Does Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cover Your Car During a Move?

Does Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cover the Car During a Move?

Full coverage auto insurance typically covers your car during a move, but the specifics depend on your policy, the type of move, and whether you're using a truck or renting a vehicle. Comprehensive and collision coverage protect your vehicle from damage regardless of who is driving, provided the cause of loss is covered.

What Does Full Coverage Actually Include?

Full coverage is a term that usually means a combination of liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance. Liability covers damage to others, while comprehensive and collision cover your own vehicle. This applies whether the car is parked at a old house or being transported across the country.

Moving Your Own Car vs. Hired Transport

If you drive your car to a new home, your policy follows the vehicle. If you hire a moving truck and your car is damaged during transport, the situation is different. Your auto insurance generally will not cover damage sustained while being towed or carried on a moving trailer unless you have specific towing or motor carrier coverage.

Using a Rental Truck During a Move

Rental trucks are commercial vehicles, so personal auto policies usually exclude them. If you use a U-Haul or Penske truck and cause an accident, your liability coverage typically does not apply. Some credit cards or rental insurance policies offer coverage, but your standard full coverage auto insurance likely will not.

When Your Car Is Loaded on a Trailer

If your car is on a car trailer or dolly, your comprehensive and collision coverage usually applies if the vehicle is damaged by an insured peril like fire, theft, or a tree falling on the trailer. However, it will not cover wear and tear from the journey or damage caused by improper loading.

Key Takeaways for Moving

• Full coverage protects your car when you drive it during a move.
• It does not cover damage while your car is being transported as cargo.
• Rental trucks are generally excluded from personal auto policies.
• Check your policy for towing and trailer endorsements.