The basic steps to rent a U-Haul

U-Haul lets you reserve a truck or trailer online, by phone, or in person at a location. You pick your vehicle size, rental dates, and pickup location, then pay upfront or at pickup. The company has over 20,000 locations nationwide, so you can usually find one near your home and your destination. Most rentals take 10 to 15 minutes to complete once you arrive.

You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works). If you're under 25, U-Haul charges an additional daily fee — this varies by location but typically runs $15 to $20 per day. The company also requires you to be at least 18 years old to rent any vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Reserve online at uhaul.com, by phone at 1-800-468-4285, or walk into any U-Haul location to book a truck or trailer for specific dates and locations.
  • Bring a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card, and proof of residency; renters under 25 pay an extra daily fee.
  • U-Haul charges by the day plus mileage, and prices vary based on vehicle size, season, and local demand — get a quote before you commit.
  • Damage waivers and insurance add to your cost; review what your personal auto insurance covers before deciding whether to buy U-Haul's protection.
  • Return the vehicle on time and with a full fuel tank to avoid late fees and fuel surcharges that can add $50 to $150 to your bill.

Understanding U-Haul's pricing structure

U-Haul charges a base daily rate plus a mileage fee. The daily rate depends on the vehicle size — a 10-foot cargo van costs less per day than a 26-foot moving truck. Mileage rates also vary by vehicle type and region. A 10-foot van might cost $0.79 per mile in one state and $0.89 in another. U-Haul's website shows you the total cost before you confirm your reservation, so you know the full price upfront.

Peak moving season (May through September) and weekends drive prices up. Renting on a Tuesday in March will cost far less than renting on a Saturday in July. If you're flexible on dates, checking prices a week or two ahead can save you $100 or more. U-Haul also offers discounts for AAA members, military personnel, and students — mention these when you reserve.

The quoted price does not include damage waivers, insurance, equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads), or fuel. Budget an extra $50 to $150 depending on what you add. If you return the truck with less than a full tank, U-Haul charges a fuel surcharge that is typically higher than the local gas price per gallon.

Choosing the right vehicle size

U-Haul offers cargo vans (10 to 15 feet), box trucks (20 to 26 feet), and trailers (5 to 53 feet). A 10-foot cargo van holds about one bedroom's worth of furniture and boxes. A 15-foot box truck fits a two-bedroom apartment. A 26-foot truck handles a three-bedroom house. If you're unsure, U-Haul's website has a size guide with photos and capacity estimates.

Trailers are cheaper per day than trucks but require a vehicle to tow them and a hitch installed on that vehicle. If you don't own a truck or SUV with a hitch, renting a box truck is usually simpler and not much more expensive. Trailers also require more driving skill and experience with backing up in tight spaces.

Overestimating size costs you money; underestimating means a second trip or cramming items unsafely. Measure your largest pieces of furniture and count your boxes before you reserve. U-Haul's customer service team can help you pick the right size if you call 1-800-468-4285.

Insurance and damage protection options

U-Haul offers two types of protection: a damage waiver and rental truck insurance. The damage waiver (called a Damage Waiver or Safemove) limits your liability if the truck is damaged, typically to $0 to $2,500 depending on the plan you choose. This costs $15 to $30 per day. Rental truck insurance covers damage to the vehicle and is separate from your personal auto insurance; it costs $10 to $20 per day.

Before you buy U-Haul's protection, check your personal auto insurance policy. Many policies cover rental vehicles, including trucks, at no extra cost. Call your insurance company and ask whether a U-Haul rental is covered and what your deductible is. If your policy covers it and your deductible is low, you may not need U-Haul's waiver. If you have no coverage or a high deductible, U-Haul's waiver is worth the cost.

Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. Check your card's terms before you rent. If you're covered by both your auto insurance and your credit card, you have two layers of protection and may not need U-Haul's waiver at all.

How to reserve and pick up your rental

Go to uhaul.com and enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and rental dates. The site shows available vehicles, prices, and estimated mileage. Select the vehicle you want, add any equipment (dollies, furniture pads, boxes), and choose your protection plan. Pay with a credit or debit card. U-Haul sends a confirmation email with your reservation number and pickup instructions.

Arrive at the location 15 minutes early on your rental date. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of residency. The staff will inspect the vehicle with you, point out any existing damage, and explain the controls. Take photos or video of the truck's condition before you leave — this protects you if U-Haul later claims you caused damage you didn't. Ask where the fuel gauge is, how to operate the lift gate (if equipped), and what to do if you have a breakdown.

If you reserved online but need to change your dates or vehicle size, call the location directly or use the U-Haul app to modify your reservation. Changes are usually free if you make them before your pickup date, but prices may be higher or lower depending on availability.

Returning the truck and avoiding extra charges

Return the truck on the date and time specified in your reservation. Late returns are charged at the daily rate, sometimes doubled for each additional day. If you're running late, call the location as soon as you know — some locations are flexible, especially if you call ahead.

Return the truck with a full fuel tank. U-Haul charges a fuel surcharge if the tank is not full, and that surcharge is typically $0.50 to $1.00 per gallon higher than the local gas price. Fill up at a gas station near the U-Haul location, not at a truck stop, to avoid overpaying. Keep your receipt in case U-Haul disputes the fuel level.

The staff will inspect the truck for damage when you return it. If there are new dents, scratches, or mechanical issues, U-Haul will charge you for repairs. This is where your damage waiver or insurance matters. If you have a waiver, your liability is capped. If you don't, you could owe hundreds of dollars. Report any damage you caused when ready — disputing charges weeks later is harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up a U-Haul in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes. U-Haul charges a one-way rental fee plus mileage. One-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals for the same distance because U-Haul has to move the vehicle back. Enter your pickup and dropoff cities on the website to see the one-way price before you reserve.

What happens if I damage the truck during my rental?

U-Haul will charge you for repairs if you caused the damage. If you bought a damage waiver, your out-of-pocket cost is capped at the waiver limit (usually $0 to $2,500). If you didn't buy a waiver and your personal insurance doesn't cover it, you pay the full repair bill, which can be $1,000 or more for major damage.

Can I rent a U-Haul if I'm under 25?

Yes, but U-Haul charges an additional daily fee, typically $15 to $20. You still need a valid driver's license and a credit card. Some locations may have higher age minimums or additional restrictions, so call ahead if you're under 21.

Do I need a special license to rent a large U-Haul truck?

Most U-Haul trucks do not require a commercial driver's license (CDL). Trucks over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) may require a CDL depending on your state. U-Haul's website lists the GVWR for each truck size; check your state's DMV rules if you're renting a truck over 26,000 pounds.

Can I reserve a U-Haul over the phone?

Yes. Call 1-800-468-4285 to speak with a U-Haul representative. They can help you choose a vehicle size, answer questions about pricing and insurance, and complete your reservation. You'll still need to provide a credit card and pick up the truck in person with your driver's license and proof of residency.