Best Credit Cards For Rental Car Insurance Coverage

Credit cards that offer auto rental insurance can be a great way to save money and gain peace of mind when renting a car. This insurance typically covers damage or theft of the rental vehicle, and sometimes includes additional benefits such as towing charges and loss-of-use fees. It's important to note that this insurance usually only covers the rental car itself and not any personal belongings or liability. When choosing a credit card with auto rental insurance, it's important to consider whether the coverage is primary or secondary, as well as any exclusions and limitations. Some popular credit cards that offer auto rental insurance include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X Rewards, and the American Express Platinum Card. These cards offer varying levels of coverage and benefits, so it's important to review the terms and conditions before selecting one. Additionally, business credit cards may offer primary rental car insurance when renting for business purposes, even if the coverage is secondary for personal use.

Chase Freedom Rental Car Insurance Benefits

To file a claim, cardholders should report the incident as soon as possible and no later than 100 days after it occurred. They will need to provide documentation, including a copy of the repair estimate, itemized bill, credit card statement, rental agreement, accident report form, police report, and photographs of the damaged vehicle. Claims must be submitted within 365 days of the incident, and Chase will then reimburse the rental car company directly.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option for those looking for an all-around travel credit card with a reasonable annual fee. It offers primary auto rental collision damage coverage, which is good up to the cash value of the vehicle for most rentals in the U.S. and abroad. This means that you don't need to file a claim with your personal car insurance company if your rental car is damaged.

How to Get the Coverage

To be eligible for the auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, you must use your Chase Sapphire Preferred Card to pay the total price of the car rental, and decline the collision damage waiver coverage offered by the rental company.

What's Covered

The coverage will reimburse you for any damage or theft to the vehicle while it is in your control. It also covers "loss-of-use" charges, administrative fees, and towing charges imposed by the rental company.

Coverage Amount

The coverage amount varies depending on the card you hold. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card will reimburse you for up to the actual cash value of the vehicle.

Who is Covered

The primary cardholder must be the primary renter, but you can add additional drivers to your rental agreement, and they will also be covered by the insurance.

What's Not Covered

It's important to note that the coverage only applies to damage to the rental car itself. It does not provide liability coverage for damage caused to other vehicles or property, or for medical expenses. Certain types of vehicles are also excluded from the coverage, such as high-value motor vehicles (e.g., Corvette, Ferrari), exotic and antique cars, vehicles with open cargo beds, trucks other than pickups, motorcycles, and passenger vans with seating for more than nine people.

How to File a Claim

In the event of damage or theft, you must notify the benefits administrator within 60 days of the incident. You can file a claim over the phone or online. You will need to provide documentation such as a copy of the repair estimate, rental agreement, accident report form, and photographs of the damage.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a great option for those looking for rental car insurance coverage, providing peace of mind when travelling.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is a premium card that offers a host of benefits and perks to its cardholders. One of its standout features is the primary rental car collision coverage, which provides reimbursement of up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage. This coverage is valid for rental cars in the US and abroad and is applicable for up to 31 consecutive days of rental.

Coverage Details:

The card offers primary coverage, meaning you don't need to involve your personal auto insurance company in case of an incident. The coverage includes theft, damage, valid loss-of-use charges, administrative fees, and reasonable towing charges. It is important to note that only the cardmember, as the primary driver, is covered, so any additional drivers must be authorised in the rental agreement to be eligible for coverage.

Exclusions and Limitations:

The coverage excludes certain expensive and exotic vehicles, and rentals lasting more than 31 consecutive days. Additionally, valuables left inside the rented car that are damaged or stolen are not covered. Driving the rental car off-road or using it for peer-to-peer or hourly rentals will void the insurance protections. The coverage also does not extend to vehicles that are not manufactured in the last ten years, motorcycles, electric scooters, mopeds, vans exceeding nine passengers, and rented moving trucks or vans.

Claims Process:

To make a claim, cardmembers should retain a copy of the rental agreement, as well as a copy of their Chase Sapphire Reserve statement showing that the rental was paid for using the card. In cases of vandalism or carjacking, a police report should be included with the claim. Other documents that may be required include the accident report form, photographs of the damage, and copies of the repair estimate.

Additional Benefits:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card also provides special car rental privileges. Cardmembers can enrol in leading car rental rewards programs from National Car Rental, Avis, and Silvercar, offering benefits such as upgrades, discounts, and promotions. The card also provides worldwide travel assistance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, emergency evacuation and transportation coverage, trip delay reimbursement, travel accident insurance, and baggage delay insurance.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is an excellent choice for those seeking a premium travel credit card with comprehensive auto rental insurance and a range of additional benefits to enhance their travel experiences.

Capital One Venture X Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that offers a host of benefits, including auto rental insurance. Here's what you need to know about the Capital One Venture X Card's auto rental insurance:

Eligibility and Coverage

To be eligible for the auto rental insurance provided by the Capital One Venture X Card, you must use the card to pay for the entire rental car transaction and decline the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW). The coverage is primary, which means it applies before your personal auto insurance. This is especially useful if you don't have personal auto insurance or if you want to avoid filing a claim with your insurance company in the event of an accident. The coverage includes theft, damage, loss-of-use charges, administrative fees, and reasonable towing charges, up to a maximum of $75,000. It's important to note that this insurance does not cover personal belongings, theft or damage due to intentional acts or influence of substances, or damage from off-road operation.

Additional Benefits

In addition to the auto rental insurance, the Capital One Venture X Card offers a range of travel-related benefits. This includes complimentary access for you and two guests to Capital One Lounges and a network of partner lounges worldwide. Cardholders also receive a $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel and a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus. The card has a $395 annual fee, but the extensive benefits can easily offset this cost.

Claims Process

In the event of an accident or damage to the rental car, you must contact the benefits administrator and inform them of the incident. They will provide you with a list of documents required to file a claim, which may include an accident report form, a copy of the rental agreement, repair estimates, photographs of the damage, and a police report. It's important to follow the claims process and submit the required documentation within the specified time frames to ensure coverage.

Vehicle Exclusions

It's important to note that not all types of vehicles are covered by the Capital One Venture X Card's auto rental insurance. Expensive or exotic cars, certain vans, motorcycles, mopeds, and antique cars are generally excluded from coverage. Before renting a vehicle, it is recommended to check with Capital One to ensure that your chosen vehicle is covered.

American Express Platinum Card

The Platinum Card from American Express is a premium card that offers rental car insurance as one of its benefits. This insurance is complimentary and covers theft of or damage to most rental vehicles. The coverage is secondary, which means that it will reimburse you only after all other insurance has paid out. However, if you don't have any other car insurance, then the secondary insurance becomes primary.

The Platinum Card from American Express provides up to $75,000 in coverage for theft or damage to the rental vehicle. To receive coverage, you must pay for the full rental using your Platinum Card and decline the optional insurance coverages offered by the rental company.

It's important to note that American Express's rental car insurance only covers damage to the rental car itself. It does not cover damage to other cars or property, or any medical expenses resulting from an accident.

In addition to rental car insurance, the Platinum Card from American Express also offers other travel benefits, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance.

The specific benefits and coverage limits of rental car insurance can vary depending on the card issuer and your location. Therefore, it is always a good idea to carefully review the terms and conditions of your credit card agreement and contact the card issuer if you have any questions.

Frequently asked questions