When you’re ready to rent a car, you may be curious if you can get insurance for it.
Rental agencies may ask you if you want to add car rental protection to your bill, and buying it could seem like a good idea. But if you have a travel credit card, you likely already have some level of rental car insurance available — and at no extra cost to you.
Some of our favorite rewards credit cards include a collision damage waiver when you use the card to pay for your car rental. This waiver can cover rental car accidents, theft or damage.
Let’s dive into this benefit and introduce you to some of the best cards out there with rental car insurance.
How does credit card rental car insurance work?
Among the most important factors here is making sure you pay for the entire car rental bill with a credit card that has an auto collision damage waiver included in its benefits. You’ll also want to decline any insurance offer from your rental car company.
Of course, terms and conditions vary, so always check your card’s specific policies before you rent. This way, you’ll know what’s covered and what’s not if you run into a problem.
If you don’t follow these requirements, your credit card car rental insurance won’t take effect.
Related: All you need to know about using a debit card to rent a car
What is and isn’t covered
The car rental insurance from your credit card is technically called an “auto rental collision damage waiver.” This benefit provides reimbursement for damage due to collision or theft — up to the actual cash value of most vehicles.
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While some cards also cover loss-of-use and towing charges assessed by the rental company, policies from other credit cards only cover physical damage or theft of the rental vehicle. Knowing what your card will cover is important before you use it.
Additionally, some rental types and locations may not be eligible for coverage. Keep the following provisions in mind if you rely on credit card car rental insurance benefits:
- Liability insurance isn’t included: Your card’s benefits may cover damage to your rental car, but they won’t cover damage you cause to other vehicles and personal property. This insurance also won’t cover injuries to you and/or others involved in an incident.
- Not all car types are covered: You won’t need to worry about this if you stick to the standard categories of car rentals (compact, intermediate and full size). However, the policy may not cover you if you rent a specialty vehicle, such as a large passenger van, pickup truck, antique vehicle, RV or motorcycle. Leases, microleases and rentals through person-to-person car-sharing companies, such as Turo, are often also excluded.
- Some countries are excluded: This list varies from card to card and issuer to issuer. Before traveling, call the customer service number on your card to ensure your destination is covered when renting a car outside the United States.
- There’s a limit on the number of days: Credit card insurance often won’t apply to long-term rentals. Check your policy on this. Most cover 30 days, but this varies.
If you have doubts about your car’s eligibility, it’s best practice to call the customer service number on your card. You can get more information and confirm that your policy covers your rental vehicle type in the country you’ll be visiting.
Related: My experience with Turo: Car rental convenience at a great price
Primary vs. secondary car rental insurance
Another important distinction is the difference between primary and secondary car rental insurance, as your card could offer one type or the other. Both types of insurance usually have maximum coverage amounts, so make sure these meet or exceed the total value of the car you’re renting.
If you get into an accident with your rental car and have primary insurance, you only need to file one claim. Generally, primary insurance will reimburse you for the rental car’s cash value or the cost to repair it — whichever is less.
Secondary insurance is different because it only reimburses you for the amount not covered by other types of insurance, such as travel insurance or personal car insurance. However, if you don’t own a car or carry a car insurance policy, most secondary insurance from credit cards will become primary.
The secondary insurance offered by your credit card benefits would cover any expenses remaining to be paid, such as deductibles on those other policies. You’ll have to file claims with multiple companies (including your credit card) to get everything covered.
Related: 11 common rental car mistakes — and how to avoid them
The best credit cards for rental car insurance
Now that you know how rental car insurance works with a credit card, let’s examine the best cards that offer this benefit.
The following cards offer primary car rental insurance on most rentals:
| Card | Welcome offer | Annual fee | Rental car insurance details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | $550 | Primary car rental insurance for rentals in most countries, covering rentals of up to 31 consecutive days |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | $95 | Primary car rental insurance for rentals in most countries, covering rentals of up to 31 consecutive days |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | $395 | Coverage that may reimburse you for damages caused by theft or collision when you rent for up to 15 consecutive days in your country of residence or up to 31 consecutive days in other countries |
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening | $95 | Primary coverage related to physical damage or theft of the rental vehicle, valid loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and reasonable and customary towing charges |
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | Earn up to $750 bonus cash back; earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 in the first six months after account opening | $0 | Primary coverage related to physical damage or theft of the rental vehicle, valid loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and reasonable and customary towing charges |
| Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening | $0 | Primary coverage related to physical damage or theft of the rental vehicle, valid loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and reasonable and customary towing charges |
| United℠ Explorer Card | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95 | Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less |
| United Quest℠ Card | Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier Qualifying Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | $250 | Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | $525 | Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less |
| United℠ Business Card | Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open | $99 | Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less |
While most American Express cards offer secondary rental car insurance (more on that below), you can actually get primary car insurance with your Amex if the car is enrolled in the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection program. Note that enrollment is required in advance for some of these benefits.
This program allows you to add a policy that provides primary car rental insurance to your eligible Amex card for a small fee.
You can expect to receive a secondary car rental insurance benefit with these cards:
| Card | Welcome offer | Annual fee | Rental car insurance details |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express* | Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership | $695 (see rates and fees) | Secondary coverage in the event of theft or damage to a rental car in a covered territory |
| American Express® Gold Card | Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership | $325 (see rates and fees) | Secondary coverage in the event of theft or damage to a rental car in a covered territory |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card* | Earn 95,000 bonus points after using your card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership | $650 (see rates and fees) | Secondary coverage in the event of theft or damage to a rental car in a covered territory |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Earn 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership. Plus, a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year. | $95 | Coverage is available to those approved for a Visa Signature card when you rent within your country of residence |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening | $0 | Coverage is available to those approved for a Visa Signature card when you rent within your country of residence |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | $0 | Coverage provides reimbursement for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles, secondary to your personal insurance |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Earn an additional 1.5% on all purchases up to $20,000 spent in the first year — a value of up to $300 cash back | $0 | Coverage provides reimbursement for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles, secondary to your personal insurance |
Three popular American Express cards are highlighted in the chart above, but most American Express cards offer secondary car rental insurance — these three cards are not the only Amex cards that come with this perk.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Related: Everything you need to know about Amex’s Premium Global Assistance and trip insurance benefits
Top cards with primary car rental insurance
These cards offer primary car rental insurance, as long as you use your card to pay for the entire rental. Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list. You may find other cards offering primary insurance.
Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred provide primary car rental insurance for rentals in most countries, covering rentals of up to 31 consecutive days. This policy covers theft, damage, valid loss-of-use charges, administrative fees and reasonable towing charges due to covered theft or damage.
Policy details vary slightly between the two cards, though. For details, read the full benefits guides at the following links:
In addition to rental car benefits, the Sapphire Reserve provides perks like up to $300 in annual travel credits, Priority Pass Select membership, best-in-class travel protections and an up-to-$120 application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus every four years.
Meanwhile, the Sapphire Preferred Card is easily among the best travel rewards cards with a sub-$100 annual fee. This card includes benefits like a 10% points bonus on your cardmember anniversary and a $50 annual hotel credit for stays booked through Chase Travel℠.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers an auto rental collision damage waiver that may reimburse you for damages caused by theft or collision up to the actual cash value of your rental vehicle — up to $75,000.
You are only eligible for insurance when you rent for up to 15 consecutive days in your country of residence or up to 31 consecutive days in other countries.
In addition, you can even stack rental car perks with Hertz when renting through the Capital One Travel portal.*
The card has a $395 annual fee but offers various perks, including a $300 annual credit when booking through Capital One Travel, access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges, anniversary bonus miles and at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note that enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Ink Business cards from Chase
Three of the Ink Business cards from Chase offer primary insurance for most vehicles.
This credit card rental car insurance provides reimbursement for charges related to physical damage or theft of the rental vehicle, valid loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and reasonable and customary towing charges.
You’ll only be covered by primary insurance while renting primarily for business purposes, renting outside your country of residence for personal reasons or if you do not have automobile insurance. Conversely, if you rent for personal reasons in your country of residence and have automobile insurance already, you’ll only get secondary insurance.
Unfortunately, both the Ink Business Cash and the Ink Business Unlimited charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. There are no foreign transaction fees on the Ink Business Preferred.
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred
Apply here: Ink Business Cash
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited
United Airlines cards
The United credit cards offer primary car rental insurance, assuming you decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card.
This insurance provides reimbursement of up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less.
These United credit cards have various annual fees and offer multiple perks for those loyal to the carrier. You can earn miles to use for United flights, spend toward elite status or even receive lounge access for the higher-annual-fee United Club Infinite Card.
Apply here: United Explorer Card
Apply here: United Quest Card
Apply here: United Club Infinite Card
Apply here: United Business Card
Top cards with secondary car rental insurance
If you don’t have a credit card that offers primary car rental insurance, your next best bet is a card that provides secondary insurance. Many credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, so we’ve only highlighted a few of our favorite options.
American Express cards
Most American Express cards offer secondary car rental insurance.*
This list includes popular cards like The Platinum Card from American Express, American Express Gold Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. If you don’t need primary insurance, you can use one of these cards and decline the rental company’s insurance.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Related: Your complete guide to travel protections on American Express cards
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offer car rental collision damage waiver insurance.
Insurance is secondary when you rent within your country of residence and primary when you rent outside of it. However, benefits are available only on accounts approved for the Visa Signature card, and terms apply.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Learn more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited
If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee credit card that offers secondary car rental insurance, the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited merit attention.
These cards provide insurance for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad. Insurance within your country of residence is secondary; insurance outside your country of residence is primary.
Although neither card has an annual fee, both cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. Thus, using these cards to pay for a car rental outside the U.S. would add damage protections but increase your rental cost.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Bottom line
Many consumers focus on the number of points they can earn and redeem when choosing a travel rewards card, but travel protections such as rental car insurance can also provide significant value.
However, reviewing your card’s policy details is essential to understand what is (and isn’t) covered. Don’t assume you’re covered for every possible mishap when you pay for a car rental with a credit card that offers insurance, as many exceptions and exclusions apply.
Ensure you know the details and how they relate to your rental location, vehicle type, length of rental period and other important issues so you won’t be surprised by a bill if your rental car has a problem.
Related: Readers say this credit card insurance provider isn’t reliable: Here’s what you need to know
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Brilliant Amex, click here.