Am I covered when I rent a car, moving truck or pull behind trailer?
28 July 2020

Clients ask this question multiple times a week especially during summer when a lot of folks move and travel.  The short answer is – it depends.  Like all things insurance there are multiple factors that come into play so let’s break down the scenarios.

I have a personal auto policy and need to rent a moving truck

If you are renting anything larger than a cargo van you will not have coverage from your personal auto policy.  You need to purchase the insurance offered to you if you would like coverage for this rental.

I have a personal auto policy and need to rent a pull behind trailer

You need to check the weight limit your vehicle can safely tow.  If it is safe to tow the weight of the pull behind trailer (after you fill it with your things) then you have liability coverage that extends from your vehicle.  You need to purchase comprehensive and collision for the trailer you do not have coverage on your personal auto policy for either.

I have a personal auto policy and need to rent a car

You need to review the coverage on your policy.  If you have comprehensive and collision on your policy then you have those coverage when you rent a vehicle.  The coverages apply the same way they would if you have a claim on your own car.  You will pay the deductible and the insurance will kick in after the deductible is met.

I have a commercial auto policy and need to rent….

Give us a call.  There are a wide variety of scenarios in the world of business insurance so give us a call.  Together we will look at your coverage with you, what you are renting, the length of time you are renting it and who will be driving it to best advise you on the coverage options.

Important Note

When you rent anything (car, truck, moving van, trailer etc…) take time to inspect it prior to accepting it and note any damage.  The notes should be provided to the rental company in writing and you should retain a copy.  Take photos if there is any damage so you have it for your records.  When you return the rental take time to check for any damage.  If there is none make sure the rental company provides you something in writing stating there is no damage for your records and take some photos of the car (all sides/angles).  We have had clients who received damage reports AFTER rentals were returned.  Our clients are positive there was no damage when the rental was returned.  Your only defense is having a written record and photos at the time the rental is returned.  Learn more about a personal auto policy with O’Connor Insurance Associates by visiting the personal auto page on our website or calling us at 704-510-8884.

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President

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O’Connor Insurance Associates is fully licensed to provide personal and commercial insurance solutions for individuals, families and businesses across North Carolina.

We proudly serve families and business owners from our office in Charlotte, North Carolina. As an independent, family-owned agency since 2000, our team works with more than one insurance company to make sure homeowners, drivers, contractors, landscapers, small businesses and other personal and commercial clients receive coverage that fits their real risks.

About the Author

President & Founder

I’m Terry O’Connor, President and Founder of O’Connor Insurance Associates. I grew up in Pennsylvania, earned my bachelor’s degree at Edinboro University and my master’s at Gannon University, and in 1998 I traded snow for sunshine and moved to Charlotte. In January 2000, I started this agency on my own because I wanted to help people protect what matters most to them. More than two decades later, we’ve grown into an independent agency serving families and businesses across North Carolina, and we’ve been recognized as an IIABA Best Practices Agency every year since 2010, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of agencies nationwide.

I’ve seen firsthand how the right protection can change a family’s or a business owner’s life, and that’s why I lead with empathy, education and honest advice. As an independent agent, I work for you, not for one insurance company. I take the time to explain your options in plain language, and when you call our office, you reach a real person who knows your account.

Outside the office, you’ll usually find me outdoors hunting or fishing, or on the mat coaching wrestling as an assistant varsity coach at Mallard Creek High School. I’m also a proud supporter of the arts, usually in the front row cheering on my daughter in local theater productions. I’d be glad to review your coverage with you. Call me at 704-510-8884 or email terry@oianc.com.

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