How Much Does It Cost to Rent a U-Haul

Renting a U-Haul can be a cost-effective option for moving or transporting large items, but the cost can vary depending on several factors. The base price for a U-Haul rental starts at around $19.95 per day, plus taxes and fees.

The length of time you need the rental truck for is a significant factor in determining the cost. U-Haul offers a variety of truck sizes, from small to large, and each size has a corresponding daily rate. For example, a 10-foot truck costs around $29.95 per day, while a 26-foot truck costs around $49.95 per day.

Additional fees can add to the overall cost of renting a U-Haul. These fees include fuel, mileage, and equipment rental fees. For instance, U-Haul charges a fuel surcharge of around $0.40 per mile, and an equipment rental fee of around $10-$20 per day.

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U-Haul Rental Options offer flexibility and affordability for your moving needs. You can rent a truck for more than a day, but be aware that extending your rental beyond the initial 24 hours may incur additional fees.

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U-Haul promises the lowest price for your truck rental, and they have different options to achieve this goal. For local moves, in-town rentals have the lowest starting prices of $19.95, making it a great option for short-distance moves.

If you need to extend your rental, you can usually do so at the same daily rate by calling the store before the truck is due back. However, be aware that there's an additional $40 fee for every day you keep the truck after five days.

For long-distance moves, U-Haul assigns a minimum number of days with your truck, but you can add days to your rental with advance coordination with your local U-Haul store. However, this may not always be possible, especially if the truck is reserved for the additional days you want.

Here's a breakdown of the daily rates for adding days to a U-Haul long-distance truck rental:

Keep in mind that there are no discounts for returning the moving truck earlier than the minimum assigned number of days, but you can still return it earlier if you need to.

Local move pricing with U-Haul follows a straightforward day-rate-plus-mileage formula. The base daily rates range from $20 to $40, varying by truck size.

You'll need to factor in mileage charges of $0.40 to $1.00 per mile, which can significantly impact your total cost. Don't forget to consider the minimum one-day rental requirement and the need to return the truck with a full tank of gas.

Flexible rental extensions are available, and early booking typically secures better rates. Here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect for a local move:

Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on your location and the specific U-Haul truck you rent. It's essential to obtain a personalized quote through U-Haul's website or local centers for the most accurate pricing.

For long-distance moves, U-Haul switches to a flat-rate system that simplifies one-way trips. This approach often proves more cost-effective for extended trips, especially when considering the included mileage allowance.

The flat-rate system typically starts between $200-$400, with each reservation including a pre-determined number of rental days, set mileage allowance based on route, basic liability coverage, and a price-lock guarantee on confirmed reservations.

To avoid overage fees, calculate the total distance carefully, and account for potential state-specific charges. Budget for fuel costs separately, as they're not included in the flat rate and can add up quickly over long distances.

Here's a breakdown of the flat-rate system:

Remember, U-Haul's price guarantee locks in your quoted rate upon reservation, giving you one less thing to worry about as you plan your move.

U-Haul's flat-rate system is a game-changer for long-distance moves. The base rates typically start between $200-$400, with each reservation including a pre-determined number of rental days, set mileage allowance based on route, basic liability coverage, and a price-lock guarantee on confirmed reservations.

To avoid overage fees, calculate the total distance carefully. State-specific requirements can influence your final cost, and you may need to consider enhanced coverage options for cross-country moves.

U-Haul's price guarantee locks in your quoted rate upon reservation, giving you one less thing to worry about as you plan your move. This predictability helps create a more accurate moving budget from the start.

For long-distance moves, U-Haul implements a different pricing model with fixed rates that include a set number of days and miles. Additional charges apply for exceeding these allowances.

Here's a breakdown of the costs to consider:

Remember to factor in fuel costs separately, as they're not included in the flat rate and can add up quickly over long distances.

For long-distance moves, mileage rates are calculated based on origin, destination, truck size, and rental date. These rates typically range from $200 to $2,000 depending on distance and truck size.

If you drive more than the agreed-upon miles, you'll be charged $1.00/mile, which seems to be consistent for long-distance rentals regardless of location.

There are technically no mileage limits, but it's essential to stick to the agreed-upon miles to avoid extra charges.

Here's a breakdown of the mileage rates for long-distance/one-way U-Haul rentals:

Taxes and Surcharges can add up quickly when renting a U-Haul. Local tax rates typically range from 6% to 10% of your rental cost.

You'll also encounter road taxes, which can be a significant additional expense. These fees can be substantial on longer rentals and one-way moves.

Location-specific charges are another mandatory fee you'll need to pay. These can sometimes add 15-20% to your final bill.

To give you a better idea, here are some examples of additional fees you might encounter:

Keep in mind that these fees can vary depending on your location and rental details.

Loading Ramps can be a game-changer for smooth and safe loading and unloading of your U-Haul truck.

Standard U-Haul trucks come with a basic ramp, but if you need something more, specialty or additional ramps cost $15-$25 daily.

If you have unique loading situations or multiple entry points, it's worth considering the extra expense of these ramps.

They can make all the difference in getting your belongings loaded and unloaded efficiently and safely.

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Renting a U-Haul truck can be a cost-effective option for moving, especially if you're aware of the practical strategies that can save you money.

Looking to keep more money in your pocket? Let's explore some practical strategies that can make a real difference in your moving costs.

The company offers special discounts for military members, students, and AAA members – savings that can really add up.

Some U-Haul locations offer reduced rates on one-way moves to help balance their truck inventory between cities.

Drawing from decades of moving industry experience, we've seen these strategies combine to save customers 20-30% on their total moving costs.

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You can choose from a range of U-Haul truck sizes to fit your moving needs, with prices starting at $50-$60 daily plus mileage for the largest option.

The 26-Foot Truck is a great choice for large moves, handling 3-4 bedroom homes, large appliances, and complete furniture sets, with a capacity for 20+ room-sized boxes. Every truck comes equipped with features like gentle-ride suspension and cargo tie-downs.

Fuel costs are something to consider, as larger trucks naturally consume more gas, but fewer trips might offset the difference. To maximize efficiency and value, it's essential to match your specific needs with the right truck size.

You can also rent equipment to supplement your move, such as padlocks, stretch plastic wrap, boxes, tie down ropes, straps, and packing tape. U-Haul offers a range of equipment options, including furniture dollies and appliance dollies, which can be rented or purchased.

Here's a rough estimate of the prices for some of these equipment options:

If you only have a small number of things to move, a pick-up truck might be good enough. It has a volume of 76 cubic feet with a maximum weight limit of just under 2,000 pounds.

U-Haul's cargo van has 245 cubic feet of room and is suitable for smaller jobs.

A 10 or 15-foot box truck is recommended for studio or 1-bedroom apartments.

The 17-foot truck is ideal for 2-bedroom homes.

For 2-bedroom homes or 3-bedroom apartments, the 20-foot truck is a good choice.

U-Haul's largest 26-foot truck can handle 3 or 4-bedroom homes.

Choosing the right truck size is crucial for a smooth move. U-Haul offers a range of sizes to suit different needs, with prices varying accordingly.

For smaller moves, a smaller truck may be sufficient, but for larger homes or businesses, a bigger truck is a must. U-Haul's 26-foot truck is a great option for 3-4 bedroom homes, large appliances, and complete furniture sets.

This truck can handle 20+ room-sized boxes, making it ideal for bigger moves. It's also a cost-effective option in the long run, as it eliminates the need for multiple trips.

Here's a quick rundown of the 26-foot truck's specs:

Remember to factor in fuel costs, as larger trucks consume more gas. However, fewer trips might offset the difference, making a bigger truck a more cost-effective option in the long run.

The smallest U-Haul tow dolly rental starts at $44.95/day for a front-wheel drive vehicle.

For a local move, an auto transport trailer starts at $54.95/day.

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You can expect a tow dolly rental to be about $100 cheaper than an auto transport trailer rental.

A tow dolly rental for a two-wheel drive vehicle from Clearwater, Florida to Gainesville, Florida was quoted at $207 for a 2-day rental.

An auto transport trailer rental for a 4-wheel drive vehicle from Clearwater, Florida to Gainesville, Florida was quoted at $237 for a 2-day rental.

Hitch installation, taxes, and other fees aren't included in these quotes, which can add hundreds more to the cost.

U-Haul won't let you rent any trailer if your vehicle doesn't have a hardtop, including SUVs and Jeeps.

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If you're planning to rent a U-Haul, you'll need to consider the payment and insurance options. U-Haul requires a deposit or estimated rental charges when picking up your equipment, whichever is greater, and this deposit will be reimbursed upon return of the vehicle minus the total cost.

The deposit amount varies depending on the type of rental: $100 for local/in-town trucks, $100 plus rental rate for one-way trucks, and $100 or estimated rental charges for cargo vans and pickup trucks. You can pay with cash, credit card, or debit card, but be aware that cargo vans and pickup trucks must be reserved with a credit card.

U-Haul offers two main insurance options: SafeMove and SafeMove Plus. SafeMove covers accidental damage to the truck, cargo protection, and medical/life protection, but doesn't cover damages due to improper packing, normal shifting of cargo, or theft of cargo.

U-Haul offers two main insurance policies: Safemove and Safemove Plus.

Safemove covers accidental damage to the truck and your belongings, with a $100 deductible for any claim. You'll also be covered for up to $15,000 in local moves and $25,000 in long-distance moves.

Safemove Plus includes all the benefits of Safemove, plus protection against tire damage and overhead collisions. It also offers up to $1,000,000 in coverage for your possessions, with no deductible when you claim.

If you're not sure you need the extra protection, U-Haul offers a collision damage waiver with a $150 deductible.

If you're paying for a U-Haul in cash, you'll need to put down a deposit, which is the greater of $100 or the estimated rental charges.

This deposit will be reimbursed upon return of the vehicle, minus your total cost.

U-Haul offers two main insurance options: SafeMove and SafeMove Plus. SafeMove is a damage waiver that covers most accident damage to the rental equipment, excluding collision with an object above the truck.

SafeMove also provides cargo protection for loss or damage to the items in the vehicle. Additionally, it offers medical and life protection for the people in the cab of a U-Haul rental truck.

You'll need to look to your own insurance if you hit someone else, as SafeMove doesn't cover damage to another vehicle. SafeMove Plus covers damage done to another vehicle, as well as overhead damage and tire protection.

Here are the key differences between SafeMove and SafeMove Plus:

Keep in mind that neither SafeMove nor SafeMove Plus covers damages due to improper packing, normal shifting of cargo in transit, or theft of cargo.