Traveling across the country is never easy. Rough terrain, harsh weather conditions, and other drivers make for a dangerous journey. This challenge only gets more complicated when you’re using rental vehicles and towing equipment.
Thankfully, companies like U-Haul have safety measures in place for all their customers. Here’s what you need to know if your U-Haul rental truck breaks down, gets a flat tire, or suffers from another malfunction.
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What Happens If My U-Haul Rental Breaks Down?
U-Haul vehicle and towing equipment breakdowns are handled on a case-by-case basis. This means your mileage will vary depending on your circumstance, location, and dealer. However, U-Haul does provide their customers with an 800 number they can call in case of an emergency.
What If I Get a Flat Tire?
If you get a flat tire while transporting your valuables, you can call the U-Haul helpline. The U-Haul helpline is available to assist you 365 days a year at any time or hour. The official U-Haul helpline number is 1-800-468-4285.
However, you may or may not be eligible to receive help if you signed up for roadside assistance coverage during your leasing agreement. This will depend on your location, circumstance, and dealership.
Do U-Haul Rentals Include Spare Tires?
Unfortunately, U-Haul rental vehicles and towing equipment do not come with spare tires or tire jacks. You’ll need to pay for their roadside assistance coverage to receive these benefits.
Can I Call the Helpline if I Don’t Have Roadside Coverage?
Yes, you can call the U-Haul helpline even if you didn’t opt for the roadside assistance package. However, you may have to pay for the services or additional fees. For those reasons, it may be better to sign up for roadside assistance coverage during your initial leasing agreement.
U-Haul Coverage Explained
You’ll be asked whether or not you want to opt for extra coverage when you’re signing the rental agreement for moving vehicles or towing equipment. It’s highly recommended that you sign up for at least one of U-Hauls coverage options, as they can help you when you’re in an emergency.
In the event of your rental vehicle breaking down, you can use their roadside assistance program to receive help.
SafeTrip Coverage
SafeTrip coverage is your first line of defense when it comes to vehicle breakdowns, malfunctions, and flat tires. SafeTrip provides customers supplemental roadside protection and a few other benefits.
- Jump Start Assistance
- Lock-out Protection
- Lost Keys Service
- Fuel Service and Help
- Vehicle Stuck in Mud/Snow
- Trailer Hook-up Problems
You may want to consider adding SafeTrip coverage If you’re traveling through snow, hilly terrain, or other harsh weather conditions. However, SafeTrip is not available for corporate business accounts.
SafeMove Coverage
Typically, you would be responsible for all damage to rented equipment and vehicles. With SafeMove, you receive a damage waiver and a few other benefits.
Damage Waiver: Covers most accidental damage to rental vehicles/equipment. (Does not include collisions with an overhead object)
Cargo Protection: Covers loss or damage to cargo from collisions, fires, windstorms, and overturns of the rental vehicle.
Medical / Life Protection: Covers you and your passengers in the cab of U-Haul rental trucks.
Purchasing SafeMove coverage for your next move can be advantageous even if you aren’t traversing through rough terrain. With SafeMove coverage, you can offset many costs from incidental damage or wear and tear.
SafeMove Plus
SafeMove Plus has the added benefit of covering overhead damage and tire protection. If you’re concerned about flat tires, rough terrain, or other injuries, be sure to go with SafeMove Plus.
Supplemental Liability Coverage: Protects your personal insurance policy for the first $1,000,000 of losses.
Exclusion Free Coverage: Covers ANY accidental damage to the U-Haul rental vehicle, including collision with overhead objects.
Plus all the SafeMove benefits mentioned above: Damage Waiver, Cargo Protection, and Medical/Life Protection.
It’s important to note that damage caused by improper packing and theft is not covered in SafeMove Plus.
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SafeTow Coverage
SafeTow coverage is much like the standard SafeMove package. However, SafeTwo applies to tow dollies, rented trailers, and auto transports.
Damage Waiver: Covers some damage to the rental trailer or towing apparatus.
Towed Property Protection: Covers damage to your cargo or vehicle while using a U-Haul rental trailer, auto transporter, or tow dolly. There are multiple levels of protection to choose from that vary in price.
Medical / Life Protection: Provides you with medical and life protection in the case of catastrophe. However, your passenger’s safety only applies when they are riding in the passenger area of the towing vehicle.
Should I Purchase U-Haul Coverage?
U-Haul coverage is incredibly convenient and can reduce your stress as you traverse the country. When it comes to rental vehicles, issues can arise abruptly, and your regular insurance may not cover all the costs.
If you can spare the change, purchasing U-Haul coverage for your next move may save you headaches and dollars down the line.
What Do I Do If My U-Haul Breaks Down?
If your U-Haul truck or towing equipment breaks down, the first step is to call the help hotline provided to you upon the rental agreement. Keep in mind each vehicle malfunction is handled on a case-by-case basis. This means the services provided will vary depending on your circumstance, location, and dealer.
However, you can offset costs and mitigate risks with U-Hauls roadside assistance program. If you aren’t sure whether or not your dealer participates, be sure to use the official location finder and give them a call.