A common concern when renting trucks with U-Haul is whether someone else can drive your leased vehicle. The U-Haul rental process is simple, whether picking up or dropping off your rental truck or trailer. However, if you’re not the one driving the vehicle, there are some additional rules to keep in mind.
Someone else can drive a U-Haul vehicle leased in your name. However, the driver must have a valid driver’s license in the state(s) they’ll be driving through and be 18 years of age or older. They also need to be listed as a driver on your U-Haul rental agreement.
U-Haul’s policies are designed to protect their assets and keep in mind road safety measures stipulated by law. Read on to learn more about U-Haul’s policies regarding drivers and how they might affect your moving plans.
Things To Consider When Letting Someone Else Drive Your Rented U-Haul
To rent a U-Haul truck, you’ll need to be over 18, have a valid driver’s license, and have a credit card. You can get the required identification forms at your local DMV office if you don’t have them. You’ll also need proof of insurance, including your current policy certificate.
Your U-Haul rental agreement will list a primary driver. You’re also allowed to list one or more additional drivers to operate your rented truck at no additional charge. However, there are a few additional requirements to keep regarding the drivers listed on your agreement that you should be aware of.
Each of the designated drivers listed on your U-Haul rental agreement need to be at least 18 years old. They also need to have a driver’s license that’s valid in the state you make your rental, as well as in every state they’ll be driving through.
These rules are drafted keeping in mind the safety of other drivers on the road. Having a valid driver’s license for every driver operating a vehicle is also a requirement under US law.
To assist customers in employing an additional driver, U-Haul offers extra coverage for unexpected expenses through SafeMove. And, while U-Haul prefers the lessee of the rental truck pick it up in-person, any of the authorized drivers can do so if required.
U-Haul’s contracts also keep in mind the safety of their assets. Unsafe or unauthorized drivers risk causing damage to the truck you’ve rented. Ultimately, these costs will be borne by you.
Also, while it’s not against policy to let someone else drive your rental truck, I strongly recommend reviewing the repercussions if damage were to occur. For instance, it’s essential to note that if the rental truck is damaged, the person who signed the contract will be held responsible, even if someone else was driving.
It’s also important to note that the person who collects your rental truck will need to sign your rental contract with U-Haul. This person will be listed as the primary driver on the contract, and may also need to show their driver’s license, phone number, and credit card to verify their identity.
For more information, or if you need some help, you can utilize U-Haul’s free resources and 24/7 customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a U-Haul Truck
Renting a U-Haul truck is an easy and efficient process. However, chances are you’ll run into a few questions along the way that will need clarification. Here are a few common questions that you’ll want to consider.
Can More Than One Person Drive a U-Haul?
More than one person can drive a U-Haul that you’ve rented in your name. However, you’ll need to add any additional drivers to your U-Haul rental agreement before allowing them to drive your rented U-Haul truck.
If you need to have multiple drivers on your U-Haul rental agreement, the process to follow is simple.
- Log in to your account on the U-Haul website.
- Once you’re logged in, hover over your name in the top right corner of the screen and click on “My Profile.”
- Then click on “My U-Haul Account” and hit “Add Additional Driver.”
- Enter the necessary information, and you’re set!
Once the changes have been made, the driver(s) will receive an email with instructions on accessing their rental agreements via the U-Haul website.
Can Someone Else Pay for My U-Haul?
Someone else can pay for your U-Haul truck rental, as long as they’re a family member, have a valid credit card, and pay an additional fee. However, the renter must be present at the time of pickup and at the time of drop-off to rent a truck from U-Haul.
Can Someone Else Return Your U-Haul for You?
Someone else can return your U-Haul for you as long as they’re listed as the primary driver on your U-Haul rental agreement. Alternatively, you can use the contactless return option.
Returning your rented U-Haul is easy, and there are several options for doing so. You can return the vehicle with the help of a U-Haul representative, or you can do a self-return instead.
In the event of a self-return, the person returning your rental will need to be listed as the primary driver on your contract.
Additionally, U-Haul offers a self-service option. Using this service, you can rent a moving vehicle using U-Haul’s app, completely bypassing the need to interact with U-Haul representatives. This way, no one will know that someone else has returned your truck.
Note that you’ll still be liable for any damages to the vehicle at the time it’s returned.
Can U-Haul Drive for You?
U-Haul won’t drive for you. The company doesn’t supply customers with professional drivers. However, U-Haul does advise renters without sufficient driving experience to hire their own professional drivers.
You can hire a professional driver to drive your U-Haul from one of the numerous truck driving businesses.
Summary
While U-Haul’s provisions for allowing additional drivers on their contracts can help make your move a little easier, it’s important to note the terms of their contracts.
Importantly, the primary and additional drivers all need to be listed on the lease and have valid driver’s licenses in every state they’ll be passing through. The renter needs to be present when the truck is picked up and the primary driver when it’s dropped-off in person.
Finally, the renter will be held responsible for any damage to the vehicle over the course of the rental period.
