When it comes to renting a car, it’s important to ensure that you have rental insurance for protection. American Express (Amex), a renowned name in the world of finance, offers a range of benefits and perks to its cardholders, and this include rental car insurance. But what exactly does Amex rental car insurance entail, and how can it safeguard your travel plans? This guide explains these and everything you need to know about Amex rental car insurance with apt clarity.
What Amex Rental Car Insurance is About
American Express (Amex) rental car insurance, often referred to as “Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance,” is a valuable benefit offered to cardholders of select American Express credit cards. This insurance coverage can save you money and provide peace of mind when you rent a car. It protects you from the financial burden of repair costs or replacement of a rental car in case of damage or theft.
How Does Amex Rental Car Insurance Work?
To access Amex’s rental car insurance, you need to pay for the entire car rental using your eligible Amex card. Then choose the type of coverage you want. Amex generally provides two primary types of rental car insurance. The first is a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and the second is liability insurance. CDW coverage protects you from paying for damage to or theft of the rental vehicle. While liability insurance offers secondary liability coverage, which can help cover costs if you’re involved in an accident and are found responsible for damage to another person’s property or injuries. Amex’s coverage may not apply in certain situations, such as rentals exceeding a specified number of days or specific types of vehicles (e.g., luxury or exotic cars). Therefore review your card’s terms and conditions to understand these exclusions.
Once you experience an incident during your rental, you’ll need to report it to Amex as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claim process, which involves submitting some documents. Examples of such documents include your rental agreement, incident report, and repair estimates.
What is Covered?
As much as your Amex card can cover your car rental insurance, it’s recommended to review the specific terms and conditions of your individual credit card. It will help you ascertain the extent and nature of the coverage it provides. This is because there’ll definitely be a limit on what your card can cover or not cover. Generally, the following expenses are expected to be covered with Amex rental car insurance:
- Provides coverage to cardmember, cardmember, their spouse or domestic partner, and any authorized drivers who are specifically listed on the rental agreement.
- American Express provides a premium car insurance option that incurs an extra fixed fee per rental. The coverage offered is limited to a maximum of $100,000 and excludes vehicles rented in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Israel, Italy, or Jamaica.
- Reimbursement for repairs resulting from damage or theft. Amex rental car insurance provides reimbursement for repairs ranging from $50,000 to $75,000. The actual cash value of the rental vehicle, whichever is lower.
- This insurance policy offers supplementary coverage subsequent to any existing primary insurance policies you possess.
- Expenses incurred beyond the scope of repair, such as essential towing expenses or appraisal fees.
- In the event that the maximum benefits provided by your car insurance policy are exhausted, it is possible for your Amex car rental insurance to assume responsibility for any additional expenses incurred.
What’s Not Covered?
Generally, Amex car rental insurance has certain limitations. It’s advisable to thoroughly examine the terms and conditions of your American Express car rental insurance policy, as there could potentially be additional exclusions that warrant careful consideration. Furthermore, American Express (Amex) retains the authority to modify these terms at its discretion and without prior notice. Familiarizing yourself with these terms will help to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your rental period. The following are some of what most Amex rental car insurance doesn’t cover:
- The coverage does not extend to vehicles rented from moving companies, auto dealerships, auto body repair shops, or vehicle sharing companies.
- Vehicles like the following: vans, commercial vehicles, trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or any vehicle not provided by the rental company.
- The American Express car rental insurance policy does not provide coverage for losses incurred as a result of engaging in illegal activities or intentionally consuming drugs.
- The insurance policy does not provide coverage for vehicles that are rented in New Zealand, Australia, Italy, or any country that is subject to comprehensive sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
How to Get Coverage
To initiate coverage for your Amex car rental insurance, simply make a reservation for a rental car and fully pay for its cost using your eligible Amex card. Make sure you decline comprehensive collision damage waiver and any comparable rental car coverage. After completing the aforementioned steps and formally agreeing to the rental terms, you will assume ownership of the vehicle and gain access to the benefits provided by your Amex car rental insurance.
One of the significant advantages of Amex rental car insurance is that it’s often provided as a complimentary benefit to cardholders. However, it’s essential to review your specific card’s terms, as some premium Amex cards may offer enhanced coverage for an additional fee
How to File a Claim
The process of filing a claim for Amex car rental insurance is straightforward.
Simply visit americanexpress.com/protectionbenefits or contact their customer service hotline at 1-800-338-1670. For individuals located outside the United States, please initiate a collect call by dialing 1-303-273-6497. The task should be completed promptly, with a maximum timeframe of 30 days from the occurrence of the loss.
When you receive a claim form, fill it out and provide responses to all inquiries. In the event that you do not receive a response within a 15-day period subsequent to filing your claim, it is advisable to compose a written correspondence to the relevant party. Also, it is essential to provide a comprehensive account of the covered event as well as furnish the pertinent details pertaining to your claim. Most often, you’ll provide the following:
- Applicable police report
- Driver’s license
- Car insurance coverage
- Repair bill
- Charge slip
- Rental agreement
Upon receiving all the necessary information and completing the claim processing, American Express (AmEx) will disburse the entitled benefits to the claimant within a period of 30 days. The stipulations are applicable.
Do I Get Rental Car Insurance with my American Express card?
Sure, you do. But do ensure you know what the card covers and what it doesn’t.
Does American Express Automatically Cover Car Rental Insurance?
Several American Express (AmEx) credit cards offer travel insurance as a benefit, providing coverage in the event of unforeseen incidents. In addition to several advantages, American Express (AmEx) offers complimentary rental automobile insurance to its cardholders, though with varying coverage levels contingent upon the specific card held.
How Do I Activate my American Express Car Rental Insurance?
You must reserve and pay for the entire cost of a rental automobile using your qualified Amex card to activate coverage for your Amex car rental insurance. In addition, you must decline a complete collision damage waiver and related rental car coverage.
Is it Smart to Pay Rent with Amex?
Paying your rent with a credit card might be a strategy to get extra time to pay or accrue points, even if just temporarily. However, it may not be worthwhile to put rent payments on a credit card. As a general rule, the benefits you reap should balance the costs you pay for using your credit card.
Does AmEx Blue Cover Car Rental?
Yes, the travel insurance provided by the American Express Blue Card includes rental car insurance and access to the Global Assist Hotline. Rental car insurance covers damage to and theft of rental cars, with coverage up to $75,000 per vehicle.
Does AmEx Platinum have primary CDW?
Yes, Amex platinum have primary CDW in its rental car insurance policy.
Does Tesla Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
Tesla insurance provides model-specific coverage with accompanying insurance, including liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured driver protection. Additionally, the organization provides add-on options such as glass and rental car coverage.
What Does AmEx Rental Car Insurance Cover?
The following are some of some of what AmEx rental car insurance doesn’t cover:
- The coverage does not extend to vehicles rented from moving companies, auto dealerships, auto body repair shops, or vehicle sharing companies.
- Vehicles like the following: vans, commercial vehicles, trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or any vehicle not provided by the rental company.
- The American Express car rental insurance policy does not provide coverage for losses incurred as a result of engaging in illegal activities or intentionally consuming drugs.
- The insurance policy does not provide coverage for vehicles that are rented in New Zealand, Australia, Italy, or any country that is subject to comprehensive sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Does Hertz accept American Express?
Yes, Hertz accepts American Express in addition to the following cards Visa, Mastercard, Diner’s Club, and Hertz Charge Card
Final Thought
In conclusion, Amex rental car insurance can be a valuable asset for cardholders, potentially saving you money and stress when renting a vehicle. However, it’s vital to read the fine print, understand your card’s coverage, and be aware of any limitations or exclusions to ensure you make the most of this benefit during your travels. It’s important to understand the specifics of your Amex rental car insurance so you know what’s covered and what’s not. Before renting a car, call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card to confirm your coverage and get any additional information you may need. Additionally, consider reading your credit card’s guide to benefits for detailed information on the rental car insurance terms and conditions. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions when renting a car and protect your finances during your travels.
- THE MAIN TYPES OF CAR INSURANCE COVERAGES: 2023 Update
- HOW TO GET YOUR PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE ID CARD
- HOW TO GET PROOF OF CAR INSURANCE: Explained!
- PRIMARY INSURANCE: What Is It & How Does It Work?
References
