If you’re planning on moving soon and you’re considering renting a Uhaul truck, you might be wondering whether your Geico insurance policy will cover any potential damages or accidents that may occur during your move. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about whether Geico covers Uhaul trucks.
Understanding Uhaul Insurance Options
Before we dive into whether Geico covers Uhaul trucks, it’s important to understand the insurance options available to you when renting a Uhaul truck. Uhaul offers two types of insurance:
SafeMove
SafeMove is the standard insurance option that Uhaul offers to customers. It includes damage coverage for the Uhaul truck, liability coverage, and cargo coverage for the items you’re moving.
SafeMove Plus
SafeMove Plus is a more comprehensive insurance option that Uhaul offers. It includes all of the coverage provided by SafeMove, plus additional coverage for damage to your personal property and roadside assistance.
Geico’s Coverage for Rental Vehicles
Geico offers insurance coverage for rental vehicles through its insurance policy. However, the coverage options and limitations vary based on the type of rental vehicle.
Coverage for Rental Cars
Geico’s insurance policy covers rental cars in the same way that it covers your own personal car. This means that if you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your policy, it will extend to the rental car.
Coverage for Rental Trucks
When it comes to rental trucks, Geico’s coverage is a bit different. Geico only covers rental trucks that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. This means that if you rent a Uhaul truck with a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds, Geico will not provide coverage.
Does Geico Cover Uhaul Trucks?
Based on Geico’s coverage limitations for rental trucks, it’s unclear whether they cover Uhaul trucks. Uhaul trucks come in a variety of sizes, with GVWRs ranging from 6,000 pounds to 26,000 pounds. If you rent a Uhaul truck with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, Geico should provide coverage. However, if you rent a Uhaul truck with a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds, Geico will not cover any damages or accidents that occur.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident with a Uhaul Truck
If you’re involved in an accident while driving a Uhaul truck, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect yourself from liability.
Step 1: Check for Injuries
The first thing you should do after an accident is check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Step 2: Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes contact information, insurance information, and the license plate numbers of all vehicles involved.Step 3: Call the Police
Even if there are no injuries, it’s important to call the police after an accident. They will file a report that will document the details of the accident, which will be important when you file an insurance claim.
Step 4: Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene and gather as much evidence as possible, such as witness statements or surveillance footage. This evidence will be important when filing an insurance claim.
Step 5: Contact Uhaul and Geico
Contact Uhaul and Geico to report the accident and file a claim. They will provide you with instructions on what to do next.
How to File a Claim with Geico for Uhaul Damage
If you’re involved in an accident with a Uhaul truck and you have Geico insurance, you’ll need to file a claim with Geico to receive coverage for any damages or losses.
Step 1: Contact Geico
Contact Geico as soon as possible after the accident to report the incident and begin the claims process.
Step 2: Provide Information
Provide Geico with the details of the accident, including the date, time, location, and any other relevant information.
Step 3: Provide Documentation
Provide Geico with any documentation related to the accident, such as police reports, photos, and witness statements.
Step 4: Wait for the Review
Wait for Geico to review your claim and make a determination on coverage.
Tips for Safe Driving with a Uhaul Truck
Driving a Uhaul truck can be a bit different than driving a regular car, so it’s important to take some extra precautions to ensure your safety on the road.
Tip 1: Give Yourself Extra Time
Uhaul trucks are larger and slower than regular cars, so it’s important to give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Tip 2: Check Your Blind Spots
Uhaul trucks have larger blind spots than regular cars, so be sure to check your mirrors and turn your head to check your blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn.
Tip 3: Drive Slowly
Uhaul trucks are not built for speed, so it’s important to drive slowly and take your time.
Other Insurance Options for Uhaul Rentals
If you’re not satisfied with the insurance options provided by Uhaul or Geico, there are other insurance options available to you.
Rental Insurance from Other Providers
Some insurance providers offer rental insurance policies that cover rental trucks, including Uhaul trucks. Be sure to shop around to find the best policy for your needs.
Credit Card Rental Car Insurance
Some credit card companies offer rental car insurance that also covers rental trucks, including Uhaul trucks. Be sure to check with your credit card company to see if you have this coverage.
FAQs
Does Geico cover Uhaul trailers?
Geico only covers rental trucks with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less. Uhaul trailers are not considered rental trucks and are not covered by Geico.
Does Uhaul insurance cover my personal belongings?
Uhaul’s SafeMove and SafeMove Plus insurance policies include coverage for the items you’re moving, so your personal belongings are covered.
Can I purchase additional insurance coverage from Uhaul?
Yes, Uhaul offers additional coverage options, including Safestor and Safetow, which provide additional protection for your items while they’re in storage or being towed.
What happens if I return the Uhaul truck late?
If you return the Uhaul truck late, you may be charged a late fee. Be sure to check the terms of your rental agreement for more information on late fees.
Can I drive a Uhaul truck without a special license?
In most cases, you do not need a special license to drive a Uhaul truck. However, some states may have additional requirements based on the weight of the truck. Be sure to check the requirements in your state before renting a Uhaul truck.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether Geico covers Uhaul trucks depends on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the truck you rent. Geico only covers rental trucks with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, which includes many Uhaul trucks. However, it’s important to check with your Geico insurance policy to determine your coverage limitations. Additionally, Uhaul offers its own insurance options, and there are other insurance options available from other providers as well. As always, be sure to drive safely and take precautions when operating a Uhaul truck.
