Does Credit Card Insurance Cover U-Haul Trucks in Canada? (2026 Guide)

Planning a DIY move? Before you decline the rental counter coverage, discover why your premium credit card might leave you completely unprotected.

🚀 Quick Answer: Does Your Card Cover U-Haul?

Most Canadian credit card rental insurance policies do NOT cover U-Haul moving trucks, cargo vans, or pickup trucks. Standard card benefits typically restrict coverage to passenger cars, SUVs, and minivans, explicitly excluding any vehicle designed for commercial use or moving cargo.

Why Credit Card Rental Insurance Usually Excludes U-Haul

While many high-end cards like Visa Infinite or World Elite Mastercard offer "Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance," the fine print is often restrictive. The primary issue is the definition of an "Eligible Vehicle."

As of late 2025 and moving into 2026, major Canadian financial institutions have maintained strict exclusions for moving equipment. For instance:

  • RBC Avion Visa Infinite: Specifically excludes cargo vans, cube vans, trucks, and any vehicle used for towing.
  • TD Aeroplan/Business Cards: Exclude vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding certain limits, along with all cargo vans and trailers.
  • CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite: Lists trucks and cargo vans as non-eligible vehicle types.
A person reviewing a U-Haul rental agreement and insurance documents in a Canadian driveway.
Don't assume your card covers a truck;
always check the specific GVWR and exclusions.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if your card covers a "Pickup Truck" (which is rare), it usually won't cover it if you are towing a U-Haul trailer. Towing is a universal exclusion for almost all credit card insurance products.

The 4 Critical Risks You Must Insure

When you rent a U-Haul, you aren't just worried about a dent in the bumper. You face four distinct financial exposures. Relying on one source of insurance for all four is a common moving mistake.

Risk Category What it Covers Likely Provider
Vehicle Damage Dents, theft, or total loss of the U-Haul truck. U-Haul Safemove or Personal Auto (OPCF 27)
3rd Party Liability Injury to others or damage to someone else's property. Personal Auto Policy or Safemove Plus
Cargo Protection Damage to your furniture and boxes inside the truck. Tenant/Home Insurance or Safemove
Medical/Life Injuries to the driver or passengers in the truck. Provincial Health/Personal Accident Benefits

Can Personal Auto Insurance (OPCF 27) Cover a U-Haul?

In Canada, particularly in Ontario, many drivers carry the OPCF 27 endorsement (Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobiles). While this is more robust than credit card insurance, it has a major "weight" problem.

The 4,500kg GVWR Threshold

The standard Ontario OPCF 27 wording limits physical damage coverage to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 4,500kg (approx. 9,920 lbs) or less. This weight limit is the deciding factor for which U-Haul you can safely rent.

  • ✅ 10-Foot Truck: GVWR is ~8,600 lbs. Usually covered by OPCF 27.
  • ✅ Cargo Van: GVWR is ~9,000 lbs. Usually covered by OPCF 27.
  • ❌ 15-Foot Truck: GVWR is ~14,500 lbs. EXCLUDED from most OPCF 27 policies.
  • ❌ 26-Foot Truck: GVWR is ~26,000 lbs. EXCLUDED from most OPCF 27 policies.

U-Haul’s Safemove vs. Safemove Plus

Because credit cards and personal policies often fall short, U-Haul offers its own protection packages. In Canada, these are often the most straightforward way to ensure you aren't personally liable for a $40,000 truck.

  • Safemove: Includes a damage waiver (for the truck), cargo protection, and medical/life protection. Note: It usually does NOT include liability coverage for others.
  • Safemove Plus: Adds Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP), which is critical because it covers damage you cause to others. It also provides broader "exclusion-free" damage waivers for the truck.

⚠️ Warning: The "Overhead Damage" Trap

Many DIY movers forget that trucks are much taller than cars. Standard damage waivers sometimes exclude overhead damage (hitting a bridge or tree branch). Always verify if Safemove Plus covers the roof before signing, as these repairs can cost thousands.

5 Questions to Ask Your Insurer Before Moving Day

  1. Does my policy cover a vehicle with a GVWR over 4,500kg?
  2. Does my credit card define a Cargo Van as a passenger vehicle? (Usually, they don't).
  3. Is there a limit on the total value of cargo covered during a move?
  4. Does my liability coverage extend to commercial-style rental trucks?
  5. What is my deductible for a non-owned vehicle claim?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Visa Infinite cover U-Haul cargo vans in Canada?
A: Generally, no. Most Visa Infinite certificates in Canada explicitly exclude cargo vans and any vehicle used for commercial purposes or cargo transport.
Q: I’m only moving 5 miles. Do I really need Safemove?
A: Risk isn't about distance. A single tight turn or a low-hanging branch in your new driveway can cause massive damage. If your personal insurance doesn't cover the truck, Safemove is highly recommended.
Q: Does Safemove cover my furniture?
A: Yes, but only up to specific limits and for certain types of accidents (like a collision or fire). It is not "all-perils" coverage for everything you own.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Insurance policies and terms change frequently. Always verify coverage with your specific credit card provider, auto insurer, and U-Haul representative before declining protection.

Source Reference: FSRA Ontario Auto Insurance Guidelines

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