Many premium credit cards do offer rental car insurance, but it's almost always secondary coverage. This means it only kicks in after your personal auto insurance policy has been used. The core value is that it typically covers your personal auto policy's deductible and may cover certain fees your primary insurance doesn't.
This benefit is usually an automatic perk for cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or the American Express Gold Card, but you must decline the rental company's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and pay for the entire rental with that card. Coverage is generally limited to damage or theft of the rental vehicle itself; it does not cover liability for injuries to others or damage to other vehicles.
Key Limitations to Understand:
- Vehicle Exclusions: Coverage often excludes expensive, exotic, or certain large vehicles like cargo vans.
- Rental Duration: There's usually a maximum rental period, often 15 to 31 consecutive days.
- Country Restrictions: Coverage may not apply in all countries; always check your card's guide to benefits.
- Business Use: If you're renting for business, coverage might be void.
You should always call the number on the back of your card to get your specific policy's "guide to benefits" document. This is the only way to know exactly what you're covered for.
| Credit Card Network | Typical Coverage Type | Key Requirement | Common Exclusions | Maximum Rental Period (Days) |
|---|
| Visa | Secondary | Pay with card/decline CDW | Trucks, high-value vehicles, certain countries | 15 |
| Mastercard | Secondary or Primary* | Pay with card/decline CDW | Off-road driving, antique vehicles | 31 |
| American Express | Can be upgraded to Primary | Requires enrollment in optional plan | Vehicles over $75,000 value | 42 (with upgrade) |
| Discover | Secondary | Pay with card/decline CDW | Recreational vehicles, motorcycles | 31 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Primary (key advantage) | Pay with card/decline CDW | Rental for business purposes | 31 |
*Some Mastercard World Elite cards offer primary coverage.
