Yes, you can often skip the rental car company's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) if you pay for the rental with your Amazon Visa card, as it provides secondary rental car insurance. This benefit automatically covers damage to or theft of the rental vehicle.
However, this coverage is secondary, meaning it only pays for costs not covered by your primary personal auto insurance policy. It also comes with important limitations. It typically covers physical damage to the rental car but does not function as liability insurance, which covers injury to others or damage to their property. You are usually still responsible for paying for liability coverage offered by the rental company.
The coverage is specific to the type of rental. It generally applies to rentals for business, personal, or family travel but often excludes certain vehicle types like expensive luxury cars, vans, and trucks. The rental period must also be within a defined number of consecutive days, commonly 15 days.
To use this benefit correctly, you must:
- Decline the rental company's CDW/LDW option.
- Charge the entire rental cost to your Amazon Visa.
- Be the primary renter listed on the rental agreement.
Before your next trip, it's wise to call the number on the back of your card to get the exact terms and conditions for your specific account. Relying solely on your card's coverage can be a calculated risk if your personal auto insurance has a high deductible.
| Coverage Aspect | Amazon Visa Card Benefit Details |
|---|
| Coverage Type | Secondary (pays after your primary auto insurance) |
| What's Covered | Damage to or theft of the rental vehicle |
| What's Not Covered | Liability, injury, off-road use, certain vehicle types |
| Eligible Rentals | Personal, business, and family travel |
| Typical Rental Period Limit | 15 consecutive days |
| Key Requirement | Must decline the rental company's CDW/LDW |
