Ramsey Qubein
Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Forbes.com, CNBC.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Reader's Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, Frommers.com, Fodors.com, Islands, Business Traveler, Fortune, Airways, Yahoo, Travel Age West, MSN.com, Bustle.com, AAA magazines
Ramsey is a freelance travel journalist covering business travel, loyalty programs and luxury travel. His work has appeared in Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Reader's Digest, AFAR, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, Frommers.com, Fodors.com, Business Traveler, Fortune, Airways, TravelAge West, MSN.com, Bustle.com and AAA magazines. As someone who flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has been to 173 countries, he is well-versed in the intricacies of credit cards and how to maximize the associated perks and services.
Assigning Editor Meg Lee
Assigning Editor | Travel, SEO, Travel Loyalty Programs
Megan Lee is a former editor on the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She had more than 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
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MORE LIKE THIS Travel Insurance Travel Travel Rewards Credit CardsTable of Contents
MORE LIKE THIS Travel Insurance Travel Travel Rewards Credit CardsCar rental insurance is designed to cover damage or theft while renting a car, but it can be a confusing subject. Rental agencies typically offer this kind of coverage as an upcharge at the counter, but renters may already have protections based on the credit card they use for the reservation.
One of those cards is the American Express® Gold Card , which offers cardholders rental car coverage as a benefit in certain situations. Terms apply.
Here are the details on the American Express car rental coverage when paying with the American Express® Gold Card , including who and what is covered, and if there are any exclusions to understand in advance. Terms apply.
As long as you pay for the full car rental with the American Express® Gold Card and decline the collision damage waiver offered at check-in, your rental car will be covered if damaged or stolen within a covered territory for up to $50,000 per rental agreement. Terms apply.
American Express® Gold Card
NerdWallet RatingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Annual fee Read ReviewKeep in mind that this is secondary coverage to your own car insurance policy, which means you need to rely on what that policy covers first before the AmEx car rental protections are available.
It means you have to file a claim with your car insurance policy and pay the deductible first. It also means that your monthly premiums may go up, too.
Primary coverage is better, but few cards offer it. The secondary coverage that most cards offer typically means your auto insurer pays the claim but the card will reimburse your deductible and potentially other costs not covered by your personal policy.
This coverage can also kick in when using Membership Rewards points or Pay With Points to cover the cost of your rental. Receiving coverage when redeeming points is always a great perk.
There are several exclusions to American Express car rental protection.
Any intentional damage by any authorized driver is not covered. This includes those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as well as any form of illegal activity.
The policy does not cover damage to other vehicles and property. Damage to any property other than the rental vehicle, owner’s property or items not permanently attached to the rental vehicle are not covered by AmEx car rental protection.
Damage or theft of tires, or general wear and tear of the vehicle are not covered.
If the car is damaged due to an act of war, it would not be covered.
AmEx does not cover:
Cargo or custom vans or those seating over eight passengers. Cube vans or box trucks, or any truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds. Commercial trucks. Leased or mini-leased vehicles.Cars at least 20 years old or those manufactured more than a decade since the rental agreement began.
Motorcycles, mopeds, recreational vehicles, golf or motorized carts, campers or trailers. Off-road vehicles. Moving vans. Vehicle sharing or peer-to-peer vehicle arrangements.Any rentals in Australia, Italy or New Zealand are not eligible for coverage.
The American Express® Gold Card auto rental insurance is not as inclusive as the AmEx car insurance that comes with The Platinum Card® from American Express .
If you determine you are eligible for a claim and have filed with your auto insurance first (since AmEx coverage is secondary), here are the next steps to take.
Call customer service at 800-338-1670 or file a claim at this website .File quickly. Despite potential delays from your own personal insurance, take note of the window to file the claim for coverage benefits. It must be completed within 30 days of the loss.
Complete the required claim forms and any additional forms that are sent within the requested time period.
When and if requested, you will need to submit proof of loss within 60 days with any required documents like repair bills or police reports.
Once the claim is reviewed and if approved, it would be paid within 30 days.
Car rental coverage can protect you, but instead of paying for it at the counter, rely on your American Express® Gold Card to use its insurance benefit.
Paying with the American Express® Gold Card comes with its own car rental insurance to protect against damage or theft, but be sure to understand the specifics of what it covers. Terms apply.
To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page .Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card About the authorYou’re following Ramsey Qubein
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Ramsey is a freelance writer and editor who travels more than 450,000 miles a year. With 166 countries under his belt and counting, he has a wealth of knowledge about loyalty programs and credit card perks to help people travel more efficiently and in style without breaking the bank. See full bio.
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