Guides / Renting a car
Credit card rental car coverage
Primary vs. secondary coverage, the rules to qualify and the usual exclusions.
Many credit cards include rental car damage coverage as a benefit. It can be valuable, but only if you follow the card's rules exactly.
Primary or secondary?
- Secondary coverage pays after your personal auto insurance, often covering your deductible
- Primary coverage pays first, so you may not need to involve your own insurer
Typical rules
- Pay for the entire rental with that card
- Decline the rental company's collision damage waiver
- Rent in the cardholder's name; additional drivers may need to be listed
- Stay within maximum rental length
Common exclusions
- Liability (damage or injury to others) is usually not covered
- Certain vehicles: exotic cars, large vans, trucks
- Some countries
- Long rentals beyond a set number of days
Before you travel
Read your card's guide to benefits or call the benefits line, and ask for a letter of coverage if you're renting abroad; some counters ask for one.
Educational information, not insurance or legal advice. Confirm coverage with your insurer, card issuer and rental company. Global Auto Coverage is not an insurer, broker or rental company and takes no referral fees.