Arizona sees a lot of moves, and a rented box truck is where many drivers find a gap in their auto policy. DIFI's consumer guidance is direct: if you rent a truck to move your personal property, "most personal auto policies provide no coverage for the rental truck." Vacation rental cars and borrowed cars work differently, and this guide explains each case.
Rental, moving and borrowed vehicles compared
| Vehicle | Whose liability pays first | Damage to the vehicle | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental car on vacation (U.S. or Canada) | Rental company's liability is primary; yours is excess | Your comprehensive and collision may apply, subject to your deductible | DIFI |
| Moving truck (e.g. a box truck you drive yourself) | Most personal auto policies give no coverage for the truck | Usually not covered by your policy | DIFI |
| Borrowed car from a friend | The car owner's policy is usually primary; yours is excess | Owner's physical damage coverage, if any | DIFI |
| Borrowed car with no insurance | Most insurers treat your policy as primary | Depends on your policy | DIFI |
Before you rent a moving truck
- Call your insurer before you book and ask: "Does my policy cover liability and physical damage for a rented moving truck of this size?" Get the answer in writing if you can.
- Read the rental contract's protection options: damage waivers for the truck, supplemental liability, and cargo or contents coverage are often separate items.
- Check your credit card's rental benefit; many exclude trucks and cargo vans. Confirm with the card issuer.
- Ask whether your homeowners or renters policy covers belongings while in transit, and for how much.
- Photograph the truck at pickup and return.
Borrowing or lending a car
A borrowed car is usually covered first by the owner's insurance. DIFI says the owner's policy is considered primary and yours is excess, paying after the primary limits run out. Arizona policies also extend coverage to anyone driving with the owner's permission who is not specifically excluded (permissive use). If you lend your car, your policy and your claims history are on the line.
Trailers, business use and rideshare
- Trailers you own: DIFI says liability usually extends to a trailer you own when the towing vehicle is insured, but physical damage for the trailer must be bought separately.
- Business use: if you use your car for business, you may need a commercial auto policy (DIFI). A.R.S. § 20-1631 also allows cancellation if a private passenger car is used regularly for commercial purposes.
- Rideshare: Arizona law lets personal policies exclude rideshare driving unless an endorsement covers it (A.R.S. § 28-4009).
Questions readers ask
Does my car insurance cover a U-Haul or moving truck in Arizona?
Usually not. DIFI says most personal auto policies provide no coverage for a rented moving truck. Ask your insurer before renting.
Is my insurance primary on a rental car in Arizona?
For vacation rentals in the U.S. or Canada, DIFI says the rental company's liability is primary and yours is excess; your collision and comprehensive may cover damage.
Whose insurance pays if I crash a borrowed car?
Usually the owner's policy first, then yours as excess. If the car is uninsured, most insurers treat your policy as primary.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked October 26, 2026. Figures are the latest published by each source at that date.
- Arizona DIFI: Borrowed or rented vehicles; permissive use; trailers; business use
- A.R.S. § 20-1631: Cancellation for regular commercial use
- A.R.S. § 28-4009: Policy requirements, including transportation network exclusion
General educational information, not advice for your situation. Policy wording, state law and the insurer's decision control actual coverage. Written and edited by K.R. Not reviewed by a licensed insurance agent; confirm details with a licensed professional or your insurer. Examples use hypothetical figures unless a source is named. Report a correction.
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