CarInsurance.com Insights
- Personal auto insurance usually doesn’t cover heavy rental trucks like U‑Haul or Penske due to weight and their commercial classification.
- Some policies have non‑owned vehicle clauses that may extend limited coverage to small rentals, but not to most moving trucks.
- Rental companies offer their own insurance products — such as liability and damage waivers — to fill coverage gaps.
- Driving a rental truck without proper coverage can leave you financially responsible for damage, liability and loss‑of‑use fees.
- Verify both your policy and rental entity offerings before you rent to avoid costly surprises.
Why doesn’t personal auto insurance cover rental trucks?
Your personal auto policy is designed to insure passenger vehicles you own or lease, not heavy or commercial‑type trucks used for moving. Most personal policies include coverage for non‑owned vehicles, but this often excludes large rental trucks due to size, weight and commercial use.
- Trucks from U‑Haul, Penske, Ryder and similar companies are often classified as commercial equipment or exceed policy weight limits.
- Personal policies typically exclude coverage for these vehicles — meaning liability and physical damage to the truck itself may not be covered by your auto insurer.
This is different from rental cars, which many personal auto policies may cover under a non‑owned vehicle provision.
What your auto policy might cover (and what it doesn’t)
Some personal auto policies include a non‑owned vehicle clause that extends certain coverages to vehicles you don’t own — like rental cars and, in some rare cases, small trucks.
Possible coverage extensions:
- Liability for bodily injury/property damage you cause in certain small truck rentals (depends on insurer and vehicle weight).
- Collision/comprehensive may apply if the vehicle fits within weight limits and your policy includes those coverages.
Common gaps:
- Most policies do not extend to heavy moving trucks, trailers, or cargo vehicles.
- Even if liability coverage technically applies, it may be limited or insufficient for the risks associated with larger rentals.
Always ask your agent whether your policy has a non‑owned vehicle endorsement and the specific weight limits that apply.
Insurance options from the rental company
Since your personal auto policy may not cover a moving truck, rental companies offer their own protection plans:
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Helps cover bodily injury and property damage you cause while driving the rental truck.
- Limited Damage Waiver (LDW)/Damage Waiver: Reduces or eliminates your financial responsibility if the truck is damaged or stolen.
These coverages vary by company and state, so always ask what is included by default and what must be purchased.
Speak with a friendly agent and get your quote in minutes!
What happens if you rely on your auto insurance?
If you drive a rental truck and assume your personal auto insurance will cover it — but it doesn’t — you may be responsible for:
- Repair or replacement costs for the rental truck if damaged.
- Liability claims for injuries or property damage you cause.
- Lost rental income fees the company charges while the truck is out of service.
Without appropriate rental coverage, these costs can be substantial.
How to prepare before renting a moving truck
Before you show up at the rental counter:
- Call your auto insurer: Ask specifically whether any coverage extends to the type of truck you plan to rent and any applicable weight limits.
- Review rental insurance options: Understand SLI, LDW and other waivers the rental company offers.
- Consider supplemental coverage: If your policy doesn’t cover the truck, rental company protections may be worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving truck rentals and car insurance
Does my regular car insurance cover a moving truck rental?
No. Most personal auto policies exclude large rental trucks used for moving.
What if I’m only renting a small pickup truck?
Some policies may extend coverage to smaller truck rentals under a non‑owned vehicle provision — but this depends on your insurer and vehicle weight limits.
Should I buy the rental company’s insurance?
If your auto policy doesn’t cover the truck, rental insurance like SLI and damage waivers can protect you from high costs.
Can a credit card cover rental truck insurance?
Some credit cards offer rental coverage, but it may not apply to moving trucks and usually doesn’t cover everything, so always check your card’s benefits.
What happens if I damage the truck without coverage?
You could be responsible for all repair costs, liability claims and lost rental income charges while the vehicle is out of service.
Still have a question? Ask our experts
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
Browse all FAQs
