DIY moving is a great way to cut down on moving costs. Reserving a truck with a reliable company that can provide for your specific needs at an affordable cost is key to a successful move. Since booking a moving truck online in advance is highly advisable, make sure to complete this step before turning to other moving-related tasks. We compared three of the leading truck rental companies to point you in the right direction.
U-Haul
The biggest and most experienced brand in the field, U-Haul is almost synonymous with DIY moving. It has over 15,000 locations and by far the largest volume of truck rentals nationwide. Many online reviewers noted that the online reservation system is less than perfect, and advise customers to look out for items added to the order automatically and possible changes in pick up location. You should also note that U-Haul compensates customers whose reservation was changed (i.e. the requested equipment wasn’t available or the itinerary needed to be changed) with $50.
Average prices:
- Local move (up to 50 miles): $125
- Medium move (50-250 miles): $320
- Long Distance move (over 250 miles): $1053
Available Vehicle Types:
- 10′-15′-17′-20′-24′-26′ trucks
- Cargo vans and pick-ups
- Cargo, utility and car trailers
- U-Box containers
Insurance Options:
- Safemove
U-Haul’s most basic and most popular insurance plan. It frees you of responsibility for most accidental damage to the rental truck and protects your cargo, the driver, and the passengers. - Safemove Plus
Includes the same coverage as Safemove, along with a $1,000,000 liability coverage. It isn’t available everywhere so be sure to ask. - Collision Damage Waiver
This is the only option for an in-town pick-up truck and van rentals. It covers accidental damage to equipment after the first $150. - No coverage
It is possible to rent without purchasing additional information, but highly inadvisable.
Check with U-Haul for exclusions and terms to all protection plans.
Penske
Penske is known for its customer service and its emphasis on consumer safety. Many online reviewers found the company’s vehicles’ good shape to be noteworthy. Considerably smaller than U-Haul, Penske partnered with Home Depot to provide more pick-up and drop-off locations for its customers. They are also making efforts to go green, participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership.
Average prices:
- Local move (up to 50 miles): $192
- Medium move (50-250 miles): $345
- Long Distance move (over 250 miles): $1193
Available Vehicle Types:
- 12′-16′-22′-26′ trucks
- Towing equipment: tow dolly, car carrier
Insurance Options:
- Limited Damage Waiver (LDW)
LDW frees you of responsibility for any accidental damage to the vehicle or equipment unless they were being improperly used when the damage occurred. - Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
This plan protects the driver and passengers of the vehicle in case of an accident and covers accidental death and medical needs. - Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
SLI protects the renter and any authorized drivers from claims by a third party for damage to person or property in case of an accident. - Cargo Insurance (CAI)
Covers the inventory from loss or damage while in transit. Damage during loading and unloading is not covered by this plan. - Towing Insurance (TWI)
Covers damage to a car being attached to, towed by or detached from the rented Penske truck or transported by the Penske dolly or carrier.
Check with Penske for exclusions and terms to all protection plans.
Budget
You probably know Budget from their car rental services, but did you know they also rent moving trucks? Budget’s truck rental arm is maintaining the company’s reputation for offering discounts and promos for budget-minded customers. Their customer service is helpful and knowledgeable and their website intuitively easy to navigate.
Average prices:
- Local move (up to 50 miles): $156
Medium move (50-250 miles): $255
Long Distance move (over 250 miles): $920
Available Vehicle Types:
- 12′-16′-24′ trucks
- Towing equipment: tow dolly, car carrier
Insurance Options:
- Damage Waivers (PDW and LDW)
Protect the renter from certain financial responsibilities for loss or damage to the rental truck and towing equipment. A Physical Damage Waiver (PDW) leaves you with zero responsibility for any loss or damage while a Limited Damage Waiver (LDW) covers loss and damage after the first $500. - Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
Budget’s SLI plan protects from claims of damage to a person or property made by a third party. This option is not available in all locations. - Personal Accident & Cargo Insurance (PAC)
Protects the renter and passengers in case of injury and covers loss and damage to the cargo. - Roadside Assistance
This plan provides roadside services that are not included in the basic plan, like tire replacement, lockout service, glass damage repair, and fuel delivery.
Check with Budget for exclusions and terms to all protection plans.
Have you rented a moving truck from these brands before? Share your experience with us in the comments! For more information on what a DIY move will really cost you, check out this post to get the full picture.