American Express (Amex) cards are well-known for their premium rewards and travel perks, and one common question among cardholders is whether they offer rental car insurance. The short answer is: Yes, many American Express cards do offer rental car insurance, but it’s important to understand the details of this coverage.
Understanding American Express Rental Car Insurance
Amex provides car rental insurance as a benefit on many of their cards. This coverage can save you money and provide peace of mind when renting a vehicle, as it can potentially eliminate the need to purchase separate insurance from the rental car company. However, the specifics of the coverage can vary depending on the type of American Express card you have.
Types of Coverage
American Express typically offers two main types of rental car insurance coverage:
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver – CDW): This coverage protects you against damage to or theft of the rental vehicle. It’s often referred to as a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and can cover costs associated with repairs, towing, and loss of use charges from the rental company.
- Premium Car Rental Protection: For more comprehensive coverage, Amex offers a Premium Car Rental Protection plan as an optional add-on. This plan often provides broader coverage, including primary coverage, accidental death and dismemberment benefits, and coverage for personal property that is stolen or damaged within the rental car.
Primary vs. Secondary Coverage
It’s crucial to understand whether your Amex card provides primary or secondary rental car insurance:
- Secondary Coverage: Most Amex cards offer secondary coverage. This means that if you have a claim, Amex will only pay for damages after your personal auto insurance (if you have one) has paid its limits. Secondary coverage can still be valuable as it can cover your deductible and any costs not covered by your primary insurance.
- Primary Coverage (with Premium Plan): The optional Premium Car Rental Protection plan from Amex typically provides primary coverage. Primary coverage is generally more desirable because it means you don’t have to file a claim with your personal auto insurance first, potentially avoiding premium increases.
How to Utilize Amex Rental Car Insurance
To take advantage of your Amex card’s rental car insurance benefits, you generally need to:
- Pay for the rental car with your eligible American Express card. This is usually a requirement to activate the coverage.
- Decline the rental car company’s collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW). By declining the rental company’s insurance, you are relying on your Amex coverage.
- Review your card’s Benefit Guide: It’s essential to read the terms and conditions of your specific Amex card’s rental car insurance policy to understand the exact coverage limits, exclusions, and claim procedures. You can typically find this information in your card’s Benefit Guide or by contacting American Express directly.
Which American Express Cards Offer Rental Car Insurance?
Many American Express cards include rental car insurance, but it’s not a universal benefit. Cards that commonly offer this perk include:
- American Express Platinum Card
- American Express Gold Card
- American Express Green Card
- Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards
- Hilton Honors American Express Cards
- Marriott Bonvoy American Express Cards
It’s always best to verify the specific benefits of your individual American Express card by checking your cardmember agreement or contacting Amex directly, as benefits can change over time and may vary between card versions.
Conclusion
American Express cards can indeed offer valuable rental car insurance, providing potential savings and protection when you rent a car. By understanding the type of coverage offered by your specific Amex card and how to utilize it correctly, you can confidently decline expensive rental company insurance and enjoy the benefits that come with your American Express membership. Always remember to review your card’s terms and conditions to ensure you are fully informed about your coverage before you rent.
