Chase Sapphire Preferred Car Rental Insurance Guide and Review

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred car rental insurance is a valuable benefit that many cardholders often overlook. This insurance provides primary coverage for car rentals, meaning you don't have to rely on your personal auto insurance or the rental company's insurance.

You can purchase the Chase Sapphire Preferred car rental insurance for up to 25 days per rental period, which is a significant advantage over many other credit cards that only offer coverage for up to 15 days. This extended coverage can give you peace of mind, especially if you're planning a long road trip.

The insurance also provides coverage for theft, vandalism, and collision damage, which can be a huge relief if you're involved in an accident. This coverage can save you a significant amount of money, potentially thousands of dollars, in repair costs or rental car fees.

Understanding Chase Sapphire Preferred Car Rental Insurance

To get the Chase Sapphire Preferred car rental insurance, you must use your card to pay the total price of the car rental. This is a crucial step, as the coverage isn't automatic just for being a cardholder.

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You'll also need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver coverage or similar options when renting and picking up the car. If you purchase this insurance, your Chase Sapphire Preferred coverage will not apply.

Before driving the rental car off the lot, make sure to check it for any prior damage. This is to ensure you're not held responsible for damage that occurred before you rented the vehicle.

The rental car coverage provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is primary, meaning you can start with Chase's benefits administrator if you need to file a claim. This can help give travelers peace of mind when renting cars.

What's Under the Card

To get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card rental car insurance, you must use your card to pay the total price of the car rental. This is a crucial step, as the coverage isn't automatic just for being a cardholder.

You'll also need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver coverage or similar options when picking up the car. If you purchase this insurance, your Chase Sapphire Preferred Card coverage won't apply.

Make sure to inspect the rental car for any prior damage before driving it off the lot. This is because Chase doesn't assume responsibility for damage caused before you rent the vehicle or after you return it to the rental company.

What's on the Card

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers primary coverage for theft, damage, valid loss-of-use charges, administrative fees, and reasonable towing charges due to covered theft or damage.

You can receive this coverage in the United States and abroad, but be sure to check your cardmember insurance for details.

The card's rental car insurance covers collision damage waiver, which will reimburse you for any damage or theft to the vehicle while in your control.

This coverage also includes loss-of-use charges, administrative, and towing fees imposed by the rental company.

If you need to file a claim, you can start with the benefits administrator instead of your personal auto insurance company.

Coverage and Limitations

The Chase Sapphire Preferred car rental insurance is a valuable benefit that provides primary coverage for theft, damage, loss-of-use charges, administrative fees, and reasonable towing charges. This coverage is valid in the United States and abroad.

You'll automatically receive a collision damage waiver on your rental car if you meet the requirements and avoid the exclusions. This means you won't need to file with your personal auto insurance company first.

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The coverage is primary, which means you can start with Chase's benefits administrator if you need to file a claim. After providing all required documentation, the benefits administrator will reimburse you for damages caused by theft or collision up to the actual cash value of the vehicle.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders are covered for up to $60,000 in eligible expenses, while Sapphire Reserve cardholders are covered for up to $75,000 in eligible expenses.

The rental car coverage doesn't include liability insurance, so you'll need to either pay for the rental company's liability waiver or ensure your personal auto liability coverage applies to car rentals.

Here are some of the exclusions to be aware of:

  • Damage to other vehicles
  • Personal injuries
  • Damage to anything other than the rental car
  • Loss or theft of personal belongings
  • Theft or damage caused intentionally while performing an illegal activity or under the influence of intoxicants
  • Off-road damage
  • Wear and tear
  • Reimbursable expenses from another insurance, employer, etc.
  • Theft or damage from hostility (war, terrorist event, etc.)
  • Damage or theft that is a result of lack of reasonable care
  • Rentals through a car-sharing company that allows owners to rent out their vehicles

Certain types of vehicles are also not covered, including:

  • Antique cars over 20 years old or cars that have not been manufactured for 10+ years
  • Cargo vans
  • Trucks (other than pick-ups)
  • Motorcycles
  • Mopeds
  • Motorbikes
  • Limousines and vehicles that are rented with a driver
  • Recreational vehicles
  • Passenger vans with seating for more than 12 people including the driver

Filing a Claim and Protection

Filing a claim with Chase Sapphire Preferred car rental insurance is a relatively straightforward process. You can start by calling 888-320-9961 or browsing the eclaims site to initiate the process online.

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To file a claim, you'll need to provide some documentation, such as a copy of your rental car agreement, your Chase Sapphire Preferred statement, and a police report if the damage was caused by vandalism or carjacking. You may also be required to submit a repair estimate, accident report form, and photographs.

If you're traveling abroad, be sure to contact Chase prior to departure to ensure that the country you're visiting is included in your coverage. This will help avoid any issues with filing a claim while overseas.

Protection

If you're a Chase Sapphire cardmember, you're protected with rental car insurance. This benefit extends to rental car companies in the US and abroad, giving you peace of mind while traveling.

To file a claim, you'll need to provide a copy of your rental car agreement and a copy of your Chase Sapphire statement showing that the entire cost of the car rental was paid using the card or with Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

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Cardmembers traveling abroad are encouraged to contact Chase prior to departure about their international itinerary and to ensure that the country they are traveling to is included in their coverage.

If you're filing a claim due to vandalism or carjacking, you'll need to include a police report. This is a crucial step in the process, so be sure to document everything thoroughly.

To start the claim process, you can call 888-320-9961 or file online through the eclaims site. Just enter your card number, purchase and incident dates, and name to get started.

Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to have ready when filing a claim:

  • Rental car agreement
  • Chase Sapphire statement
  • Police report (if applicable)
  • Repair estimate
  • Accident report form
  • Photographs

Having these documents in order will make the process much smoother and help ensure that your claim is processed quickly and efficiently.

The Bottom Line

Filing a claim for rental car insurance can be a daunting task, but understanding the details of your credit card's policy can save you from unexpected expenses.

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Many consumers focus on earning and redeeming points, but travel protections like rental car insurance can provide significant value.

Don't assume you're covered for every possible mishap when paying for a car rental with a credit card that offers insurance - many exceptions and exclusions apply.

Reviewing your card's policy details is crucial to know what's covered and what's not. You should also consider your rental location, vehicle type, and length of rental period to avoid surprises.

Renting a car under 25? Be aware that some credit cards offer insurance, but it may not cover young drivers.

If you're unsure about your credit card's rental car insurance, research the details or contact your credit card issuer to ask questions.

Here are some key things to consider when filing a claim:

  • Check if your credit card's rental car insurance covers you for the entire rental period.
  • Understand what's covered and what's not, including exceptions and exclusions.
  • Know the details of your rental location, vehicle type, and other important issues.

How It Works and Eligibility

The Chase Sapphire Preferred car rental insurance is a valuable benefit for cardholders. It's essential to understand how it works and what's eligible for coverage.

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The insurance is provided by Assurant and covers damage and theft worldwide, including countries often excluded from credit card car insurance coverage.

To be eligible, you must decline the rental company's loss/damage waiver (except where prohibited by law). This is a crucial step, as failing to do so may void the coverage.

The rental car must not exceed 31 consecutive days. This is a standard requirement for the coverage to apply.

All drivers on the rental agreement must be authorized. This ensures that everyone driving the rental car is covered in case of an accident or theft.

To access a letter of coverage, you can visit a specific site and enter your card number, name, and address. This can help prove coverage to the rental company if requested.

For New York residents, there's a special note: if you have personal car insurance, the protection provided by the Chase Sapphire cards is secondary. This means you'll need to check your personal insurance policy first.

Here are the main requirements for the coverage to apply:

  • You decline the rental company's loss/damage waiver (except where prohibited by law)
  • The rental doesn't exceed 31 consecutive days
  • All drivers must be authorized on the rental agreement
  • Damage/theft must have taken place during the rental period

Comparison and Requirements

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To ensure you receive coverage under the Chase Sapphire Preferred card's CDW, you'll need to provide your card when reserving, picking up, and completing the car rental transaction, and decline the rental car company's CDW coverage.

You'll also need to use only your Chase Sapphire Preferred card for all elements of your rental car transaction, and decline the rental car company's CDW/LDW coverage to qualify for CDW coverage.

Declining the rental car company's CDW/LDW coverage is crucial, as accepting it will forfeit the coverage provided through your Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Here's a summary of the requirements:

  • Provide your Chase Sapphire Preferred card when reserving, picking up, and completing the car rental transaction.
  • Decline the rental car company's CDW/LDW coverage.
  • Use only your Chase Sapphire Preferred card for all elements of your rental car transaction.

Primary vs Secondary

Primary insurance is a type of coverage that applies before any other type of insurance, so you'd only need to file one claim.

With primary insurance, you're not required to file a claim with another insurance company first, unlike secondary insurance which kicks in after other types of insurance have been used.

Primary insurance is usually provided on a primary basis in the U.S. and worldwide in most countries, whereas secondary insurance may not cover rentals outside the country.

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If you're renting a car outside the U.S. and your personal car insurance policy doesn't provide coverage, your credit card's insurance may become primary, automatically switching from secondary to primary insurance.

Most secondary credit card car rental insurance policies will become primary insurance if you don't own a car or carry a car insurance policy, providing you with a more comprehensive coverage.

In general, primary insurance will reimburse you for the rental car's cash value or the cost to repair it, whichever is less, whereas secondary insurance will reimburse you only for the amount not covered by other insurance policies.

Sign Up Requirements

To have CDW coverage, you must provide your Chase Sapphire Preferred card when reserving, picking up, and completing the car rental transaction.

Decline the rental car company's CDW coverage, also known as "loss damage waiver" or LDW. This is crucial to maintain coverage.

If you use an alternative card, you'll forfeit the coverage provided through your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. This means you won't have the protection you need in case of an accident.

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To avoid forfeiting coverage, use only your Chase Sapphire Preferred card for all elements of your rental car transaction. This includes the reservation, pickup, and completion of the rental.

Accepting the rental car company's CDW/LDW coverage will also forfeit your Chase Sapphire Preferred card's coverage. So, be sure to decline it.

You can use a combination of Chase Ultimate Rewards points and your Chase Sapphire Preferred card to rent a vehicle, and you'll still qualify for CDW coverage. This is a great option if you want to earn rewards and have protection.

What Makes Better

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers better coverage than many other credit cards. You can decline the rental car company's coverage with confidence, knowing you're still protected.

One of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is its excellent rental car coverage. You'll earn 2 Ultimate Rewards Points per dollar spent on your car rental when using the card.

No foreign transaction fees on international car rentals make traveling abroad even more convenient.

Recapped

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers some fantastic perks, especially when it comes to car rentals. You get complimentary auto collision damage waiver anytime you rent an eligible vehicle.

This coverage is great, but it has some exclusions. Luxury car rentals, for example, might not be covered, especially if you're renting an exotic brand. And, just to clarify, this coverage only protects against damage to or theft of the rental car itself - you'll still need separate liability coverage for medical expenses or damage to others' property.

To give you a better idea of what's covered, here are some key details about the Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance benefit:

  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles.
  • This insurance provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage.
  • Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply.

It's also worth noting that eligibility and benefit level vary by Card, so it's always a good idea to check with American Express for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chase Sapphire Reserve car rental insurance primary or secondary?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers primary rental car insurance coverage, meaning you're covered first in case of an accident or damage. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection on your next rental car trip.

What is the difference between CDW and LDW?

CDW covers damage to a rental car due to an accident, while LDW adds theft protection, covering the cost of replacing the car if it's stolen. In short, CDW protects against accidents, LDW protects against accidents and theft.

Which Chase card is best for rental cars?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers primary rental car coverage for theft or collision up to $75,000. Consider this card for comprehensive rental car protection.

Does my rental car come with insurance?

Rental cars come with basic liability insurance, but it's often minimal. You may want to consider additional protection to ensure you're fully covered.

Teri Little

Writer

Teri Little is a seasoned writer with a passion for delivering insightful and engaging content to readers worldwide. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Teri has established herself as a trusted voice in the realm of financial markets news. Her articles have been featured in various publications, offering readers a unique perspective on market trends, economic analysis, and industry insights.

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