American Express Rental Car Insurance

Are you planning to rent a car for your next trip? If so, you may be wondering whether you need to purchase rental car insurance. One option you may want to consider is American Express rental car insurance. This article will provide an overview of American Express rental car insurance, including what it covers, how to use it, and frequently asked questions.

What is American Express Rental Car Insurance?

American Express rental car insurance is a benefit that comes with certain American Express credit cards. This benefit provides coverage for damage or theft of a rental car, as well as other expenses that may arise while using a rental car.

To be eligible for American Express rental car insurance, you must use your American Express card to pay for the rental car in full. Additionally, you must decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), which are typically offered by the rental car company.

Coverage

So, what exactly does American Express rental car insurance cover? Here are the key benefits:

Benefits
Coverage Amount
Primary coverage for damage or theft of rental car
Up to the actual cash value of the vehicle
Secondary coverage for damage or theft of rental car
Up to $50,000 per claim
Loss of use
Up to $500 per claim
Deductible
None

It’s important to note that American Express rental car insurance does not cover liability. This means that if you cause an accident while driving the rental car, you will be responsible for any damage or injuries to other people or their property.

How to Use American Express Rental Car Insurance

If you need to use American Express rental car insurance, here are the steps to follow:

  1. Before you rent the car, make sure that you are eligible for the insurance benefit by checking the terms and conditions of your American Express card.
  2. Use your American Express card to pay for the rental car in full.
  3. Decline the CDW or LDW offered by the rental car company.
  4. If the rental car is damaged or stolen, contact American Express as soon as possible to report the incident.
  5. Submit any required documentation, such as a police report or rental agreement.

Once your claim is approved, American Express will reimburse you for the cost of the damage or theft, up to the coverage amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Express rental car insurance better than the insurance offered by the rental car company?

It depends on your situation. American Express rental car insurance may be a better option if you have an American Express card that offers the benefit and you want to save money on insurance. However, if you don’t have an American Express card with the benefit or if you want more comprehensive coverage, you may want to consider the insurance offered by the rental car company.

What if I already purchased the CDW or LDW from the rental car company?

If you already purchased the CDW or LDW from the rental car company, you will not be eligible for American Express rental car insurance.

Does American Express rental car insurance cover all types of rental cars?

No, there are certain types of rental cars that are not covered by American Express rental car insurance, such as luxury cars, antique cars, and vans that seat more than 8 passengers.

What is the difference between primary and secondary coverage?

Primary coverage means that American Express rental car insurance will pay for any eligible expenses before any other insurance policy you have. Secondary coverage means that American Express rental car insurance will only pay for eligible expenses that are not covered by your other insurance policies.

Does American Express rental car insurance cover international rentals?

Yes, American Express rental car insurance covers rentals in most countries, but there are some exclusions. It’s important to check the terms and conditions of your American Express card to see if there are any restrictions on where you can use the benefit.

Conclusion

American Express rental car insurance can be a valuable benefit for anyone who rents cars frequently. By using your American Express card to pay for the rental car and declining the CDW or LDW, you can save money on insurance and have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of damage or theft. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions of your American Express card carefully to make sure you’re eligible for the benefit and to understand the coverage limits and exclusions.