Compare Rental Moving Trucks
Not all moving rental truck companies are created equally, so learning how to compare truck rental prices could save you several hundred dollars. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, you will probably be renting from a company fairly close to your home to pick up the truck so comparing rental prices should take no more than an hour on the telephone. Rental companies seldom provide all the information on their websites that you would need to make your best decision, so calling and reserving a truck by telephone is still the way to go.
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Getting Organized for Calling Truck Rental Companies
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Write down all the rental companies you call, including their phone numbers for a quick call back. Each company should be at the top of the column so you can jot down the rental details under each. It is important to get a price quote for the same size truck and any additional moving equipment you might need from each company you call in order to have make valid comparisons. At the end of the day, you will have a comparison chart.
Basic Questions to Ask
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Always get a quote for the daily rate on a truck. Make sure you specify whether you are renting for a one-way move or a local move (which means you will return the truck to the same place from which you rented). The pricing structures are different for each type of rental. If you are moving more than 50 miles, a one-way rental will probably be less expensive than a local rental, which would involve driving the truck to your destination then back to the original rental location.
Part of the strategy to getting the best deal on a moving truck is to find out the mileage rate and how many miles are included with the basic rental fee. For example, a daily rental of $40 for a truck that includes 100 miles in the fee is a better deal than a company that charges $30 per day for the same size truck and 25 cents per mile--you would end up paying $55 total for the same 100 miles. So do not automatically be lured in by a low basic rental charge; the devil is in the mileage details.
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Get Prices for Extra Equipment
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Get the rental price of any additional equipment you may need, like moving pads to protect your furniture or a hand truck to move large appliances. If you need a tow dolly for a personal vehicle, find out the cost of renting that, as well.
Be on the alert for "convenience fees" and other hidden charges before you rent.
Make sure you understand the drop-off policy when you are finished using the truck. Can you park the truck on the company's property and leave the keys in a drop-box or does the vehicle have to be checked-in during regular hours?
Another cost to consider is the price of refueling. Almost all rental contracts stipulate that the vehicle must be returned with the same amount of gas that was in the tank when you rented the truck. Check prices at the pump in your new location to save money on refueling, as moving trucks consume a shocking amount of gas.
Extra Insurance
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Most truck rental companies offer short-term insurance to provide coverage while you are operating the rental truck. If you need additional insurance, be sure to write down to cost of this coverage and find out precisely what is covered. Rooftop damage is typically excluded from rental-truck insurance, so if you crash into a low bridge, you may be liable for damage no matter how much extra insurance you buy. Call your automobile insurance carrier to see if your current policy covers rental vehicles, including moving trucks. Be careful to inspect the truck with the rental company employee and write down any existing damage before you rent the truck and drive it away. Make sure the employee signs and initials the contract so you can avoid disputes later on.
Evaluating the Best Deal
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After calling all the companies you want to compare, review all of your pricing information, add the totals for each company at the bottom of your chart and decide which company will give you the best deal.
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