What Rent-A-Center's U-Haul partnership offers

Rent-A-Center locations across the United States partner with U-Haul to rent moving trucks directly from their stores. This means you can walk into a Rent-A-Center, rent a truck on the spot, and drive it away the same day — no separate trip to a U-Haul dealer. The trucks available through this partnership are standard U-Haul equipment: pickup trucks, cargo vans, and moving trucks in various sizes.

The rental process, pricing, and insurance options work the same way as renting directly from U-Haul, but the convenience is the main difference. You're using Rent-A-Center's physical location as a pickup and drop-off point instead of going to a dedicated U-Haul facility. Not every Rent-A-Center location offers this service, so you'll need to check whether your local store participates.

Key Takeaways

  • Rent-A-Center locations that partner with U-Haul let you rent trucks the same day without visiting a separate U-Haul facility.
  • You pay U-Haul's standard rental rates, mileage charges, and insurance costs — Rent-A-Center is the pickup location, not a separate vendor.
  • Truck sizes range from pickup trucks to large moving vans, and availability depends on your local store's inventory.
  • You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card to complete the rental, and some locations may require a damage deposit.
  • Check with your specific Rent-A-Center store first, because not all locations offer U-Haul rentals.

How to rent a truck through Rent-A-Center

Start by calling or visiting your local Rent-A-Center to confirm they rent U-Haul trucks. Ask about truck sizes currently in stock and whether you need to reserve one in advance. For a local move, same-day rental is often possible; for longer distances or peak moving season, a reservation a few days ahead improves your chances of getting the size you need.

When you arrive to pick up, bring a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. You'll sign a rental agreement that covers the truck, mileage, fuel, and any damage or loss. The store will walk you through the truck's condition — note any existing dents, scratches, or mechanical issues on the agreement so you're not charged for pre-existing damage when you return it.

Ask about the fuel policy before you leave. Most U-Haul rentals require you to return the truck with a full tank; if you don't, U-Haul charges a refueling fee that is usually higher than the cost of fuel at a gas station. Confirm the drop-off location and hours, especially if you're returning the truck after hours or at a different Rent-A-Center location.

Pricing and what's included

U-Haul charges a base rental fee that depends on the truck size and rental period (hourly, daily, or weekly). You also pay per mile driven, and this mileage rate varies by truck size and region. A pickup truck costs less per mile than a 26-foot moving truck, for example. The total cost is the base fee plus mileage charges plus fuel plus any insurance or damage waiver you choose.

The base rental fee covers the truck itself and basic liability coverage. Damage coverage is optional but recommended. U-Haul offers two main damage options: a damage waiver (a flat fee that covers most damage) or declining their coverage and using your own insurance or credit card protection. Read the agreement carefully to understand what damage is covered and what your responsibility is if something happens to the truck.

Fuel is not included in the rental price. You pay for gas separately, either by filling the tank yourself before return or by letting U-Haul refuel it (at a higher per-gallon rate). Equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and boxes are sold separately, not included in the truck rental.

Insurance and damage coverage options

U-Haul's damage waiver is the most straightforward option for most renters. You pay a flat fee (usually $15 to $30 per day, depending on truck size) and U-Haul covers damage from collisions, theft, or vandalism up to the truck's full value. This waiver does not cover damage from normal wear and tear, mechanical failure, or damage caused by improper loading.

If you decline U-Haul's damage waiver, you are responsible for any damage to the truck. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage that extends to moving trucks — call your credit card issuer before you rent to confirm. Your personal auto insurance may also cover rental trucks, but you'll need to check your policy or call your agent. Do not assume your insurance covers it; many policies exclude rental vehicles.

Liability coverage (damage you cause to other people's property or vehicles) is included in the base rental. This covers you if you hit another car or damage someone's property while driving the truck. The coverage limits are typically $300,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage, but confirm the exact limits on your agreement.

Truck sizes and what fits in each

U-Haul's smallest option is usually a pickup truck, which works for small moves — a few pieces of furniture, boxes from a studio or one-bedroom apartment, or a single room's worth of belongings. A cargo van (10 to 15 feet) holds more: roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a small office move. A 15-foot box truck fits a two-bedroom apartment's contents. A 20-foot or 26-foot truck is for three-bedroom homes or larger commercial moves.

Rent-A-Center's inventory varies by location. A busy urban store may have several sizes in stock; a smaller location might have only pickup trucks or cargo vans. Call ahead to ask what sizes are available and whether you need to reserve one. If your local store doesn't have the size you need, ask whether they can arrange a transfer from a nearby location or direct you to the closest U-Haul facility.

Returning the truck and avoiding extra charges

Return the truck to the Rent-A-Center location where you rented it, or to another participating location if the agreement allows it. Check the rental agreement for the return important date — most daily rentals are due back by a specific time the next day, and late returns incur additional charges. Return the truck clean and with a full fuel tank to avoid cleaning fees and refueling charges.

The staff will inspect the truck for damage when you return it. If there are dents, scratches, or mechanical issues beyond normal wear, you may be charged for repairs. If you purchased a damage waiver, most of these charges are covered; if not, you pay out of pocket. Keep your rental agreement and any photos you took of the truck's condition at pickup — these protect you if a charge seems unfair.

Mileage is calculated automatically when you return the truck. Confirm the final mileage reading on your receipt matches what you expected based on your route. If you're charged for extra mileage you didn't drive, report it when ready while you're still at the location.

When Rent-A-Center U-Haul rentals make sense

This option works best if you live near a Rent-A-Center and need a truck for a same-day or next-day move. You save time by not driving to a separate U-Haul facility, and you can often complete the entire rental process in one stop. It's also useful if you're already a Rent-A-Center customer and familiar with the location.

For planned moves more than a few days away, or if you need a specific truck size, renting directly from U-Haul online or by phone may give you more control over availability and pricing. U-Haul's website shows real-time inventory at every location and lets you reserve trucks in advance. If your local Rent-A-Center doesn't have U-Haul rentals or doesn't have the size you need, going directly to U-Haul or checking other truck rental companies (Penske, Home Depot, Budget) may be faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve a truck online through Rent-A-Center's website?

Rent-A-Center's website does not handle U-Haul reservations. You must call or visit your local store directly to check availability and reserve a truck. U-Haul's own website and phone line let you reserve trucks at Rent-A-Center locations if they're listed as pickup points in your area.

What if I return the truck late?

Late returns incur additional charges, usually calculated hourly or as a partial day rental. The exact fee depends on how late you are and your rental agreement. Call the Rent-A-Center location as soon as you realize you'll be late — they may be able to extend your rental or explain the charges before you return.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a truck?

No, but it's recommended. U-Haul's damage waiver covers most damage, and liability is included in the base rental. If you decline the damage waiver, confirm whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks before you rent.

Can I pick up the truck at one Rent-A-Center and return it at another?

Some locations allow this, but not all. Ask when you make your reservation. If the agreement allows it, confirm the return location and hours before you leave with the truck. One-way rentals may have additional fees.

What happens if the truck breaks down during my rental?

Call U-Haul's roadside information number (on your rental agreement) when ready. U-Haul covers mechanical breakdowns under the rental agreement and will send help or arrange a replacement truck. Do not attempt repairs yourself or take the truck to an unauthorized mechanic.