Posted in Truck Accidents on November 15, 2024
If you’re renting a vehicle in California, whether it’s a truck, a car, or anything that rolls on wheels, it’s a good idea to understand the state has insurance requirements. You have to have insurance when you operate a rental truck. Whether that insurance comes through the rental company, your personal insurance provider, or another third-party coverage option, this insurance can help you should the worst happen while you’re behind the wheel of the rental.
Why Consider Rental Truck Insurance?
Renting a truck, particularly for moving or transporting goods, presents unique risks. Unlike a standard car rental, personal auto insurance policies usually do not extend to rental trucks, which often exceed the weight limit most personal policies cover. This can leave drivers without protection if an accident occurs. Rental truck insurance, typically available from the rental company, offers a tailored safety net that could save you from substantial out-of-pocket expenses if you find yourself in a Long Beach truck accident that isn’t your fault.
Types of Rental Truck Insurance
When you rent a truck, several types of insurance are available to protect you and your belongings. Here’s a breakdown of common options:
- Damage Waiver. This coverage waives or reduces your responsibility for any damage to the rental truck. It usually excludes specific incidents, like hitting overhead objects or mechanical breakdowns, but it covers most other accidental damages to the vehicle.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI). This insurance is especially useful for liability claims from third parties if you’re at fault in an accident. In California, liability insurance is mandatory, but many rental truck companies offer SLI to extend coverage up to $1 million, far exceeding the state minimums of $15,000 for injury per person and $5,000 for property damage.
- Cargo Insurance. Moving often involves valuable possessions, and this coverage protects your belongings inside the truck during transit. Policies vary, but they may cover damages from collisions or overturning but usually exclude damage during loading or unloading.
- Personal Accident Insurance. This option offers coverage for medical expenses or accidental death for both the driver and passengers in the event of a crash. It’s worth considering if your health insurance has limited coverage for accidents or if you’ll be driving with others.
Does Your Personal Auto Policy Cover Rental Trucks?
Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover rental trucks due to their weight and purpose. Trucks rented from U-Haul, Penske, or Budget, for example, typically exceed the weight limit that personal policies cover. If you rely solely on personal insurance, you could end up financially responsible for damages or injuries caused in an accident. Therefore, confirming with your insurer about any coverage exclusions for rental trucks is essential before deciding to forgo rental insurance.
What About Credit Card Coverage?
Credit card insurance, a common fallback for car rentals, usually doesn’t cover rental trucks. While many credit cards offer collision coverage for rented vehicles, they specifically exclude trucks and other large vehicles used for commercial or moving purposes. If you’re planning to use your credit card for insurance, call the issuer to confirm what’s covered. Otherwise, you may want to consider adding insurance through the rental company.
Pros and Cons of Rental Truck Insurance
Knowing when and why to get rental truck insurance can help you make an informed choice. Here are some factors to weigh:
- Peace of Mind. Driving a large rental truck comes with unique challenges, such as maneuvering in tight spaces and being aware of the vehicle’s height. Even experienced drivers can make mistakes with larger vehicles. Rental insurance provides peace of mind, knowing you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
- Cost. Rental truck insurance can add $14 to $30 per day (according to rental truck website estimates), depending on the coverage types and limits you choose. While this is an additional cost, it may be less expensive than paying for repairs or liability out of pocket.
- Exclusions. Read the fine print on any rental truck insurance policy. Common exclusions include damage from overhead collisions, mechanical failures due to improper driving, and damage caused while loading or unloading. Knowing what’s not covered is just as important as understanding what is.
Getting rental truck insurance is overall a good idea and can protect you if you get in a wreck. A Long Beach car accident lawyer can help handle these cases if appropriate insurance is in effect.
Deciding What Coverage to Purchase
The amount of insurance to purchase depends on several factors, including your personal auto policy, the value of the items you’re moving, and your comfort level. Here are some considerations:
- Assess Your Personal Insurance. Check if your personal auto policy or homeowner’s insurance offers any protection for rental trucks or property in transit. Often, they will only provide partial or no coverage, so you’ll need to supplement with rental insurance.
- Review Your Needs. If you’re moving high-value items, cargo insurance could be beneficial, especially since it typically covers damage due to accidents while driving the truck. If you’re driving long distances, personal accident insurance may offer peace of mind in case of injury.
- Consider Supplemental Liability. Since California has liability insurance requirements, adding supplemental liability can be essential for truck rentals. It’s also a wise choice if your personal auto policy does not include sufficient liability coverage to meet California’s requirements.