Moving to a new location can be stressful. Thankfully, we can access rental services like U-Haul to simplify traveling and relocating our precious possessions. However, does U-Haul go the extra mile and cover our belongings if someone steals them?
U-Haul insurance does cover the theft of rented U-Haul vehicles and equipment through their Safemove, Safemove Plus, and Safetow options. However, the loss or theft of personal cargo is not covered under any insurance provided by U-Haul.
This article will detail what insurance covers cargo theft, how to prevent your U-Haul from being stolen, and what to do if someone manages to steal your U-Haul. Let’s get started!
What Insurance Policies Cover U-Haul Cargo Theft?
Unfortunately, none of U-Haul’s insurance options (Safemove, Safemove Plus, and Safetow) offer coverage for the theft of your items. However, there are still some policies that will cover your cargo.
The insurance policies that cover U-Haul cargo theft are renter’s and homeowner’s insurance. These policies commonly cover your possessions, such as furniture and appliances, even if someone else steals them from a moving truck.
Let’s go over what these insurances do, what types of items they cover, and for how much money.
Renter’s Insurance
Renter’s insurance is what the name implies – insurance for people who rent their apartment or house.
The most common types of items covered by this insurance in the event of theft are:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Appliances
It’s important to understand that you might have to pay a deductible to your insurance, meaning you will need to pay them before they take the claim.
The amount of coverage given is firmly up to each insurance provider. However, the coverage limit for items stolen outside your home (in this case, inside a U-Haul) is usually lower.
The average is around 10% of the regular property coverage provided by your insurance.
For example, if your limit usually is $50,000, then your insurance will cover up to $5,000 worth of the stolen items.
Your best bet is to call your insurance agent and ask for specifics involving coverage percentages.
Homeowner’s Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is similar to renter’s insurance regarding the items they cover.
Just like renter’s insurance, they’ll cover your cargo in the event of car theft.
Most homeowner’s insurances also provide off-premises coverage, which, similar to renter’s insurance, covers 10% of your property coverage limit.
How to Prevent a U-Haul Trailer from Being Stolen
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some of the best ways to safeguard your belongings and U-Haul trailer against theft while transporting them in a U-Haul truck.
- Use an alarm padlock.
- Install a dashcam.
- Park in well-lit and populated areas.
- Back the truck up close to a wall.
Let’s go into each method in detail.
Use an Alarm Padlock
A standard padlock has been the most accessible form of security for generations.
However, it’s become increasingly less difficult to break past these locks. A cheap bolt cutter from any hardware store is usually enough for the job.
A padlock with an alarm feature is the perfect solution. These locks use an alarm as loud as 130 decibels to deter any would-be thieves, which is louder than sirens from an ambulance.
I’d suggest only using these locks when parking the U-Haul for a while. It’s activated by motion, so having it on while driving would trigger the alarm.
If you’re looking for a great alarm padlock, I’d recommend the Crystal Vision Anti-Theft Alarm Lock from Amazon.com. This padlock is weatherproof, so it won’t rust or become weaker over time. It also has an alarm that sounds if anyone attempts to cut the lock, scaring away thieves and giving you peace of mind.
Install a Dashcam
Padlocks are great, but they don’t prevent a thief from driving away with the whole truck.
Installing a dashcam with parking mode capabilities in your rented U-Haul is a great way to put a face to the thief in question.
Parking mode enables when the dashcam detects vibrations. Once activated, the camera will begin to record a 30-second clip which you can access from your smartphone.
You’d need to point the camera towards the car’s interior instead of the windshield.
If you have a power bank, you can set the camera to record for longer durations.
If you’re in the market for a dashcam that provides all the features above, I highly recommend Z-Edge WiFi Dash Cam from Amazon.com.
Park in Well-Lit and Populated Areas
Picking a safe parking location is a time-tested solution for deterring car thieves. You’ll want a spot that is well-lit, has high traffic, and is preferably surveillance by cameras.
Here are excellent choices for parking your U-Haul, in no particular order:
- Parking Garages (Keep in mind your U-Haul’s height)
- Hotel Parking Lots
- Mall Parking Lots
- Gas Stations
- Truck Stops
- Rest Stops
Back the Truck Up Close to a Wall
Consider this method a last resort as you can damage the U-Haul if you aren’t careful.
You’ll be backing up the truck as close to a wall as possible without contacting it, making access to the cargo door near impossible.
Warning: If you damage the U-Haul while attempting this, you may be liable for any damages.
You might be looking for more articles about U-Haul. You can also read:
- How Long Does U-Haul Roadside Assistance Take?
- Will a Ford F-150 or Expedition Fit on a U-Haul Trailer?
- Can Someone Else Drive My U-Haul?
What To Do If Someone Steals Your U-Haul
If the worst-case scenario happens and someone steals your U-Haul, don’t panic. Here are the steps to take to ensure the best possible outcome:
- File a theft report with the local police. Give the police a copy of your U-Haul rental paperwork if you can access one.
- Notify U-Haul as soon as possible. If you purchased additional coverage, the loss of the vehicle would be covered but not the contents.
- Contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider. The sooner you report the loss of your cargo, the sooner you’ll be compensated for said losses.
- Request camera recordings. If the theft occurred in an area with surveillance cameras, let the authorities know which business has the tapes.
The above steps are the best you can do within your control. Thankfully, it’s not common for U-Hauls to go missing.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, since U-Haul insurance does not cover theft of personal cargo, the next best thing you can do is:
- Purchase homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
- Use locks, cameras, and intelligent parking measures to deter theft
These methods will significantly increase the chances of arriving at your new home with all your possessions intact.