U-Haul locations are easiest to find through their website or app, which shows real-time availability and prices at nearby branches

U-Haul operates over 20,000 locations across North America, but not all of them rent trucks and vans — some are storage-only facilities. The fastest way to find a rental location near you is to go to uhaul.com, enter your zip code, and filter by equipment type (truck, van, or trailer). The site shows you distance, current prices, and whether the specific vehicle you want is in stock on your chosen dates.

You can also call U-Haul's main line at 1-800-468-4285, but this route takes longer than checking online yourself. If you need a truck today and want to confirm availability before driving to a location, the website or mobile app gives you that information when ready. U-Haul's app also lets you reserve and pay before you arrive, which can save time at the counter.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul's website and app show real-time availability and prices at locations near you, filtered by vehicle type and rental dates.
  • Prices vary significantly by location, date, and demand — the same truck costs more on a Friday than a Tuesday, and more in summer than winter.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your personal auto policy usually covers U-Haul rentals, but confirm first).
  • One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to move the truck back, and pricing depends on distance and current demand at the destination.
  • Damage waivers and roadside information are optional add-ons that increase your daily rate but limit what you pay if something goes wrong.

How pricing works and why it changes by location and date

U-Haul uses dynamic pricing, meaning the cost of the same truck on the same route changes based on demand and inventory. A 10-foot truck might cost $19.95 per day in January but $49.95 per day in July, because more people move in summer. The same truck also costs more if you're renting it on a Friday or Saturday than on a Tuesday, because weekends are busier.

One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) cost significantly more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to pay someone to drive the truck back or reposition it. If you're moving from a high-demand area to a low-demand area — say, from a major city to a rural town — the one-way fee can be steep. U-Haul's website shows you the total price before you reserve, so you can compare round-trip versus one-way and different dates to find the best rate.

Mileage is usually unlimited on U-Haul rentals, but some locations or vehicle types may have mileage caps — check the fine print on your quote. Fuel is your responsibility; you return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up, or you pay U-Haul's per-gallon rate, which is typically higher than gas station prices.

What documents and information you need to rent

You must bring a valid driver's license (U.S., Canadian, or international license with an English translation). U-Haul also requires a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and cover any damage or fuel charges. The card doesn't have to be the same one you used to book online, but it must be present and valid at pickup.

U-Haul does not require proof of insurance at the time of booking, but you should confirm your coverage before you rent. Most personal auto insurance policies cover rental trucks, but some exclude commercial use or have limits on truck size. Call your insurance company before you reserve and ask whether your policy covers U-Haul rentals and what the deductible is. If your policy doesn't cover rentals, U-Haul sells a damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day) that shifts liability to them.

You do not need to be a U-Haul member to rent, but joining their rewards program (free) gives you discounts on future rentals and lets you track your rental history online.

Damage waivers and insurance add-ons explained

U-Haul offers two main protection options: a damage waiver and roadside information. The damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver or LDW) limits your financial responsibility if the truck is damaged, stolen, or involved in an accident. Without it, you're liable for the full repair cost, which can be thousands of dollars for a bent frame or engine damage. With the waiver, you typically pay a small deductible (often $0 to $300) and U-Haul covers the rest.

Roadside information covers towing, lockouts, and flat tire service if you break down during your rental. It costs $5 to $15 per day and is optional. If you're renting a truck for a long-distance move, roadside information can be worth the cost because a breakdown far from home could strand you and your belongings. If you're renting for a short local move, you may not need it.

Your personal auto insurance may already cover damage to a rental truck, or your credit card may offer rental car protection. Before you buy U-Haul's add-ons, check what your existing coverage includes. Some credit cards automatically cover rental vehicles, which means you don't need to pay U-Haul's waiver.

Reservation and pickup process

You can reserve a U-Haul truck online, through the app, or by phone. Online and app reservations let you lock in a price and skip some of the paperwork at pickup. When you reserve, you choose your pickup location, vehicle type, rental dates, and whether you want a one-way or round-trip rental. U-Haul holds the reservation with your credit card but doesn't charge you until you pick up the truck.

At pickup, bring your driver's license and the credit card you used to book. The staff will inspect the truck with you, point out any existing damage, and have you sign a damage report. This step is important — if you don't note a dent or scratch that was already there, you could be charged for it when you return the truck. Take photos of the truck's condition on your phone before you leave the lot.

Pickup times vary by location, but most U-Haul centers open early (often 7 or 8 a.m.) and close in the evening. If you need a truck very early or very late, call ahead to confirm the location's hours. Some U-Haul dealers (independent businesses that partner with U-Haul) have different hours than corporate locations.

Return procedures and late fees

You return the truck to the location you specified when you booked, or to a different U-Haul location if you rented one-way. Return hours are usually the same as pickup hours, but confirm when you reserve. When you return, a staff member will inspect the truck for damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and process your final bill.

If you return the truck late, U-Haul charges a late fee, typically $40 per hour or a percentage of the daily rental rate. If you're running late, call the location as soon as you know — some locations may extend your rental time without charging a late fee if you call ahead. Late fees add up quickly, so plan to return the truck during business hours on your scheduled date.

After you return the truck, U-Haul charges your credit card for any damage beyond normal wear, any fuel you didn't replace, and any late fees. You should receive an email receipt within a few days. If you dispute a charge, contact U-Haul customer service with photos of the truck's condition and your rental agreement.

Comparing U-Haul to other rental companies

U-Haul is the largest truck rental company in North America, but Penske, Budget, and Home Depot also rent trucks and vans. Penske often has competitive pricing for one-way rentals and is known for newer equipment. Budget is sometimes cheaper for short local rentals. Home Depot rents small trucks and vans at lower daily rates but limits mileage and has fewer locations.

The best way to compare is to enter your rental dates and locations into each company's website and look at the total price, not just the daily rate. A company with a lower daily rate might charge more for mileage or add-ons, so the total cost could be higher. U-Haul's advantage is its sheer number of locations, which makes it easier to find a pickup spot near you and return the truck in a different city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a U-Haul truck if I don't have a credit card?

U-Haul requires a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and cover charges. Debit cards are not accepted. If you don't have a credit card, you may be able to bring a co-signer with a credit card to the pickup location, but policies vary by branch — call ahead to confirm.

What happens if I damage the truck and don't have the damage waiver?

You're responsible for the full repair cost, which U-Haul charges to your credit card after you return the truck. Repair bills for rental trucks can range from a few hundred dollars for minor dents to several thousand for frame or engine damage. Your personal auto insurance may cover it if your policy includes rental vehicles, so check before you rent.

Can I extend my rental if I need the truck longer than planned?

Yes, you can extend your rental by calling the location where you rented or through the U-Haul app or website. Extension availability depends on whether another customer has reserved the truck after your return date. If the truck is available, U-Haul charges you the daily rate for the extra days, which may be different from your original rate because pricing changes daily.

Do I need a special license to rent a large truck?

A standard driver's license is sufficient for most U-Haul trucks. Trucks over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) require a commercial driver's license (CDL) in most states, but U-Haul's largest rental trucks are usually under that threshold. Check your rental quote or call the location to confirm whether a CDL is needed for your specific truck.

Can I rent a U-Haul truck for someone else to drive?

The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be the one who picks up and returns the truck. However, other licensed drivers can operate the truck during the rental period as long as they have a valid driver's license. Make sure anyone driving the truck is listed on your insurance or covered by U-Haul's damage waiver.