A Comprehensive Guide to American Express Car Rental Insurance

If you are a frequent traveler, chances are you have faced the dilemma of whether or not to opt for car rental insurance. With the increasing number of options available, it can be difficult to decide which policy is best for you. American Express offers car rental insurance for its cardholders, but many people are unsure about the specifics of the coverage. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to American Express car rental insurance.

What is American Express car rental insurance?

American Express car rental insurance is an add-on benefit available to cardholders. It provides coverage for damage to a rental car, theft of the car, and other related expenses. This coverage can be purchased for a fee or is included with some of the higher-end American Express cards.

It is important to note that American Express car rental insurance is not primary insurance; rather, it is a secondary coverage that kicks in after your primary insurance pays out. This means that if you have an accident, you must first file a claim with your primary insurance provider, and then American Express will cover any remaining costs.

How to enroll in American Express car rental insurance

To enroll in American Express car rental insurance, you must have an eligible American Express card. Eligible cards include:

If you have one of the eligible cards, you can enroll in American Express car rental insurance by:

1. Calling the number on the back of your card
2. Requesting enrollment in the coverage
3. Providing your rental car information and rental dates

For eligible cards that offer primary coverage, you must decline the car rental company’s own insurance coverage to use American Express’s benefit.

What does American Express car rental insurance cover?

The coverage provided by American Express car rental insurance varies depending on the type of card you have. Here is a breakdown of the coverage provided:

Amex Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, and Centurion Card

• Primary coverage up to $75,000 for damage or theft of the rental car
• Covers loss of use charges imposed by the rental company
• Covers reasonable towing charges related to covered loss
• Covers administrative and loss of use fees charged by the rental company

Amex Delta Reserve Card and Delta Reserve Business Card

• Secondary coverage up to $50,000 for damage or theft of the rental car
• Covers loss of use charges imposed by the rental company
• Covers reasonable towing charges related to covered loss
• Covers administrative and loss of use fees charged by the rental company

It is important to note that American Express car rental insurance does not cover personal injury or liability. You must have your own insurance to cover those expenses.

FAQ

What if I don’t have an eligible American Express card?

If you don’t have an eligible American Express card, you can still purchase car rental insurance from American Express. The cost of coverage varies depending on the length of the rental and the type of car, but it typically ranges from $15 to $25 per rental day.

Do I still need to purchase insurance from the rental car company?

It depends on the type of American Express card you have. If you have an eligible card that offers primary coverage, you can decline the rental car company’s insurance. If you have a card that offers secondary coverage, you should purchase insurance from the rental car company to ensure you are fully covered.

What if I have an accident?

If you have an accident, you must first file a claim with your primary insurance provider. Then, you can file a claim with American Express to cover any remaining costs. You must provide documentation of the accident and the expenses incurred.

What if the rental car company charges me for damages?

If the rental car company charges you for damages, you should file a claim with your primary insurance provider and American Express. American Express will cover the remaining costs if they are not covered by your primary insurance.

Can I use American Express car rental insurance for international rentals?

American Express car rental insurance is valid for rentals in the United States and most countries around the world. However, coverage may vary depending on the location, so it is important to check with American Express before renting a car internationally.

Can I cancel my enrollment in American Express car rental insurance?

Yes, you can cancel your enrollment in American Express car rental insurance at any time. Simply call the number on the back of your card and request to cancel the coverage.

Conclusion

American Express car rental insurance provides valuable coverage for travelers who rent cars frequently. With the right card, you can get primary or secondary coverage for damage or theft of the rental car, as well as coverage for related expenses. Always be sure to understand the specifics of the coverage provided by your American Express card and the rental car company before you rent a car.