Do credit cards cover rental cars?
Yes, credit cards often provide rental car coverage as a benefit for cardholders. However, the coverage can vary depending on the credit card issuer and the type of card you have. Before renting a car, it’s important to check with your credit card company to understand what coverage is provided.
Rental car coverage offered by credit cards typically includes benefits such as collision damage waiver, theft protection, and secondary liability insurance. These benefits can save you money by reducing the need to purchase additional insurance from the rental car company.
FAQs about credit card rental car coverage:
1. What types of damages are covered by credit card rental car insurance?
Credit card rental car insurance usually covers damages resulting from collisions, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils. It’s important to review your credit card’s terms and conditions to understand the specific coverage.
2. Does credit card rental car insurance cover loss of use charges from the rental car company?
Some credit cards may cover loss of use charges, but this varies by issuer. Be sure to check the terms of your credit card agreement to see if this benefit is included.
3. Are there any restrictions on the type of rental vehicles covered by credit card insurance?
Certain types of vehicles, such as luxury cars, exotic cars, and trucks, may not be covered by credit card rental car insurance. Always check with your credit card company to understand any restrictions.
4. Does credit card rental car insurance cover international rentals?
Many credit cards provide rental car coverage for international rentals, but it’s important to confirm this with your credit card issuer before traveling abroad. Some countries may be excluded from coverage.
5. Is there a maximum rental period covered by credit card rental car insurance?
Most credit cards have a maximum rental period covered by their insurance benefits, typically around 15-31 days. If you plan to rent a car for an extended period, consider purchasing additional insurance.
6. Do I need to decline the rental car company’s insurance to use my credit card rental car coverage?
In most cases, you will need to decline the rental car company’s insurance offerings in order to use your credit card’s rental car coverage. Be sure to check the terms of your credit card agreement for specific requirements.
7. Does credit card rental car insurance cover personal injuries or medical expenses?
Credit card rental car insurance usually does not cover personal injuries or medical expenses resulting from an accident. It’s important to have separate health insurance or travel insurance to cover these costs.
8. Can I use multiple credit cards to stack rental car coverage benefits?
It’s generally not possible to stack rental car coverage benefits from multiple credit cards. Most credit card companies require that the entire rental transaction be charged to the same card to activate the insurance benefits.
9. Does credit card rental car insurance cover additional drivers?
Some credit cards offer coverage for additional drivers, while others may require the primary cardholder to be the driver. Check with your credit card issuer to see if additional drivers are covered.
10. What do I do if I need to file a claim for damages on a rental car covered by my credit card?
If you need to file a claim for damages on a rental car covered by your credit card, contact your credit card issuer’s benefits administrator for instructions on how to proceed and what documents are required.
11. Can I use credit card rental car coverage in conjunction with my personal auto insurance?
Credit card rental car coverage is typically secondary to your personal auto insurance. This means that your personal auto insurance will be primary in the event of an accident, and your credit card coverage will kick in after your personal insurance limits are reached.
12. Are there any exclusions or limitations to credit card rental car insurance coverage?
Exclusions and limitations vary by credit card issuer and type of card. Common exclusions may include driving in certain countries, racing, off-road driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Review your credit card agreement for specific details.