Top 3 Benefits of Using Your Credit Card for Car Rentals

Understanding Car Rental Perks with Your Credit Card

Many travelers overlook the benefits their credit cards provide for rental cars. Checking your card's terms can reveal valuable protection features, especially if you rent vehicles frequently for leisure or work. Before booking, contact your credit card issuer and insurance agents to clarify coverage details to make informed decisions about rental insurance options.

Insurance Is Primary

Your credit card's rental coverage isn't insurance itself. The rental company already carries insurance, and what your card offers is a waiver, releasing you from responsibility for damages. Often, personal auto insurance will serve as primary coverage, with the credit card supplementing it as secondary. Some cards, however, do provide primary rental coverage.

Verify Your Coverage Details

Coverage varies by issuer and card type. It's essential to contact your credit card provider to understand what protection you have for rental vehicles. Consulting with insurance agents will provide clarity on conditions and limitations, ensuring you know whether your card benefits extend to rentals and how to activate them.

Select Primary Rental Coverage

If available, opt for primary coverage, which pays out first for damages, allowing you to decline rental company's insurance. Most cards only offer secondary coverage, reimbursing you after your personal auto policy pays. To utilize your credit card coverage fully, charge the rental to your card and refuse extra coverage from the rental agency. Note that liability and injury protection are usually not included, and coverage is time-limited, making your personal auto insurance essential for ongoing protection.