Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

Car rental insurance can be a tricky business, and it’s essential to understand what coverage options are available to you before hitting the road. If you’re a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, you’re in luck – the card offers some of the most comprehensive car rental insurance on the market.

What is Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance?

Chase Reserve car rental insurance provides collision damage waiver (CDW) benefits for eligible car rentals made with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card. This benefit offers coverage for physical damages to the rental car, theft, and valid loss-of-use charges that are charged by the rental company in case the rental car is disabled and being repaired.

It’s essential to note that Chase Sapphire Reserve coverage is secondary insurance, meaning it only kicks in after other coverage options have been exhausted. However, it provides protection up to your car’s actual cash value, with a maximum limit of $75,000.

How to activate Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance

To activate Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance, you should use your Chase Sapphire Reserve card to pay for the rental car. It’s essential to decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) offered by the car rental agency. Additionally, you should inform the agency that you will be using your Chase Sapphire Reserve card for the rental transaction.

If you meet these requirements, your coverage will be activated automatically. You don’t need to enroll or pay any additional fees. Coverage expires when the rental period ends, up to 31 days.

What’s Covered by Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance?

Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance covers the following events:

Event
Details
Physical damage
Reimburses you for physical damages to the rental vehicle caused by a collision, theft, fire, vandalism, or flood. Coverage includes the deductible, towing charges, and reasonable expenses for loss-of-use charges, but not personal injury or liability costs.
Theft of the rental vehicle
Reimburses you for the actual cash value of the stolen rental car, less any recoverable amount. You must file a police report and cooperate with the rental car agency and insurance carrier’s investigation.

Note that Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance does not cover the following:

  • Injury to you, your passengers, the rental car agency employees, or other third parties.
  • Damages to other vehicles or property.
  • Expenses for loss-of-use charges over and above the amount the rental agency would have charged for the number of days the rental car was unusable, while being repaired or replaced.
  • Intentional or criminal acts, such as driving under the influence, racing, or driving off-road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance Cover Rentals Outside the US?

Yes, Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance covers rentals outside the US. However, coverage is limited to countries other than Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, and Ireland.

What Types of Rental Cars Are Covered by Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance?

Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance covers most rental cars, including passenger cars, vans, and SUVs. However, some types of vehicles are excluded, such as antique cars, two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles, mopeds), trailers, campers, and trucks

Can I Get Additional Coverage Beyond Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance?

Yes, you can purchase additional coverage options, such as liability insurance or personal accident insurance, from the rental car agency. However, it’s essential to contact your Chase Sapphire Reserve card issuer to confirm your coverages and ensure that you’re not paying for duplicate coverage.

Can I Use Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance for Business Travel?

Yes, you can use Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance for business travel, as it covers both personal and business rentals. However, it’s essential to confirm with your employer’s travel policy whether it allows using personal credit cards for business trips.

What Happens If I Have an Accident in a Rental Car?

If you have an accident in a rental car, you should:

  1. Notify the police and the rental car agency immediately.
  2. Obtain the rental car agency’s accident report form and complete it fully.
  3. Take photos of the damage to the rental car, if possible.
  4. Contact Chase Sapphire Reserve’s benefits administrator as soon as possible and provide all relevant information, such as the rental agreement, the rental car company’s accident report form, the police report, and any other supporting documentation.

Conclusion

Chase Reserve Car Rental Insurance provides valuable coverage for eligible car rentals made with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, including physical damage and theft. While it’s essential to understand its limitations and exclusions, it’s a significant benefit that can save you money in case of an accident or mishap.