Credit Cards That Offer Car Rental Coverage: Policies Listed by Issuer

Lindsey Desmet headshot Lindsey Desmet
Jul 7, 2022
Rental cars parked in an agency lot

Car rental companies typically offer optional collision damage waivers at an added cost, but that coverage might not be necessary if you have a credit card that offers car rental coverage.

Many credit cards offer rental car damage and loss coverage to cardholders — and it’s available free of charge as a benefit of owning the card.

Below, we explain how credit card coverage for rental cars works and list the credit cards that offer coverage (plus those that don’t).

How Credit Card Car Rental Coverage Works

Credit cards offer various benefits to cardholders at no additional cost, from concierge services to discounts. Car rental collision and damage waivers are common credit card perks.

Many credit card issuers offer this coverage through the major credit card networks — American Express, Mastercard, and Visa.

However, note that the coverage details and restrictions vary by card, and not every card includes coverage.

When available, car rental coverage through your credit card is usually secondary to any coverage provided by your personal automobile insurance (or your employer’s, if you’re traveling for work).

It can reimburse you for expenses up to the value of the rental vehicle or the actual cost of repair after you’ve used up your personal insurance.

How to Use Rental Coverage Benefits

To use credit card car rental protection, you usually need to rent the car in your own name and pay for the full rental with that specific credit card. All of the credit card issuers on our list require this.

You’ll also need to decline any collision damage waivers (CDWs) or secondary insurance that the car rental agency offers during booking.

You don’t need to notify your credit card company that you’re renting the vehicle. If you fulfill the card’s coverage requirements, your benefits will automatically apply.

Credit Card Benefits vs. Rental Agency Coverage

If your credit card doesn’t offer rental car coverage and you’re a frequent renter, it might be worthwhile to open a credit card that offers protection.

Secondary insurance or CDW coverage from rental agencies can cost up to $50 per day or more depending on the vehicle class and level of coverage,[1][2][3] while credit card benefits are complimentary.

Keep in mind that many credit cards have annual fees, which may cost more than you’ll save on rental coverage each year.

Remember, also, that it isn’t a good idea to open a new credit card if you’re unable to pay back your purchases. Overspending and missed payments can negatively impact your credit score.

However, if you rent vehicles several times per year, compare the costs and determine which option makes the most financial sense for you.

The List

Below, we list the major U.S. credit card issuers that offer rental car insurance coverage.

We confirmed this information by viewing policy documents from each issuer and contacting their customer service and benefits departments.

American Express logo

American Express

  • Participating cards: All American Express credit cards, including Gold, Green, Platinum, Amex EveryDay, Blue Cash, Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and Cash Magnet cards[4][5]
  • Length of coverage: Up to 30 consecutive days per rental agreement[6][7]
  • Limits:
    • Up to $75,000 for damage or theft of the rental vehicle
    • Up to $300,000 per incident in case of accidental death ($200,000 per card member and $20,000 per passenger)
    • Up to $5,000 per claimant in the case of accidental injury
    • Up to $2,000 per incident ($1,000 per claimant) in personal property coverage[6][7]
  • Who it covers:
    • The cardholder, their spouse or domestic partner, and any authorized drivers listed in the rental agreement for rental vehicle damage or theft
    • The cardholder, authorized drivers, and passengers for accidental death, dismemberment, injury, or personal property claims[6][7]
  • Exclusions:
    • Rentals in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand
    • Purchases using non-American Express loyalty programs, such as airline carrier frequent flyer miles
    • Incidents in which the renter violates the terms and conditions of the rental agreement or causes intentional damage
    • Expenses covered by the renter’s personal vehicle insurer, employer, or employer’s insurer
    • Manufacturing defects in the rental vehicle or normal wear and tear
    • Items stolen from an unsecured (unlocked) rental vehicle
    • Damage and preexisting medical conditions that occurred prior to renting the vehicle
    • Illegal activity, intoxication, or acting under the influence of any substance
    • Cargo vans, custom vans, limousines, commercial vehicles, vans that seat more than eight passengers, box trucks, and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more
    • Off-road vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, RVs, golf carts, campers, and trailers
    • Vehicles that are at least 20 years old
    • Moving van rental companies
    • Rentals from auto dealerships or auto body repair shops
    • Peer-to-peer and vehicle-sharing services[6][7]
  • How to activate:
    • Reserve and pay for the entire rental using your American Express card.
    • Decline any coverage options offered by the rental company, including full collision damage waiver (CDW), personal accident insurance, personal property coverage, or similar coverage.[6][7]
  • How to file a claim: Online or by phone at (800) 338-1670; must file within 30 days of the loss and provide proof of loss within 60 days[6][7]

Bank of America logo

Bank of America

  • Participating cards: All Bank of America credit cards; coverage is provided by the card networks Mastercard and Visa.[8]
  • Length of coverage: Up to 15 days within your country of residence and 31 days worldwide with Visa; 15 days with Mastercard[9][10]
  • Limits: Usually up to the rental card’s cash value[8]
  • Who it covers:
    • The cardholder, who should also be the primary car renter
    • Additional drivers authorized by the rental agreement[9][10]
  • Exclusions:
    • Car rentals in Israel, Jamaica, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland
    • Expensive, exotic, and antique cars
    • Vans designed for large-group transportation (9+ people)
    • Intentional damage, damage associated with reckless driving, or violations of the rental agreement
    • Regular wear and tear or gradual deterioration
    • Off-road vehicle operation
    • Expenses reimbursable by your personal insurance or employer’s insurance
    • Leases, mini-leases, and peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms[9][11][12]
  • How to activate:
    • Use your Bank of America card to initiate and complete your car rental transaction; you must pay with the whole transaction using your Bank of America card.[8][9][10]
    • Decline the rental agency’s collision protection (CDW/LDW) options.[9][10]
  • How to file a claim: Online or by phone at (800) 348-8472; you must report the incident within 45 days with Visa and 60 days with Mastercard.[9][10]

Capital One logo

Capital One

  • Participating cards: All Capital One credit cards; coverage is provided through Visa and Mastercard.[13][14]
  • Length of coverage: Varies by card; usually up to 15 days within the U.S. and 31 days abroad with Visa[15] or up to 31 days with Mastercard[16]
  • Limits: Up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for most rental cars[13][15][16]
  • Who it covers:
    • The cardholder
    • Authorized drivers as designated by the rental agreement[15][16]
  • Exclusions:
    • Car rentals originating in Israel, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, or Jamaica
    • Expensive and exotic vehicles, such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Porsche
    • Vehicles over 20 years old
    • Antique vehicles that haven’t been manufactured for ten years or more
    • Vans that seat more than eight people, including the driver
    • Leases and mini-leases, including peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platforms
    • Campers, RVs, and off-road vehicles
    • Theft or damage resulting from the renter’s lack of care (such as leaving the vehicle unlocked or running while unattended)[13][15][16]
  • How to activate:
    • Initiate and pay for your complete rental transaction with your Capital One credit card.
    • Decline any collision damage waivers or supplementary insurance offered by the rental agency.[13][15][16]
  • How to file a claim: By phone at (800) 397-9010 (U.S.) or (303) 967-1093 (international) with Visa;[15] online or by phone at (888) 531-4227 with Mastercard.[16] Note that you must report the incident within 45 days if you have a Visa card and 60 days if you have a Mastercard.[15][16]

Chase Bank logo

Chase

  • Participating cards: Freedom, Sapphire, Slate, Aeroplan, Southwest, and United cards[17][18]
  • Length of coverage: Up to 30 consecutive days per rental period[18][19][20]
  • Limits: Up to the cash value of the rental vehicle[18][19][20]
  • Who it covers:
    • The cardholder
    • Additional drivers listed on the rental agreement[18][19][20]
  • Exclusions:
    • Expensive and exotic vehicles
    • Antique vehicles
    • Vans designed to carry more than nine people
    • Vehicles with open cargo beds
    • Trucks
    • Motorcycles, mopeds, and motorbikes
    • Limousines
    • RVs
    • Expenses reimbursed by personal or employer auto insurance policies
    • Violations of your rental agreement
    • Loss or theft of personal belongings
    • Leases and mini-leases, including peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platforms[18][19][20]
  • How to activate:
    • Book and pay for the entire rental with your Chase credit card.
    • Decline the rental agency’s collision/loss damage waiver.[18][19][20][21]
  • How to file a claim: Online or by phone at the number listed in your Guide to Benefits; you must notify the benefits administrator of the incident within 60 days and submit all required documents within 365 days.[18][19][20]

Citibank logo

Citibank

  • Participating cards: Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi; Citibank has discontinued the rental car coverage benefits for all of its other credit cards.[22]
  • Length of coverage: Up to 13 consecutive days per rental agreement[23]
  • Limits: Up to $50,000 or the cash value of the car (whichever is less)[24]
  • Who it covers:
    • The cardholder
    • Any authorized driver with a valid driver’s license who is listed on the rental agreement[24]
  • Exclusions:
    • Vehicles rented from car-sharing companies
    • Rental vehicles used as cars for hire
    • Violations of the rental agreement (such as reckless driving)[23]
  • How to activate:
    • Pay for the full rental with your Costco Anywhere Visa Card
    • Decline any collision loss or damage coverage offered by the rental agency[24][23]
  • How to file a claim: Online or by phone at (866) 918-4670;[24] you should file the claim as soon as possible after the incident and return all required documents within 180 days of the incident.[23]

Fifth Third Bank logo

Fifth Third Bank

  • Participating cards: Private Bank Card[25][26]
  • Length of coverage: Up to 31 consecutive days[27]
  • Limits: The actual repair amount or value of the vehicle (less salvage and depreciation)[27]
  • Who it covers:
    • The cardholder
    • Authorized drivers as designated in the rental agreement[27]
  • Exclusions:
    • Antique vehicles
    • Trucks, pickups, cargo vans, and full-size vans mounted on truck chassis
    • Campers, off-road vehicles, and recreational vehicles
    • Sport utility trucks with open flatbeds (such as Chevy Avalanche, GMC Envoy, and Cadillac Escalade EXT)
    • Motorbikes and motorcycles
    • Trailers
    • Any vehicle with less than four wheels[27]
  • How to activate:
    • Initiate and pay for your entire rental with your Private Bank Card
    • Decline any optional collision coverage the rental company offers[27]
  • How to file a claim: Online or by phone at (866) 488-0017; note that you must report the incident within 60 days.[27]

Navy Federal Credit Union logo

Navy Federal Credit Union

  • Participating cards: cashRewards Cash Back Credit Card, Platinum Credit Card, GO REWARDS, Visa Signature Flagship Rewards, More Rewards American Express, nRewards Secured Credit Card[28][29]
  • Length of coverage:
    • Up to 31 consecutive days per rental with the More Rewards American Express card[30]
    • Up to 15 consecutive days with an NFCU Mastercard;[31]
    • Up to 15 days domestically and 31 days abroad with an NFCU Visa card[32]
  • Limits: Generally up to the actual cash value of the rental vehicle or the actual repair amount[30][32][31]
  • Who it covers:
    • The cardholder
    • Additional drivers authorized by the rental agreement[30][32][31]
  • Exclusions:
    • Rentals originating in Israel, Jamaica, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland
    • High-value, limited-edition, antique, or collector-type vehicles
    • Trucks, RVs, campers, off-road vehicles, pickups, limousines, and mini-buses
    • Motorcycles, mopeds, and motorbikes
    • Rental vehicles used as cars for hire
    • Dishonest, fraudulent, or criminal acts by the renter
    • Intentional damage to the vehicle by the renter
    • Normal wear and tear
    • Leases and mini-leases (such as car-sharing services)[30][32][31]
  • How to activate:
    • Charge the entire rental fee to your eligible Navy Federal Credit Union credit card.
    • Reject the rental agency’s damage or loss protection.[30][32][31]
  • How to file a claim: Notify the benefits administrator within 45 days of the incident (or 60 days with Mastercard) by calling the following number, depending on  your card:[30][32][31]
    • NFCU Mastercards: (800) 627-8372
    • NFCU Visa cards: (800) 348-8472
    • More Rewards American Express: (855) 351-6575

USAA logo

USAA

US Bank logo

U.S. Bank

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