How to cancel a U-Haul reservation
You can cancel a U-Haul reservation online through your account, by phone, or in person at a U-Haul location. The fastest method is usually online: log into your U-Haul account, find the reservation under "My Reservations," and select the cancel option. U-Haul will show you the cancellation fee (if any) before you confirm.
If you prefer to cancel by phone, call U-Haul's customer service at 1-800-468-4285. Have your reservation number ready—it appears on your confirmation email. If you cancel in person at a U-Haul location, bring your confirmation email or reservation number so the staff can pull up your booking.
Cancellations processed online are usually confirmed within minutes. Phone and in-person cancellations may take a few business days to appear in your account. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation; if you don't receive one within 24 hours, contact U-Haul again to verify the cancellation went through.
Key Takeaways
- Online cancellation through your U-Haul account is the fastest method and shows you any cancellation fees before you confirm.
- U-Haul charges a cancellation fee if you cancel within a certain window before your rental date, though the exact fee depends on your reservation terms.
- Cancellations made more than a week before your rental date typically have no fee, but this varies by location and reservation type.
- Keep your cancellation confirmation email as proof, especially if you paid a deposit or prepaid the rental.
Cancellation fees and refund timing
U-Haul's cancellation fee depends on how close your cancellation is to the rental date. If you cancel more than seven days before your reservation, you typically won't be charged a fee. Cancellations within seven days of the rental date usually trigger a fee—often a percentage of the total rental cost or a flat amount, though this varies by location and the type of equipment you reserved.
The exact fee structure is shown in your reservation details and again when you initiate the cancellation. Before you confirm, U-Haul displays the cancellation charge so you know what you'll owe. If you paid in advance, any refund is processed to your original payment method and can take five to ten business days to appear, depending on your bank.
Some reservations, particularly those made through third-party booking sites or with promotional codes, may have different cancellation terms. Check your original confirmation email for the specific cancellation policy tied to your booking.
What happens if you don't show up for your reservation
If you don't cancel and don't show up for your rental, U-Haul will charge you a no-show fee. This fee is typically the full rental cost or a substantial portion of it, and it's separate from any late fees that might accrue if the truck sits unused. A no-show also affects your account and may impact your ability to make future reservations.
If you realize you can't make your reservation, cancel as soon as possible rather than straightforward not showing up. Even if you're within the cancellation fee window, the fee is usually less than the no-show charge.
Cancelling a reservation made through a third-party site
If you booked your U-Haul through a third-party website like Kayak, Autoslash, or a travel booking platform, you may need to cancel through that site rather than directly with U-Haul. Check your confirmation email to see which company issued the booking. The confirmation will list the cancellation policy and the phone number or website to use for cancellations.
Third-party sites sometimes have stricter cancellation policies than U-Haul's direct bookings, and refunds may take longer. If you're unsure whether to cancel through the third-party site or U-Haul directly, contact U-Haul's customer service with your reservation number—they can tell you where the booking came from and walk you through the right cancellation process.
Cancelling a reservation with a deposit
If you paid a deposit when you made your reservation, that deposit is refundable when you cancel, minus any applicable cancellation fee. The deposit is typically held separately from the rental cost, so you'll see it refunded as a distinct transaction.
When you cancel online, the system shows whether your deposit will be refunded in full or if a cancellation fee will be deducted from it. If you cancel by phone or in person, ask the representative to confirm the deposit refund amount before you complete the cancellation. Request a confirmation number for the refund so you can track it.
Modifying instead of cancelling
If you need a different truck size, location, or date, you may be able to modify your reservation instead of cancelling and rebooking. Modifications sometimes avoid cancellation fees entirely, or the fee is smaller than cancelling and starting over.
To modify, log into your account and select "Modify Reservation," or call customer service. U-Haul will show you the price difference and any applicable fees. If the new rental costs less, you may receive a credit toward a future reservation rather than a refund to your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a U-Haul reservation the day before my rental?
Yes, but you'll likely be charged a cancellation fee since you're within seven days of the rental date. The fee amount appears when you start the cancellation process. Cancelling is still better than not showing up, which triggers a larger no-show charge.
How long does a U-Haul refund take?
Refunds to your original payment method typically take five to ten business days, depending on your bank. Online cancellations process faster than phone or in-person ones. Check your bank's processing time if the refund doesn't appear within ten days.
What if I lost my reservation number?
Check your confirmation email—the reservation number is listed there. If you can't find the email, log into your U-Haul account and look under "My Reservations." If you don't have an account, call customer service at 1-800-468-4285 with your name and phone number, and they can locate your booking.
Do I have to cancel online, or can I just call?
You can cancel by phone, online, or in person. Online is fastest and shows fees upfront. Phone cancellations work but may take a few business days to process. In-person cancellations at a U-Haul location are when ready but require you to visit a store.
Will cancelling hurt my ability to rent from U-Haul again?
A single cancellation won't affect your future bookings. However, multiple no-shows or unpaid cancellation fees can result in account restrictions or a requirement to pay in full upfront for future reservations.