It used to be common for credit card companies to provide accident coverage for rental cars purchased through the card in question. This is quite handy and I’m disappointed that my other credit card stopped providing this service.
I learned the car rental coverage provided by credit cards doesn’t cover everything. (Photo by @brittneyborowski/Twenty20) The auto rental collision damage waiver benefit provides reimbursement for damage due to collision or theft, up to the actual cash value of most vehicles. Usually, only physical damage and/or theft of the rental vehicle is covered.
Visa Credit Card Rental Car Insurance If you have a Visa credit card, you’re in luck! All Visa Standard Credit, Rewards Credit, Signature®, Signature Preferred®, Premium Rewards cards offer secondary rental car insurance. This means that it comes into effect after your personal insurance coverage.
Most of the time, trucks and exotic, specialty, and luxury cars aren’t covered by credit card car rental insurance. Neither are peer car rental services like Zipcar. Notable exceptions include Citi and Amex cards, which often cover expensive cars.
One source argued that if you have any of these cards and use them for your auto rental, Mastercard can pay for any covered physical damages to and theft of a rental vehicle. You will have to waive the rental company’s own insurance and list yourself as the vehicle’s primary renter for coverage to apply.
Do the best travel credit cards offer auto rental insurance?
Many of the best travel credit cards count auto rental insurance among their benefits, but you’ll also find it on many cards without annual fees . To be eligible for your credit card’s car rental insurance, you must: Pay for the entire rental agreement with your credit card.
Does auto insurance cover rental cars?
While collisions and theft are usually covered, that often only reaches to a certain extent. Usually auto insurance won’t cover fees from the rental company, which can amount to hundreds of dollars. When your personal auto insurance won’t cover your rental car completely, your credit card can provide the answer.
If you have an auto insurance policy, you might be covered in a rental car at the same level that you are covered in your personal vehicle. Some policies include free collision damage waiver coverage. Check with your insurer to find out what you have and what the limitations might be.
Is it worth it to buy rental car insurance?
And although it might seem like a good idea to buy rental car insurance, you might not need to. After all, some of the best travel rewards cards provide car rental coverage that may let you skip the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW).
Does American Express charge for rental car insurance?
All American Express credit cards come with rental car insurance. If you have a basic Am. Ex card, you’ll receive secondary coverage up to $50,000. If you have a Platinum credit card from, you’ll get secondary coverage valued up to $75,000.