The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that a person in United States can expect to move 11.7 times in his or her lifetime.
They usually don't move far. In 2010, the Census found, 69 percent of moves were within the same county. U-haul, the moving truck rental company, roughly estimates that three-quarters of all moves are done by do-it-yourselfers.
Done right, moving yourself could save you a ton of money
But do it wrong and you could end up with a bent truck that isn't covered by your car insurance policy. Here is what you need to know.
Summertime is moving season
U-Haul says its North American trucks, trailers and tow dollies rack up enough mileage every day to move a family to the moon and back -- 9.9 times. (See " Tips from U-Haul for self-movers ")
Summertime is peak season, says John Bisney, spokesperson at the American Moving and Storage Association. "June gets top billing, followed by August and July," says Bisney.
That puts a massive number of motorists -- U-Haul estimates as many as 20 million moves between Memorial Day and Labor Day -- behind the wheels of large, unfamiliar vehicles cruising around neighborhoods they don't know very well.
That is bound to lead to mishaps.
While U-Haul and the rest of the major moving truck renters won't talk about specific accident rates, they are willing to talk about the kinds of accidents their customers usually have.
"The most common damage we see is drivers hitting overhead objects, on the upper right-hand side," says Scott Willson, director of insurance programs at U-Haul. "People don't realize the height of the truck and crash into awnings, carports, bridges and even the drive-thru at their favorite fast food spot," continues Willson.
Damaged mirrors and tires are common as well.
Call us at DeBoer's Auto Uhaul to add SafeMove rental coverage to your truck or trailer!
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