Protect yourself before signing for a truck rental. Choose a reliable company, inspect the car and make sure you have the right type of insurance.
When choosing a "do-it-yourself" move, you basically pay for the truck rental and that's it. You take care of the packing, unpacking, loading and loading, and even the driving of the truck rental. It seems pretty straightforward, and for the most part, it is. But there are a few steps that you can take to protect yourself prior to signing a truck rental contract.
Choose a reliable company
Choosing a reputable company goes a long way in protecting yourself when renting a truck. Find out how long the truck rental company has been in business and check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints. Ask how often they service their trucks and what happens in case of truck breakdowns, as a reliable company should stand behind their product and provide a rental fleet that is regularly maintained and in good condition.
Inspecting the truck rental
Insist that you inspect the truck with the rental company employee and if you notice any damages (i.e. chipped paint, dents, torn or stained upholstery), have the employee note it in the paperwork. Similar to renting a car, it's crucial to fully inspect the car prior to any signing of a rental contract. If you don't take this simple precaution, you might be charged for any damage that's found, regardless if it's your fault. If you're not satisfied with the condition of the truck, ask for another vehicle.
Buy the right type of insurance, if needed
Whatever you do when renting a truck, make sure that it's insured. But that doesn't mean you have to necessarily pay the daily insurance rate for your truck rental. Find out if your current car insurance policy covers truck rentals and if it doesn't, check with your credit card companies for existing coverage. Typical insurance policies cover property damage (Limited Damage Waiver insurance) on the truck rental while Supplementary Liability insurance covers claims from third parties against damage to property or person. And if you want to protect your belongings from theft or damage while in transit, there is assessed value insurance.
