Tips & Advice
Is special insurance required for a rental moving truck?
Although special insurance isn’t always legally required for a moving truck, all auto insurance providers and moving specialists suggest you buy the special policy from the moving truck company. This is because most auto insurance policies have exclusions for covering vans and trucks over a certain size, and also because auto insurance will not cover the personal property inside a moving truck.
Who can drive the rental moving truck?
In order to drive a rented moving truck, a person must be on the rental agreement. Just as with rental cars, getting another driver put on your rental truck agreement may carry an additional fee per day.
Does moving truck rental cost include the cost for fuel?
Moving truck rental cost does not include the fuel cost. Make sure to find out from the rental company if there is anything to know about the type of gas the truck requires, as well as the location of the gas tank.
Are moving trucks required to stop at weigh stations?
The rules about moving trucks and weigh stations vary somewhat by state. Some states do not require trucks to stop if the occupants are doing a personal move, not commercial moves. Others require all commercial trucks to stop, regardless of what they’re calling. When in doubt, stop.
Are pets allowed in moving trucks?
Yes, pets are allowed in some moving trucks. However, all moving companies clearly state that renters should not put pets in the cargo area, and that pets should be in a transport carrier or properly harnessed for everyone’s safety. Moving truck rental companies all have clearly posted pet transport safety tips that you should review before moving day.
Can moving trucks accommodate child car seats?
Most moving truck companies discourage or don’t allow child seats in their trucks. There are a couple of exceptions that allow child seats. However, a major consideration beyond this is that each State Highway Safety Office has its own laws for child passenger safety, and many of them do not allow children to ride in moving trucks.
What happens if the moving truck breaks down?
If a moving truck breaks down, call the emergency number provided by the rental company. Most truck rental companies have a roadside assistance program that should activate and send someone to wherever you are within a few hours maximum. However, most technicians/mechanics are instructed to repair the vehicle, not tow it or assist with getting a replacement. These two solutions might be offered only after repair attempts have failed.
How far in advance should moving truck reservations be made?
Moving truck reservations should be made as soon as you know your move date. If it’s a peak time--i.e. before the start of a new school year--you’d be smart to reserve a couple months in advance. Do not wait until the week before the move, and definitely don’t assume you’ll be able to call and get a truck for the upcoming weekend.
Do moving truck rentals require a security deposit?
Moving truck rentals do not always require a security deposit if the renter is paying with a major credit card. Those that do require a deposit usually only ask for $100-150 on top of the cost of the rental.
What is the minimum age for renting a moving truck?
Renting a moving truck from some truck rental companies only requires you be 18 or older. However, others require renters to be 24, although certain locations might be flexible about this. Other truck rental agencies have an age requirement of 21. If you’re under 24 and you get rejected by one company, definitely look around for others, because there’s a 6-year range of minimum age rules.