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Credit Card Rental Car Insurance: Which Cards Offer Primary vs Secondary Coverage
July 1, 2025
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Understanding Primary vs. Secondary Rental Car Insurance
Primary coverage means your credit card’s insurance kicks in first if your rental car is damaged or stolen. You won’t need to file a claim with your personal auto insurance, which can save you from potential rate hikes.
Secondary coverage, on the other hand, only applies after your personal auto policy. It usually covers what your main insurer doesn’t—like your deductible or smaller gaps in coverage.
If you don’t own a car and therefore don’t have personal auto insurance, your card’s secondary coverage may effectively act as primary coverage.
In short: primary coverage handles everything up front, while secondary coverage steps in afterward. Knowing which you have can help you decide whether to skip the rental company’s extra insurance.
Credit Cards That Offer Primary Coverage
Most credit cards offer secondary coverage, but a select few provide primary rental car insurance, which is much more valuable for frequent travelers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Both cards offer primary coverage when you pay for the full rental with the card and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW). That means if the car is damaged, Chase handles it directly instead of your personal insurer.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
This premium travel card offers primary coverage both in the U.S. and abroad. It’s especially handy for international travelers, where rental insurance can be costly.
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Chase Ink Business Cards
When used for business rentals, many Chase Ink cards provide primary coverage. Personal trips may default to secondary coverage, so always confirm your situation in the benefits guide.
American Express Premium Car Rental Protection
While most Amex cards only include secondary coverage, Amex lets you upgrade to primary coverage through a flat-fee program. You can enroll before your trip and pay per rental period for extended protection.
These cards can save you hundreds if your rental is damaged or stolen. But remember—coverage always comes with exclusions, such as luxury cars, long-term rentals, or certain countries.
Use Kudos to scan your cards and see exactly which ones include rental car coverage—and whether it’s primary or secondary. That way, you’ll know which card to use before you even reach the counter.
Cards That Offer Secondary Coverage
Most mainstream credit cards offer secondary rental car coverage by default. That includes many American Express, Visa, and Mastercard products issued by large banks.
These policies are still useful, but because they require you to file with your auto insurer first, they act more as a supplement than a full replacement. If you don’t own a car, this coverage can still function as primary protection, but you’ll need to confirm that in your benefit terms.
For example, standard Amex cards, Wells Fargo cards, and many travel-rewards cards across other issuers all include basic collision damage protection. It’s better than nothing—but knowing when and how it applies can prevent confusion at the rental counter.
How to Use Your Card’s Rental Car Insurance Correctly
Even with great coverage, missing one small step could void the benefit. Follow these best practices every time you rent:
- Pay with the right card. Use the credit card that provides the coverage. If you split the payment or use another card, you may lose eligibility.
- Decline the rental company’s CDW or LDW. If you accept the coverage from the rental company, your card’s insurance typically won’t apply.
- Be the primary renter. The person whose name is on the rental agreement must also be the cardholder.
- Check the limits and exclusions. Some cards exclude certain vehicles (luxury cars, trucks, vans) or restrict coverage to 15–31 days.
- Act fast if something happens. If your rental is damaged, contact the card’s benefits administrator as soon as possible, gather receipts, photos, and any police reports, and submit the claim within the required time frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all credit cards include rental car insurance?
No. Many do, but coverage varies by issuer and card type. Always check your Guide to Benefits to confirm before renting.
Is it better to rely on credit card insurance or buy from the rental company?
If your card offers primary coverage and you meet the requirements, you can safely skip the rental company’s policy. Otherwise, it may be worth buying supplemental coverage for peace of mind.
Does using credit card coverage affect my auto insurance rates?
Not if it’s primary coverage—since your personal insurer is never involved. With secondary coverage, your insurer handles the claim first, which could influence future premiums.
Does credit card insurance cover liability or medical costs?
No. Credit card rental insurance typically only covers damage or theft to the rental vehicle. You’ll need separate insurance for liability or personal injury.
Are international rentals covered?
Sometimes. Most cards cover rentals in the U.S. and many countries abroad, but some exclude regions like Ireland, Israel, or Jamaica. Always check the exclusions list in your benefits guide before traveling.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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