What U-Haul offers and how the rental process works

U-Haul rents moving trucks, cargo vans, and trailers by the day, week, or month through their nationwide network of locations. You reserve online or by phone, show up with a valid driver's license and payment method, sign the rental agreement, and drive away. The company charges based on truck size, distance traveled, and rental length — not by mileage in most cases, though some one-way rentals include mileage charges.

U-Haul operates company-owned facilities and also franchises its brand to independent dealers, so rental locations vary in size and available inventory. A company-owned center in a major city may have dozens of trucks; a franchise location in a smaller town might have three or four. Availability changes daily, especially during peak moving season from May through September.

The rental agreement covers damage liability, fuel responsibility, and late-return fees. U-Haul offers damage waivers you can purchase at checkout, and you can add roadside information, equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads), and insurance coverage. Most people bring their own moving supplies or buy them from U-Haul on-site.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges by truck size, rental duration, and distance — not typically by miles driven — so a local move costs less than a long-distance one even if you drive the same number of miles.
  • You need a valid driver's license and a payment method at pickup; some locations may request a deposit or proof of address.
  • Damage waivers and insurance are optional add-ons at checkout, and declining them means you pay out-of-pocket for any damage to the truck or its contents.
  • Peak season (May through September) means higher prices and lower truck availability, so booking weeks ahead is common during summer moves.
  • Late returns incur hourly or daily fees that can exceed the original rental cost, so confirm your return time and location before you leave the lot.

Truck sizes and what each one fits

U-Haul's standard lineup includes the 10-foot box truck (fits a studio or one-bedroom apartment), the 15-foot truck (one to two bedrooms), the 20-foot truck (two to three bedrooms), and the 26-foot truck (three-plus bedrooms or a full house). Cargo vans come in two sizes and work for small moves or deliveries. Trailers range from 4x8 utility trailers to enclosed 6x12 cargo trailers.

The size you need depends on what you're moving, not just the number of rooms. A one-bedroom with heavy furniture and many boxes might need a 15-foot truck, while a three-bedroom with minimal belongings might fit in a 20-foot. U-Haul's website includes a size estimator that asks about furniture and boxes, but calling your local U-Haul center and describing what you're moving often gives a more accurate recommendation.

Larger trucks cost more to rent and use more fuel, so renting the smallest truck that fits your load saves money. However, cramming a full load into an undersized truck risks damage to your belongings and can make the truck unsafe to drive. If you're unsure, rent one size up rather than one size down.

Pricing, deposits, and what's included

U-Haul's base rental price depends on truck size, how long you rent it, and the distance you travel. A local one-day rental of a 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $40; a 500-mile one-way rental of a 26-foot truck could run $800 to $1,500. Prices fluctuate based on demand, location, and season, so two identical moves booked on different dates can have very different costs.

Most U-Haul rentals do not charge per mile, but one-way rentals sometimes include a mileage component or a fuel surcharge. Round-trip rentals (you return to the same location) are usually cheaper per day than one-way moves. U-Haul's website shows the total price before you book, so you see the full cost upfront.

Deposits vary by location and truck size. Some U-Haul centers require a cash or card deposit at pickup (often $50 to $200) that you get back when you return the truck undamaged. Others do not require a deposit but hold a temporary authorization on your card. Damage waivers, which cost $15 to $30 per day depending on truck size, cover accidental damage and reduce your out-of-pocket liability if the truck is damaged during your rental.

Fuel is your responsibility. U-Haul trucks run on regular unleaded gasoline or diesel depending on the model. You return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up, or U-Haul charges you for the missing fuel at a rate higher than local gas prices. Some rentals include a full tank; check your agreement to confirm.

Age requirements and driver qualifications

U-Haul requires renters to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license. Most locations accept U.S. driver's licenses, state ID cards, and military ID. International renters need a valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their home country.

Drivers under 25 may face additional requirements or fees at some locations. U-Haul's policy varies by franchise, so a company-owned center might charge an underage driver fee while a franchise location does not. Call ahead if you're under 25 to confirm what your local center requires.

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. U-Haul does not run a formal background check, but they may decline to rent to someone with a history of damage claims or unpaid rental fees. If you've had problems with a previous rental, contact U-Haul's customer service before booking to understand what restrictions might explore.

Damage liability and insurance options

When you rent a U-Haul truck, you are responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. This includes dents, scratches, broken windows, interior stains, and mechanical damage caused by misuse. U-Haul inspects the truck before and after your rental and documents any damage with photos.

If the truck is damaged during your rental and you did not purchase a damage waiver, U-Haul will charge you for repairs. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor dents to several thousand for major damage. U-Haul's damage waiver (sometimes called a damage protection plan) costs $15 to $30 per day and covers most accidental damage, though it typically excludes damage from gross negligence or intentional acts.

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but many policies exclude commercial rentals or moving trucks. Check your policy or call your insurance company before renting to understand what is and is not covered. Some credit cards offer rental truck coverage as a cardholder benefit; review your card's terms to see if this applies.

U-Haul also offers roadside information coverage, which covers towing and lockout service if you break down or lock yourself out during the rental. This is optional and costs a few dollars per day. If you're driving a long distance or renting during winter, roadside information can be worth the cost.

Booking, pickup, and return procedures

You can book a U-Haul truck online at uhaul.com, through the U-Haul mobile app, or by calling 1-800-468-4285. Online booking takes 5 to 10 minutes and shows you available trucks, prices, and pickup times at your chosen location. You can reserve a specific truck or a truck size (the company assigns a specific truck closer to your rental date).

At pickup, arrive during the location's business hours with your driver's license and payment method. The U-Haul staff will walk you through the truck's condition, point out any existing damage, and have you sign the rental agreement. This inspection takes 15 to 30 minutes. Ask questions about the truck's controls, mirrors, and backup camera before you leave the lot.

Return the truck to the location you specified at booking, on or before your scheduled return date and time. Late returns are charged hourly (usually $40 to $60 per hour for the first few hours, then daily rates if you're more than a few hours late). Return the truck with the same fuel level it had at pickup, or you'll be charged for fuel at a premium rate. The return inspection takes 15 to 30 minutes; U-Haul staff will check for damage and process your refund or damage charges.

Common issues and how to avoid them

The most common problem is underestimating how much space you need. People often book a truck that's too small, then either have to make multiple trips or cram belongings in unsafely. Use U-Haul's size estimator and call your local center if you're uncertain. It's cheaper to rent a larger truck than to damage your belongings or make an extra trip.

Late returns are another frequent issue. Traffic, unexpected packing time, or a longer drive than expected can push you past your return window. Build extra time into your schedule and confirm your return location and hours before you pick up the truck. If you realize you'll be late, call U-Haul as soon as possible; some locations may extend your time or waive late fees if you call ahead.

Fuel confusion causes disputes at return time. U-Haul requires you to return the truck with the same fuel level as pickup. If you're unsure whether the tank was full or three-quarters full when you picked it up, take a photo of the fuel gauge before you leave the lot. This photo protects you if U-Haul charges you for fuel you didn't use.

Damage claims often arise from unclear inspection procedures. Before you drive away, walk around the truck with the U-Haul staff member and point out any damage you see. Ask them to note it on the agreement or take photos together. This documentation protects you if U-Haul tries to charge you for pre-existing damage after you return the truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most U-Haul locations accept debit cards and cash, though policies vary by franchise. Call your local U-Haul center to confirm payment methods before you book. Some locations may require a larger deposit if you pay with cash or debit.

What happens if the truck breaks down during my rental?

U-Haul's roadside information coverage (an optional add-on) covers towing and roadside repairs. If you didn't purchase it, you're responsible for towing costs. Call U-Haul's customer service line when ready if the truck breaks down; they can advise you on next steps and may help coordinate repairs depending on the situation.

Can I rent a U-Haul truck one-way and return it to a different city?

Yes, U-Haul offers one-way rentals where you pick up in one city and return in another. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to move the truck back to its original location. Prices vary based on the distance and direction of travel.

Do I need to purchase the damage waiver?

The damage waiver is optional. If you decline it and the truck is damaged, you pay for repairs out-of-pocket. Check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks before deciding. If you're uncomfortable with the financial risk, the waiver is usually worth the cost.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

U-Haul's cancellation policy varies by location and how far in advance you cancel. Most cancellations made 24 hours or more before pickup are free; cancellations closer to your pickup date may incur a fee. Check your reservation confirmation for the cancellation important date and policy for your specific location.