Transporting belongings between apartments is much easier when using U-Haul. You do not even have to return the pickup truck where you took it. But, if you don’t have anyone to leave your vehicle to, you must be thinking about what to do. A U-Haul parking lot is one of the places that came to thought. One of the FAQs is can I leave my car at U-Haul?
Yes, you can leave your car at the U-Haul parking spot. Before doing so, you should speak with U-Haul representatives and discuss a parking permit. There is a daily fee for using the U-Haul parking, which depends on the location. Avoid leaving your car just anywhere in the parking. Follow the signs and do not leave your car unattended.
Parking at U-Haul is often a better choice than street parking because it offers a level of security. In some locations, U-Haul even has a parking garage which is usually a bit pricier to use. But, those are the best choices in this type of situation. For the rest of the information about using U-Haul parking, stay with us.
Parking At Uhaul
U-Haul is not considered a classic garage or a parking lot, but it offers some of its benefits.
Pros
- Relatively secure location for parking. Usually, parking spaces for private cars are fenced off from the rest of the parking
- You can park in any U-Haul location, not just from the one you rented the truck. This is a great feature since this way you can save a lot of money and fuel.
Cons
- Signing a parking agreement. With this, you are introduced to parking policies, and it is required to get a parking permit valid. This is generally fine, but by doing so, the U-Haul is shielding itself if your car is damaged while it is in the parking lot
- There are costs included. They are charged by the day. Depending on the location and type of parking (open parking lot or a garage), the fee will differ
- In most cases, you won’t be able to hold the U-Haul accountable for any damage that may happen to your vehicle.
Pros
- Secure location for parking
- Park in any U-Haul location
Cons
- Signing a parking agreement
- Costs
- You won’t be able to hold the U-Haul accountable for any damage
General Guidelines for Overnight Parking at U-Haul
There are some universal rules that you need to follow when using the U-Haul parking.
- Remove anything valuable from your car. That includes even electronic devices that you use while driving, like GPS units and cameras
- Sign a parking agreement before parking the car. You will be asked to sign an agreement with a U-Haul representative. In it, you will be informed of your rights and your obligations
- Follow the signs on the parking lot. Usually, there are parts of the parking lot designated for parking personal vehicles. You can only use those spaces. Before parking consult with a U-Haul rep on the spot
- Park your vehicle in a marked place that is safe. If you leave the car in the middle of the parking don’t get shocked if it is damaged by a pickup truck
- Give the keys to the vehicle to the U-Haul representative. You will get a claim check which you will give once you return to get your car
U-Haul Truck Rental and Your Car
Since you will be using a rental truck to move all your belongings you need to figure out what to do with your vehicle. If you have someone who can drive the vehicle for you to the new location, then you do not have a problem. But, what can you do when you need to leave your car behind?
There are several options for you to choose from:
- Public parking lots. This is often not the most secure location, but in some situations, you cannot count on anything better. Before you park in a parking lot, check if are there parking spots in well-lit areas. Always remove anything of value from your car. That way you are deterring any suspicious activity
- Private parking lots. Those include parking lots used by restaurants, hotels, casinos, and similar establishments. You will need to check with the employees about the conditions in which you can park, and whether are there any rules to follow. These parking lots are usually a better choice than public lots. They offer a bit more security and peace of mind
- Parking garage. Maybe the best solution if there are any available. They are often covered by security cameras and have physical security on the ground. You will need to pay for it, but at least you don’t need to worry about theft.
Check Out U-Haul Trucks – Everything You Need to Know:
U-Haul Storage Facilities vs. Parking Lots
U-Haul storage facilities have a strict code of conduct. Also, you need to follow through on the parking agreement form. Using their parking lot will cost you, and the price will depend on the location. Parts of parking for private cars are usually separated from the rest of the parking lot. They are fairly safe and well-lit.
On the other hand parking lots and their conditions change from location to location. Depending on the parking lot, the fees will be different. Also, the safety and parking conditions may vary. Some parking lots use security cameras, while others do not.
Before you choose where to park, think about how long will you leave your car there. If you will not return for some time, better choose a well-protected spot. It will cost a bit more, but that is not much in comparison to possible theft and damage. If you are leaving a car just for a day, be sure that you took everything of value from it.
Legal Ramifications of Leaving Your Car at U-Haul
If you decide to park your car at one of the U-Haul locations, you will need to sign a parking agreement form. It contains terms and conditions under which you will leave the car in their parking lot. An important thing to note is that U-Haul is not responsible for any damage to your car while parked on their lot. You will need an insurance plan that covers that type of damage.
Customer Experiences: Stories and Lessons
One of our readers, Ryan sent us an email with this story:
“I was moving from one apartment in Houston to another. Sincerely I didn’t plan the move too well, and I chose the simplest option. I rented a U-Haul to move my stuff and left my car at one of their locations. I signed the parking agreement form, but I didn’t go through it at all. When I finished moving and went to get my car 2 days later, it had a small dent in the back bumper. They didn’t have any information on how that happened. I had to pay to repair an auto body technician to fix the dent. But, if I read the contract form, I would know that U-Haul is not responsible for any damage to the property.”
But, our other reader, Diane, had a completely different experience:
“My grandad had to move in with us because he was getting into that age when he couldn’t manage alone. We rented a U-Haul and moved all his stuff. Grandad’s old Chevy was parked on their parking lot for 3 days. Their rep was very helpful, and he went into detail in explaining all the parts of the deal. We parked the car in a safe, wired-off location in the parking lot. The whole parking lot looked very safe, very well-lit, and maintained. When we returned to pick up the car, we paid the fee and drove off without a glitch. I would use their services any time.”
Tips for Securely Leaving Your Car at U-Haul
To safely leave your car at the U-Haul parking you should follow some advice:
- Remove any valuable items from inside the car. If anything gets stolen, the U-Haul cannot be held responsible
- Your car has to be registered. U-Haul will not allow parking for unregistered cars
- Check the condition of the car. That includes tire pressure, oil levels, and other fluids. Turn off all the lights and lock the doors. If you plan to leave your car for longer, disconnect the battery so it won’t drain off.
FAQs
How Long Can I Leave My Car at Uhaul?
You can leave your can at U-Haul as long as you want. All you need to do is to sign the parking agreement. Do not forget that there will be a daily fee for using their parking.
Final Considerations
U-Haul is a great way to move your stuff without hiring a professional moving company. They are renting good moving trucks which offer ample space for your belongings. You can return their truck to any U-Haul location you want, which is a plus.
If no one can drive your car to the new location, you can use the U-Haul parking lot just for this purpose. This makes moving much easier. You drive to the U-Haul location, rent a truck, and leave your car there. This process can save a lot of nerves, money, and time.
Just, pay attention to the parking agreement that you will have to sign. Follow it though, in the end, pay the fees, and know that you managed to finish everything alone without a glitch.