Amex Car Rental Insurance: What You Need to Know

by

When renting a car, it’s important to have insurance to protect yourself and the vehicle. Many credit cards offer car rental insurance as a perk, and American Express is no exception. In this article, we’ll explore what Amex car rental insurance covers, how to qualify for coverage, and frequently asked questions about the program.

Table Contents show

What is Amex car rental insurance?

Amex car rental insurance is a benefit offered to cardholders that provides coverage for damage to a rental car. It can also cover theft or loss of the rented vehicle. This coverage is available for both business and personal rentals.

Amex car rental insurance is secondary insurance, meaning it only kicks in after your primary insurance has been exhausted. This can be helpful for travelers who don’t want to file a claim with their personal insurance or pay for the rental company’s insurance.

What types of Amex cards come with car rental insurance?

Most Amex cards offer car rental insurance, but the level of coverage and eligibility requirements vary by card. Below are some examples:

Card
Coverage Level
Eligibility Requirements
Amex Platinum
Primary coverage up to $75,000
Card must be in the name of the driver and match the name on the rental agreement
Amex Gold
Secondary coverage up to $50,000
Cardholder must decline the rental company’s insurance
Amex Green
Secondary coverage up to $50,000
Cardholder must decline the rental company’s insurance

It’s important to check your specific card’s terms and conditions to understand the level of coverage and eligibility requirements.

What does Amex car rental insurance cover?

Amex car rental insurance typically covers damage to the rental car, theft, and loss of use fees charged by the rental company while the car is being repaired. It may also cover towing fees and administrative fees charged by the rental company. Liability coverage is not included in Amex’s car rental insurance.

It’s important to note that coverage amounts and exclusions may vary by card, so be sure to read your specific card’s terms and conditions.

What’s not covered by Amex car rental insurance?

While Amex car rental insurance provides valuable coverage, there are some instances where it may not apply. Examples of situations where coverage may be excluded include:

  • Driving on unpaved roads or off-road
  • Intentional damage or theft
  • Using the rental car to transport goods or people for hire
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Violating the rental agreement

Again, it’s important to read your specific card’s terms and conditions to understand what’s covered and what’s not.

How do I qualify for Amex car rental insurance?

To qualify for Amex car rental insurance, you must:

  • Pay for the rental car with your Amex card
  • Decline the rental company’s insurance (if your card provides primary coverage, you may be required to decline the rental company’s insurance regardless)
  • Be the primary renter of the car and have your name on the rental agreement

It’s important to note that some card types, such as the Amex Platinum, may require the card to be in the name of the driver and match the name on the rental agreement.

How do I file a claim with Amex car rental insurance?

If you need to file a claim with Amex car rental insurance, you should contact the benefit administrator as soon as possible. The benefit administrator will provide instructions on what information is needed to file a claim.

Be sure to keep all receipts, rental agreements, and other documentation related to the rental car in case it’s needed to process your claim.

FAQ

What’s the difference between primary and secondary insurance?

Primary insurance is coverage that kicks in first in the event of an incident, meaning that you wouldn’t need to file a claim with your personal insurance or pay for the rental company’s insurance. Secondary insurance, like Amex car rental insurance, only provides coverage after your primary insurance has been exhausted.

Can I use Amex car rental insurance for international rentals?

Yes, Amex car rental insurance can be used for international rentals, as long as the rental agreement is in English and meets the eligibility requirements of your specific card.

Does Amex car rental insurance cover luxury or specialty vehicles?

Some Amex cards may provide coverage for luxury or specialty vehicles, while others may exclude them. Be sure to check your specific card’s terms and conditions.

Can authorized users on my Amex card use the car rental insurance?

It depends on the card. Some Amex cards allow authorized users to use the car rental insurance, while others do not. Be sure to check your specific card’s terms and conditions.

Is Amex car rental insurance the same as travel insurance?

No, Amex car rental insurance is a separate benefit from travel insurance, which provides coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other travel-related incidents.

Conclusion

Amex car rental insurance can provide valuable coverage for renters, but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of your specific card and the requirements for eligibility. By following the guidelines and using the benefit responsibly, cardholders can take advantage of the coverage and save money on rental car insurance.

Rekomendasi: