Does Your Credit Card Cover Rental Car Damage?

Some cards provide primary cover, which pays before your own car insurance. Others provide secondary cover, which applies only after your own policy pays or for costs it does not cover, such as the excess.

• You must pay for the entire rental with the card
• You may need to decline the rental company's collision or damage waiver
• The rental period may be limited
• The cardholder may need to be the main driver

• Certain countries
• Luxury cars, vans, and large vehicles
• Liability for injury or damage to other people or property
• Loss of use and administrative fees charged by the rental company, in some cases

Card benefits typically cover damage to the rental car, not liability for injuring others or damaging their property. Make sure you have liability cover from your own policy or the rental company.

Request written confirmation of the benefit and keep the policy terms with your rental documents.