American Express car rental insurance: How does it work?

American Express offers Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance with all of its available credit cards. This insurance is secondary, which means you must make a claim with other sources of insurance available before claiming with Amex.

Depending on the card, you’ll typically find $50,000 to $75,000 in maximum coverage toward the value of the rental vehicle. Premium cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card usually offer higher coverage.

How to use American Express car rental insurance

1. Before renting a vehicle, read your American Express Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance plan.
2. Pay for your entire rental with a valid Amex payment method — this includes an Amex card, Membership Rewards points or Pay with Points — and decline the coverage from the car rental agency.
3. In the event of a theft, accident or act of vandalism, immediately notify law enforcement of the incident.
4. Within 30 days, call the Amex benefit administrator at 800-338-1670 — or 216-617-2500 if you’re overseas.
5. If necessary, fill out and return the claim form, along with the requested supporting information, within 60 days. Required details may include — but aren’t limited to — an itemized repair bill, photos of vehicle damage, proof of your personal insurance and proof you paid for your rental with an eligible Amex payment method.

How long will it take to receive payment?

If the Amex benefit administrator approves your claim, you’ll receive payment within 90 days after you submit the required information.

How long does Amex car rental insurance cover me for?

Amex car rental insurance covers you for 30 consecutive days after you enter into a rental agreement.

What does Amex car rental insurance not cover?

There are several instances in which Amex car rental insurance might not apply. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Using the rental car in violation of the rental agreement.
• Engaging in illegal activity and driving while intoxicated.
• Driving certain types of vehicles, such as cargo vans, leased vehicles and limousines.
• Intentional damage to the car, manufacturing defects, theft or damage as a result of your failure to secure the vehicle and more.

Consider these Amex cards with car rental insurance

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

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American Express Cash Magnet® Card

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American Express® Gold Card

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Compare American Express credit cards with car rental insurance

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Name	Product	Filter values	Rewards	Purchase APR	Annual fee
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express			6% on select US streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, 6% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that and on all other purchases	0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)	$95	Apply now View details	Perfect for families: Get up to 6% on everyday purchases and a welcome offer worth $250. This heavy-hitter rewards card has uncontested value. Rates & fees	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express			20% at Amazon.com up to $200 back in the first 6 months, 2% at US gas stations and select US department stores, 3% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that and on all other purchases	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)	$0	Apply now View details	This everyday cashback card is ideal for Black Friday and holiday shopping with 20% back at Amazon.com up to $200 back in the first 6 months. Rates & fees	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express® Gold Card			3x points on directly-booked flights; 4x at restaurants; 4x at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 annually (then 1x points)	See pay over time APR	$250	Apply now View details	Earn up to 4x points on select purchases, a bevy of travel perks, and a welcome offer worth up to $600 with this upper-mid tier travel card. Rates & fees	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Who gets to use American Express car rental insurance?

You’re eligible for American Express car rental insurance if you:

• Are the primary cardholder or authorized user.
• Signed the car rental agreement.
• Have a permanent residence in the 50 United States of America, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
• You’ve activated your Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance.

How to activate Amex Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

Here’s how activated coverage is defined:

• You decline the coverage from the rental car company or purchase a partial collision damage waiver.
• You or an authorized driver is on the rental agreement, and the vehicle comes into your possession.
• You pay for the entire rental with your Amex card, Membership Rewards points or Pay with Points. This includes any deposits you must make when you collect the vehicle.

Bottom line

Amex is an excellent choice for car rental insurance, as all of its currently available cards offer the benefit. Before renting a car and relying on Amex insurance, check the Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance policy for any state- or territory-specific exclusions.

Frequently asked questions

• Do other credit card providers have car rental insurance?

  Many other credit card providers offer car rental insurance, but this may vary between their products on a case-by-case basis. Some providers, such as Discover, don’t offer the benefit at all.

• How is secondary coverage different from primary coverage?

  With secondary coverage, you must claim with other forms of insurance before claiming with your credit card benefit administrator. If you have secondary coverage, you can claim directly through your credit card insurance.

• Does Amex offer other forms of travel insurance?

  Yes. With select cards, Amex offers benefits such as Baggage Insurance Plan, roadside assistance and travel accident insurance.