Moving Trucks & Insurance: What’s Actually Covered.

So, you’re moving. Congrats! Or... good luck. Either way, you’ve got a moving truck, a mountain of boxes, and maybe a friend who promised to help if you paid in pizza.

But before you hit the road, let’s talk insurance. Nothing kills moving day vibes like realizing you’re not actually covered when something goes sideways. Literally.

You may be thinking, “My Car Insurance Covers It, Right?” Eh… maybe not. Most personal auto insurance doesn’t cover rental trucks, especially the big guys. If the truck weighs more than 9,000 pounds, you’re probably out of luck. And even if your policy includes rental coverage, it usually means rental cars, not giant box-on-wheels moving trucks.
Your policy likely won’t cover:

• Damage to the truck
• Damage to your stuff inside the truck
• Accidents while loading/unloading (watch those toes)

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When you rent a truck, you’ll be offered a bunch of insurance options. Don’t just blindly click “no thanks” to save $400. Here’s what that extra coverage usually includes:

• Damage Waiver: Covers repairs if you back into a mailbox or accidentally scrape a low-hanging branch. (It happens.)
• Cargo Protection: Covers your stuff inside the truck in case of fire, theft, or accidents. But if you pack like a raccoon in a rush and things break? That’s on you.
• Liability Coverage: If you hit someone else or their stuff, this protects you (and your wallet).
• Medical Coverage: For you or your buddies riding along, just in case.

What About Homeowners or Renters Insurance? Good question. Some policies offer limited coverage for belongings while they’re being moved, but there are usually a lot of “ifs” and “maybes.” Like, if you’re using a professional moving company, or maybe if it’s within a certain distance. Basically, read the fine print, or better yet, call your agent.

Moving is already stressful enough without surprise bills. Don’t assume your regular insurance has you covered when it comes to rental trucks. Double-check your policies, ask questions, and consider that rental insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.