What a car trailer rental actually covers
A car trailer rental gives you a towed trailer designed to carry a vehicle—usually a second car, motorcycle, or ATV—behind your own car. You rent the trailer itself, not the towing service. The rental company delivers it to you or you pick it up from their lot, you attach it to your vehicle's hitch, and you return it when you're done. Most rentals run from a few days to a few weeks, though some companies offer longer terms.
The trailer comes with basic safety equipment: working lights, brakes (on larger models), and a coupler that fits standard hitch receivers. You are responsible for making sure your vehicle can actually tow the trailer's weight, for securing the cargo properly, and for returning the trailer in the same condition you received it. Damage beyond normal wear—dents, broken lights, bent frame—usually costs you.
Key Takeaways
- Your vehicle must have a hitch receiver rated for the trailer's weight, and you need to know your car's towing capacity before you book.
- Most rental companies require a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card for the deposit, which they return when you bring the trailer back undamaged.
- Rental costs vary by trailer size and rental length, but expect to pay more for enclosed trailers and longer bookings than for open utility trailers rented for a few days.
- You are responsible for securing your cargo properly and for any damage to the trailer during your rental period, so inspect it before you leave the lot.
- Some insurance policies and credit cards cover rental equipment damage, so check your coverage before you pay the rental company's damage waiver.
Checking whether your vehicle can tow the trailer
Before you rent, you need to know two numbers: your vehicle's towing capacity and the trailer's dry weight (the weight of the trailer itself, not including cargo). Your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer's website lists the towing capacity. For many sedans and small SUVs, this is 1,500 to 3,500 pounds. Larger trucks and SUVs can tow 5,000 to 14,000 pounds or more.
The trailer's dry weight is what the rental company will tell you when you call or check their website. Add the weight of what you're carrying—another vehicle, equipment, cargo—and that total cannot exceed your vehicle's towing capacity. If it does, you risk transmission damage, brake failure, and loss of control on the road. If you're unsure about your vehicle's capacity, check your owner's manual or contact your vehicle's manufacturer directly.
You also need a hitch receiver on your vehicle. Most cars and trucks have one, but if yours doesn't, you'll need to have one installed before you can tow anything. Installation typically costs $200 to $500 and takes a few hours at a shop. Some rental companies can point you to nearby shops that install hitches, but this is not something you can do the day before your rental.
What rental companies require before you pick up the trailer
You'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card. The rental company will run a credit check and place a hold on your card for a deposit—usually $200 to $500, sometimes more for larger trailers. This hold is released when you return the trailer in good condition. If there's damage, the company deducts the repair cost from the deposit.
Some companies ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. A few require you to sign a waiver stating you understand the trailer's weight and your vehicle's towing capacity. This protects the rental company legally if you cause an accident by overloading or towing beyond your vehicle's limits. Read it carefully; it usually says you're liable for damage to the trailer and for any injuries or property damage caused by improper towing.
A few rental companies offer damage waivers—you pay an extra fee (usually $15 to $30 per day) and the company covers accidental damage. Before you buy this, check whether your auto insurance or credit card already covers rental equipment. Many do, which means you're paying twice if you also buy the rental company's waiver.
Types of trailers and what they cost
Open utility trailers are the cheapest option. They're a flat bed with side rails, no cover, and a capacity of 1,500 to 3,500 pounds. Rental costs vary widely by location and season, but expect $40 to $80 per day for a small open trailer. They're good for hauling lumber, landscaping materials, or a motorcycle, but they expose your cargo to weather and theft.
Enclosed trailers cost more—usually $80 to $150 per day—because they protect cargo from weather and prying eyes. They're heavier than open trailers, so they eat into your towing capacity faster. If you're hauling a car or valuable equipment, an enclosed trailer is worth the cost. Some enclosed trailers have climate control or special tie-down points for vehicles.
Specialty trailers—car haulers (designed to carry a second vehicle), motorcycle trailers, or equipment trailers—rent for $100 to $250 per day depending on size and features. A car hauler typically costs more because it's heavier and requires more skill to load and unload safely. If you're moving a second vehicle, a car hauler is safer than trying to fit it into an open or enclosed utility trailer.
Weekly and monthly rates are usually 20 to 40 percent cheaper per day than daily rates. If you need the trailer for more than five days, ask about weekly pricing. Monthly rentals can drop the daily cost significantly, but you'll pay the full deposit upfront and won't get it back until you return the trailer.
What happens during pickup and inspection
When you arrive to pick up the trailer, the rental company will walk you through a checklist. They'll point out any existing damage—dents, rust, broken lights, worn tires—and mark it on the contract. This is your protection: if damage is already documented, you won't be charged for it when you return the trailer. Take photos or video of the trailer's condition before you leave the lot, especially any damage noted on the checklist.
The company will show you how to connect the trailer to your hitch, how to plug in the electrical connector (which powers the lights and brakes), and how to operate the brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, ask them to walk you through it again or to do it for you. A loose connection or improperly connected brakes are dangerous and can damage the trailer.
Before you drive away, test the lights—brake lights, turn signals, and running lights—to make sure they work. If they don't, tell the company when ready. You're legally required to have working lights when you tow, and you could be cited by police if they don't function.
Loading and securing your cargo safely
How you load the trailer matters as much as what you load. Weight should be distributed evenly side to side and front to back. If you're hauling a vehicle, it should be centered on the trailer and secured with at least four tie-down straps or chains—one at each corner. Never rely on the parking brake alone; the vehicle can shift during braking or turns.
Cargo should not extend beyond the trailer's sides or rear by more than a few inches, and anything that does must be flagged with a red cloth or light so other drivers can see it. Loose items—tools, boxes, equipment—should be tied down or placed in a cargo net. Anything that falls off the trailer during transit is your liability, and you could injure another driver or damage their vehicle.
Check your load before you drive and again after the first 50 miles. Vibration and movement can loosen straps or shift cargo. If you're towing a long distance, stop every couple of hours to inspect the trailer's connection, the lights, and your cargo.
Insurance and liability during your rental
Your auto insurance typically covers the trailer while you're towing it, but you should call your insurance company before you rent to confirm. Some policies exclude rental equipment or have limits on coverage. If your policy doesn't cover the rental trailer, you'll need to buy the rental company's damage waiver or decline coverage and accept the risk yourself.
You are liable for any damage to the trailer during your rental period, including damage caused by improper loading, overloading, or accidents. You are also liable for any injuries or property damage caused by the trailer—if the trailer's brakes fail and you hit another car, your auto insurance should cover it, but the rental company may pursue you for damage to the trailer itself.
If you cause an accident while towing, report it to the rental company when ready. Do not attempt repairs without their permission. Take photos, get the other driver's information, and file a police report if anyone is injured or if there's significant property damage.
Returning the trailer and getting your deposit back
Return the trailer on the date and time specified in your rental agreement. Late returns usually incur an additional daily charge. When you arrive at the rental lot, the company will inspect the trailer for damage. They'll compare the current condition to the checklist you signed at pickup. If there's new damage, they'll estimate the repair cost and deduct it from your deposit.
Inspect the estimate before you leave. If you disagree with the damage assessment or the repair cost, ask for an itemized quote from a repair shop. Some rental companies will provide one; others won't. If the damage is minor and you believe the cost is inflated, you can dispute it with your credit card company, though this takes time and may not succeed.
Once the company confirms the trailer is in acceptable condition, they'll release your deposit back to your credit card. This usually takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on your bank. Keep your rental agreement and the inspection checklist until the deposit appears in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driver's license to tow a trailer?
In most U.S. states, no—a standard driver's license is sufficient for trailers under a certain weight, usually 10,000 pounds. Some states require a commercial license for heavier trailers. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to confirm the rules where you live and where you'll be towing.
What if the trailer's lights stop working while I'm driving?
Pull over safely and check the electrical connection at the hitch. Make sure the connector is fully seated and dry. If the connection is loose, reconnect it. If lights still don't work, do not continue towing at night—you're not legal and you're a hazard. Call the rental company for instructions; they may ask you to return the trailer or to go to a nearby shop for a quick repair.
Can I tow a trailer with a vehicle that has a hitch but I'm not sure of the towing capacity?
No. Look up your vehicle's towing capacity in the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer. A hitch receiver doesn't may provide your vehicle can safely tow a particular trailer. Exceeding your towing capacity can damage your transmission, brakes, and suspension, and it's dangerous on the road.
What if I damage the trailer but the rental company doesn't notice during return inspection?
You're still liable. If the damage is discovered later, the company will contact you and charge you for repairs. This is why you should inspect the trailer carefully at pickup and document its condition with photos. If you cause damage during your rental, report it to the company when ready rather than hoping they won't notice.
Is it cheaper to rent a trailer or hire a moving company to haul my vehicle?
That depends on distance and the vehicle's value. A short-distance car trailer rental might cost $100 to $300 total. A professional auto transport service typically costs $500 to $2,000 depending on distance and whether the vehicle is enclosed. For a local move, a trailer rental is usually cheaper. For a long distance or a high-value vehicle, professional transport may be safer and worth the cost.