Chase Car Rental Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

Renting a car is a convenient way to get around when you are traveling, but it can come with a lot of uncertainties. One of the biggest uncertainties is how to ensure the car you are renting is covered by insurance. Many people opt for the insurance offered by the car rental company, but did you know that some credit cards offer rental car insurance as well?

What is Chase Car Rental Insurance?

Chase offers car rental insurance as a benefit to its cardholders. This insurance provides coverage for the rental car in case of theft or damage. To be eligible for this coverage, you need to use your Chase credit card to pay for the rental, decline the rental company’s insurance, and be the primary renter on the car.

The coverage provided by Chase car rental insurance varies depending on the type of Chase card you have. Some cards offer primary coverage, which means the Chase insurance is the first line of defense in case of an accident, while others offer secondary coverage, which means the Chase insurance only kicks in after your personal insurance has been exhausted.

Types of Chase Cards that Offer Car Rental Insurance

Not every Chase card offers car rental insurance, but many do. The following are some of the cards that offer this benefit:

Card Name
Type of Coverage
Annual Fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Primary
$95
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Primary
$550
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Secondary
$0

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers primary car rental insurance. This means that if your rental car is stolen or damaged, the Chase insurance will cover it before your personal insurance kicks in. The coverage is valid for up to 31 days and covers up to the cash value of the car.

To be eligible for this coverage, you need to decline the rental company’s insurance and pay for the rental with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You also need to be the primary renter on the car and use it for personal use only (not for business).

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has an annual fee of $95.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also offers primary car rental insurance. The coverage is similar to that offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, but it includes some additional benefits, such as coverage for high-end and exotic cars.

To be eligible for this coverage, you need to decline the rental company’s insurance and pay for the rental with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card. You also need to be the primary renter on the car and use it for personal use only (not for business).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a higher annual fee of $550.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers secondary car rental insurance. This means that the Chase insurance will only kick in after your personal insurance has been exhausted. The coverage is valid for up to 31 days and covers up to the cash value of the car.

To be eligible for this coverage, you need to decline the rental company’s insurance and pay for the rental with your Chase Freedom Unlimited card. You also need to be the primary renter on the car and use it for personal use only (not for business).

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card has no annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chase car rental insurance cover?

Chase car rental insurance covers the rental car in case of theft or damage. The coverage is valid for up to 31 days and covers up to the cash value of the car. The specific coverage provided may vary depending on the type of Chase card you have.

Do I need to pay for the rental with my Chase card?

Yes, to be eligible for Chase car rental insurance, you need to pay for the rental with your Chase credit card.

Do I need to decline the rental company’s insurance?

Yes, to be eligible for Chase car rental insurance, you need to decline the rental company’s insurance.

What if I have personal car insurance?

If you have personal car insurance, it will cover the rental car as well. However, if you use your personal insurance, you may be responsible for paying the deductible and your rates may go up. Using Chase car rental insurance can help you avoid these costs.

What if I am renting the car for business use?

Chase car rental insurance is only valid for personal use. If you are renting the car for business use, you will need to purchase insurance from the rental company or your employer.

What if the rental period is longer than 31 days?

Chase car rental insurance is only valid for up to 31 days. If you need coverage for a longer period, you will need to purchase insurance from the rental company.

Conclusion

Chase car rental insurance can be a great benefit for Chase cardholders who rent cars frequently. It can help you save money on insurance costs and give you peace of mind when you are on the road. However, it is important to understand the limitations and requirements of the coverage before relying on it. If you have any further questions about Chase car rental insurance, contact Chase customer service for more information.