If you are in the process of moving, you will most likely need to use a truck to haul your belongings. Nowadays, you can rent a moving truck just like you would a rental vehicle, and then load and drive the truck yourself. Often, this is a much more affordable approach at moving, and you will know that your belongings have been properly packed and loaded. But if you are involved in an accident while driving that moving truck, are you covered by your auto insurance? You need to take this into consideration before getting behind the wheel of that truck, even if you are just going a short distance. Always expect the unexpected and be prepared for the worst.
Auto Insurance and Rental Vehicles
Driving a moving truck that is 26 feet long is not the same as driving your four-door Nissan Sedan or a Ford SUV. The mirrors will give you a different perspective than you usually get, and you must consider the additional size and length of the vehicle when maneuvering traffic. Actions like parking, backing up, and cutting corners in a large moving truck are very different. The brakes in a large truck are different as well, requiring a different amount of pressure on the pedal and involving a different stopping time. The most common damages suffered from accidents with moving trucks include hitting objects that are overhead on the right-hand side, such as carports, drive-thru windows, or awnings. Also, it is easier to cut over on a car that is on the right-hand side.
Am I Covered?
Whether or not you are covered depends on your specific auto insurance coverage. You should call your agent or an agency representative to see if your personal auto insurance covers the moving truck you rent. Even if your policy offers coverage for some vehicle rentals, it might exclude some trucks based on weight or size. If you are renting a moving van, about the size of a regular passenger van, there are better chances that it is covered by your personal auto insurance policy, but you should never make that assumption without confirming it. If your policy does or does not cover a moving truck rental, you might need to opt for supplemental insurance coverage that is sold by the truck rental agency. There are several options for supplemental coverage: a damage waiver that covers damage to the rental truck, personal accident and cargo protection which covers any injuries to you or your passengers as well as damage to your belongings, auto-tow protection which covers damage that could result because of your car being towed behind the moving truck, and supplemental liability insurance which covers the liability or damage claims of others that might result from an accident while you are driving.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in an accident with a moving truck, call a personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation. Remember, time is of the essence, so get your free case review today!
