If you're a Costco Citi cardholder, you might be wondering if your card provides car rental insurance. The answer is yes, but with some limitations.
The Costco Citi card offers primary collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage, which means you can decline the rental company's collision damage insurance and use your card's coverage instead. This can save you around $20 to $30 per day on car rental fees.
However, this coverage only applies to the primary cardholder and not to additional drivers.
Coverage Details
Costco Citi card rental car insurance provides primary coverage for international rentals, but secondary coverage for domestic rentals in the US. This means you'd rely on your other insurance policy first.
The primary coverage for international rentals means it's your first option after an accident, theft, or damage to your rental car, reducing the amount of paperwork and agencies involved.
Rental car insurance provided by the Costco Citi card covers damages due to collision or theft, as well as towing costs and loss of use charges.
However, it does not cover personal belongings inside the rental vehicle, so it's recommended to have separate coverage for your personal belongings.
Travel accident insurance, rental car insurance, and travel and emergency assistance are included in the Costco Credit Card travel insurance coverage, and using the card's travel insurance doesn't cost extra.
The types of Costco Credit Card travel insurance include travel accident insurance, which covers you, your spouse, your domestic partner, and/or your dependents up to $250,000 per person against death or injury.
Cardholder Considerations
If you're considering getting the Costco Citi Card, it's essential to understand how it works with car rental insurance. The card offers primary rental car insurance, which means you can decline the rental car company's insurance and use your card's coverage instead.
The primary rental car insurance coverage is a significant benefit, especially if you're a frequent renter. However, it's only available for rentals in the United States and Canada, so if you plan to rent a car outside of these countries, you'll need to consider other options.
Car rental companies often try to sell you additional insurance, but with the Costco Citi Card, you can decline these offers and use your card's coverage. This can save you a significant amount of money on your rental.
It's also worth noting that the card's primary rental car insurance coverage is secondary to any other valid and collectible insurance you may have. This means if you have comprehensive coverage on your personal vehicle, it will likely be the primary insurance for your rental car.
Activation and Use
To activate the rental car insurance with your Costco Citi card, you must decline the rental car company's collision damage waiver (CDW) and charge the entire rental cost to your Costco Citi card.
Most standard rental vehicles are covered by the rental car insurance provided by Costco Citi card, but luxury vehicles and certain types of specialty vehicles may not be eligible for coverage.
Here are the key things to know about activating and using your Costco Citi card rental car insurance:
- Decline the rental car company's CDW and charge the entire rental cost to your Costco Citi card.
- Standard rental vehicles are usually covered, but luxury and specialty vehicles may not be.
- Review your card's terms and conditions for specific details on coverage limits.
If you need to file a claim, call (866) 918-4670 as soon as possible after your rental car is damaged or stolen.
Activation Instructions
To activate the rental car insurance with your Costco Citi card, you must decline the rental car company's collision damage waiver (CDW) and charge the entire rental cost to your Costco Citi card.
Declining the CDW is a crucial step in activating the rental car insurance. This will ensure that your Costco Citi card covers you in case of any damage or issues with the rental vehicle.
Most standard rental vehicles are covered by the rental car insurance provided by Costco Citi card. However, it's essential to know that luxury vehicles and certain types of specialty vehicles may not be eligible for coverage.
You should also be aware that there are exclusions to the rental car insurance provided by Costco Citi card. Off-road vehicles, antique cars, and vehicles used for hire are some common exclusions.
It's always a good idea to review your card's terms and conditions to understand the specific details of your coverage.
International Use
International use of the Costco Citi card rental car insurance is possible in most cases. However, it's crucial to review your card's terms and conditions for any restrictions or limitations.
You can use the rental car insurance internationally as long as you paid for the rental with your Costco Citi card. It's recommended to check with your card issuer to confirm the coverage.
The rental car insurance covers additional drivers as long as they're listed on the rental agreement. You'll need to provide all necessary documentation, such as the rental agreement and any police reports, when filing a claim.
If you need to file a claim, contact the card issuer's insurance administrator for instructions on how to proceed.
How it Works
To activate the rental car insurance with your Costco Citi card, you must decline the rental car company's collision damage waiver (CDW) and charge the entire rental cost to your card.
The rental car insurance is usually primary insurance outside of the U.S., which means it covers the car before any other insurance policy takes effect.
You can file a claim by calling (866) 918-4670 as soon as possible after your rental car is damaged or stolen, or by downloading a claim form online.
To be eligible for coverage, you must rent a standard rental vehicle, as luxury vehicles and certain types of specialty vehicles may not be eligible.
The coverage limit varies, but it's essential to review your card's terms and conditions for specific details on coverage limits.
Here's a breakdown of what's covered and not covered by the rental car insurance:
Cardholders are covered up to $50,000 toward the cost of repairs or the cash value of the car, whichever is less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Citi credit card cover rental car insurance?
Yes, two Citi credit cards offer rental car insurance: the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard. Check the specific benefits of each card for details.
Does the Costco Citi card offer travel protection?
Yes, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers travel protection benefits, including damage and theft purchase protection and travel and emergency assistance. This card is a great option for travelers who want to be protected on the road.
Sources
- https://milestomemories.com/credit-cards-offer-primary-rental-insurance/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/costco-credit-card-rental-car-insurance-2140666585/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/citi-card-car-rental-insurance
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/citi-costco-rental-car-insurance-in-denmark-2140673170/
- https://namso-gen.co/blog/does-costco-citi-card-have-rental-car-insurance/
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