Standard moving trucks with sizes ranging from 10 feet to 26 feet long would usually no longer be covered by the protection provided under most personal car insurance policies and credit cards according to U-Haul. But if you want to be sure about it, you can always verify with your insurance provider and your credit card company. If you’re told you’re not protected, then you may want to consider purchasing the optional insurance protection plans that are being offered by the rental company. There are typically four types, namely:
Collision/ Damage Waivers
Technically, this is not an insurance product but a waiver that transfers financial responsibility from you to the rental car company in case of damage or theft. Read the fine print to see if it’s called Collisions Damage Waivers (CDW), Damage Waiver (DW), Personal Damage Waiver (PDW) or Limited Damage Waiver (LDW). Each waiver varies, as does its cost and coverage, so be sure to you know the rental company’s waivers before signing at the dotted line. In a LDW policy, for instance, the renter is typically responsible for the first $500 of loss or damage while in a PDW policy, the renter typically has zero responsibility.
Supplemental Liability Insurance, or SLI, is an insurance policy that protects you and your items from damage claims made against you by other drivers or people. In most cases, the maximum amount of SLI coverage is $1,000,000. When considering whether or not to accept this coverage, you should read over the policy carefully as they typically include many exclusions in their terms and conditions.
Personal Accident and Cargo Insurance (PAC)
This plan covers injuries or accidental death while in the rented vehicle and may extend to other drivers or family members riding in the vehicle. It can also help protect against items damaged due to certain listed causes. However, PAC protection plans do not cover damage caused by shifting cargo, theft or burglary. Many truck rental companies may also have exclusions and most of these policies are strictly for non-commercial customers.
Auto tow protection (ATP). If you are towing a moving trailer, an ATP plan will help protect the vehicle against damage while it is in transit. This coverage applies to vehicles towed by either a car dolly or a car trailer. This policy helps protect against most forms of damage, including fire, explosion, flood, hail, windstorm, vehicle overturn, landslide and collision. There is typically a deductible involved so ask the rental company first before signing the contract so you know how much you’re liable for in the event of a damage-causing situation.
