Credit Card Rental Car Insurance (CDW), Explained
Primary vs secondary
Most cards offer secondary coverage, which reimburses what your own auto insurance does not after a claim. A few premium cards, such as the Chase Sapphire cards and some Capital One and business cards, offer primary coverage, which pays first with no need to involve your personal policy, so it does not raise your own rates. Primary is the more valuable version.
What it covers and excludes
Card rental coverage handles collision and theft damage to the rental car itself, plus loss-of-use and towing. It does NOT cover liability (injury or damage to others or their property), so you still need that from your own policy or the rental company. Exotic cars, large trucks, and rentals in a few countries are commonly excluded.
How to use it
Pay for the entire rental with the eligible card, decline the rental company collision damage waiver at the counter, and put the rental in the cardholder name. If something happens, file with the benefit administrator within the window with the rental agreement, the damage estimate, and a police report. See the card detail pages for which cards offer primary coverage.
Frequently asked questions
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