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Getting into an accident is stressful enough, but when the other vehicle is a rented U-Haul with no insurance, things can quickly become confusing and overwhelming. Who is responsible for the damages? Does the U-Haul company step in, or is it entirely up to the driver? What if the driver has no personal insurance?
These are the kinds of questions many accident victims find themselves asking after being hit by a U-Haul. Unlike regular rental cars, U-Haul trucks fall into a unique insurance category—one that most drivers don’t fully understand until it’s too late. Many people assume that their car insurance will cover a U-Haul accident, but in most cases, it doesn’t. Others believe that U-Haul automatically provides liability insurance, which is also not necessarily true.
So, what happens if a U-Haul driver without insurance causes an accident? Who pays for medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost wages? And what legal options do victims have when dealing with an uninsured U-Haul crash?
This article will break it all down—liability, insurance coverage, legal options, and the steps you should take if a U-Haul has hit you with no insurance. Whether you’re a victim looking for answers or simply want to understand your rights before renting a U-Haul, this guide will give you all the critical information you need.
Many people wonder, “Do I need insurance to rent a U-Haul?” The answer is no—U-Haul does not require renters to have insurance. However, this can be risky.
Unlike rental car companies, U-Haul does not automatically include liability coverage with rentals. Instead, they offer optional coverage plans that renters can purchase:
“U-Haul Safemove coverage does not include liability insurance. Renters must purchase Safemove Plus for extended liability coverage.”
Many drivers assume their car insurance will cover them when renting a moving truck. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
A common concern is, “Does my car insurance cover U-Haul?” In most cases, personal auto insurance policies do not extend coverage to large moving trucks.
Car insurance policies typically cover rental cars but exclude moving trucks due to their size and weight. Some insurers offer rider policies that can be added to extend coverage, but these are not standard.
For those with comprehensive insurance, the next question is, “Does my comprehensive insurance also cover U-Haul?” While comprehensive insurance covers theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, it usually does not cover large rental trucks unless stated explicitly in the policy.
If you’re renting a U-Haul, the safest option is to purchase additional coverage through U-Haul or a third-party insurer.
If a U-Haul has hit you with no insurance, determining liability is crucial. There are three main possibilities:
U-Haul can be held liable if they were negligent in renting out the truck. This includes:
If the U-Haul driver was at fault and does not have personal insurance, they are personally responsible for damages. However, recovering compensation can be difficult if they don’t have the financial means to pay.
Sometimes, both the driver and U-Haul may share responsibility. If poor truck maintenance contributed to the accident, U-Haul may partially be at fault.
“Under Nevada’s comparative negligence laws, an injured party can recover damages if they are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident.”
If you’re unsure who is liable, seeking legal guidance can help clarify your options.
After being hit by a U-Haul, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your rights. Here’s what you should do:
If the U-Haul driver had no insurance, you may need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is a part of your auto insurance policy that covers accidents caused by uninsured drivers.
In Nevada, UM/UIM insurance covers:
If the at-fault driver has only the state minimum insurance, it may not be enough to cover your losses. In this case, your UM/UIM coverage can help fill the gap.
Nevada law gives victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
However, if injuries are not immediately discovered, the two-year clock starts from the date of discovery.
If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose the ability to seek compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | What It Doesn’t Cover |
| Safemove | Cargo, vehicle damage waiver, medical coverage | No liability coverage for third parties |
| Safemove Plus | Liability up to $1 million, additional protection | Some exclusions apply |
| Personal Auto Insurance | May cover small rentals (depends on policy) | Usually excludes large moving trucks |
| Credit Card Rental Coverage | Sometimes covers rental cars | Rarely covers moving trucks |
Yes, U-Haul does not require renters to have insurance. However, without coverage, renters are responsible for any damages they cause.
No, but it’s highly recommended. U-Haul offers Safemove and Safemove Plus, which can provide additional protection.
Most personal auto policies do not cover U-Haul rentals and enormous trucks. Before renting, it’s best to check with your insurer.
You may need to file a claim under your Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or take legal action against the driver.
If the driver lacks insurance, your UM/UIM coverage or a lawsuit may be your best option for recovering damages.
Only if U-Haul was negligent—such as renting to an unqualified driver or failing to maintain the vehicle properly.
If a U-Haul has hit you with no insurance, navigating liability and insurance coverage can be overwhelming. You may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs with no clear answers.
Understanding who is responsible and what your insurance covers is the first step toward securing compensation. If you’re unsure how to proceed, seeking legal help can make a difference.
At Gina Corena & Associates, our experienced team fights for accident victims to get their fair share of compensation. We understand the complexities of U-Haul accidents and will guide you in every step of the legal process.
If you need help recovering damages after a U-Haul accident, contact us for a free consultation today.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
