on your unique move. Take a few minutes to compare, weigh the value of what you’re hauling, and think about the trip ahead. Having the right safety net can help you focus on getting there, not on worrying about what might happen along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my car insurance cover moving trucks?
Sometimes, but not always. Many auto policies extend to small rental vehicles but exclude large moving trucks. The only way to know for sure is to call your insurance agent and ask about weight or size limits.
Is moving truck insurance mandatory?
No, rental companies don’t usually require it. You can decline coverage, but that means you’d be responsible for any costs if something happens.
What happens if I decline insurance and get into an accident?
If you’re uninsured, you could be on the hook for repairs to the truck, damage to other vehicles or property, and medical expenses. The bill can add up quickly. That’s why many people decide the extra cost of insurance is worth the peace of mind. We’ve written a guide to help you if this happens to you.
Does moving truck insurance cover passengers?
Some plans do. Personal Accident Coverage, for example, may cover medical expenses for you and your passengers in the truck’s cab. Coverage doesn’t usually extend to anyone riding in the cargo area. Always review the policy carefully so you know who’s protected.