Chase Sapphire cards provide primary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, not traditional car insurance. This means it pays for theft or damage to a rental car without involving your personal auto insurance, as long as you decline the rental company's CDW and meet all terms. Coverage applies to rentals under 31 days and excludes liability, personal injury, and exotic vehicles.
This benefit is a standout feature of the Sapphire Preferred® and Sapphire Reserve® cards. It functions as a primary insurance policy for the rented vehicle's physical damage, saving you from filing a claim with your personal insurer and potentially facing increased premiums. The coverage is tied to the transaction, requiring you to charge the entire rental cost to your eligible Chase Sapphire card.
Key coverage limits differ by card:
| Card | Maximum Coverage per Claim | Included Coverages |
|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | Up to the actual cash value of the vehicle, with a maximum of $60,000. | Physical damage, theft, valid loss-of-use charges, towing, and administrative fees. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Up to the actual cash value of the vehicle, with a maximum of $75,000. | Physical damage, theft, valid loss-of-use charges, towing, and administrative fees. |
The coverage is extensive for the rental car itself. It handles repair costs if the car is damaged and reimburses the rental company for legitimate "loss of use" fees while the vehicle is being fixed. It also covers theft and associated towing expenses.
Crucial exclusions define the boundaries of this protection. It does not cover liability for damage you cause to other vehicles or property. It excludes any costs related to personal injuries or medical payments. Your personal belongings inside the rental car are not covered. Rentals exceeding 31 consecutive days are ineligible.
Vehicle restrictions are important to note. The coverage typically does not apply to expensive, exotic, or antique cars; vans designed to carry more than 9 people; trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, or recreational vehicles. Cargo vans and pickup trucks are also generally excluded.
To activate this benefit, you must be the primary renter and the cardholder. You must formally decline the rental company's offered Collision Damage Waiver or similar insurance option at the counter. The entire rental transaction must be paid for with your Chase Sapphire card.
An important modern limitation involves peer-to-peer car sharing services. Market data indicates this coverage usually does not extend to platforms like Turo or Getaround, which are considered personal vehicle sharing, not traditional rental agencies. Always verify the current guidebook for your specific card before renting.
