Secondary rental car insurance: Best cards and what's covered
A visit to the car rental counter involves making some decisions. Will you decline the company's insurance offer? Do you need additional coverage for your trip?
If you hold certain travel rewards cards, you may have rental car insurance built into your benefits. But not all coverage is the same. It's important to know if your card offers primary or secondary insurance.
As its name suggests, secondary coverage kicks in second after other types of insurance, and it typically reimburses you for the amount that's not covered by your initial claim.
If you're interested in applying for a card with secondary car insurance (or wondering whether you already hold a card with this perk), here's what you should know.
What is secondary rental car insurance?
Secondary rental car insurance is offered by many popular rewards credit cards (including most American Express cards).
These policies kick in after other types of insurance, such as travel insurance or personal car insurance. This means secondary rental car insurance can cover leftover expenses, such as deductibles. You will have to file multiple claims if you go this route.
It's important to note that secondary coverage typically only covers damage to the rental car itself, and rarely covers personal injury or liability.
Related: Common rental car mistakes — and how to avoid them
How does secondary insurance differ from primary insurance?
If your card has primary rental car insurance (or an auto collision damage waiver), you'll usually make a single claim and receive coverage for either the rental's full value or the cost to repair it.
Secondary coverage typically reimburses you for the amount not covered by your primary insurance. However, there are situations where secondary insurance can become primary, including:
- If you don't own a car or carry a car insurance policy
- If you have an eligible American Express card with secondary car insurance and enroll in the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection program
With the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection program, you can add a policy that provides primary car rental insurance to an eligible Amex card for a small fee. Enrollment is required in advance for some of these benefits, and terms apply.
Related: Your car rental company has a 'do not rent' list. Here's how to steer clear of it
The best credit cards with secondary car insurance
You can expect to receive a secondary car rental insurance benefit with the cards below.
The table mentions three popular American Express cards, but most American Express cards offer secondary car rental insurance. These three cards are not the only ones that offer this perk.
| Card | Annual fee | Rental car insurance details |
|---|---|---|
$895 (see rates and fees) | Secondary coverage in the event of damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory | |
$325 (see rates and fees) | Secondary coverage in the event of damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory | |
$650 (see rates and fees) | Secondary coverage in the event of damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory | |
$95 | Secondary coverage is available in the event of collisions, theft, towing and loss-of-use charges | |
$0 | Secondary coverage is available in the event of collisions, theft, towing and loss-of-use charges | |
$0 | Coverage provides reimbursement for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles, secondary to your personal insurance | |
$0 | Coverage provides reimbursement for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles, secondary to your personal insurance |
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
If you don’t have a credit card that offers primary car rental insurance, your next best bet is a card that provides secondary insurance. Many credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, so we’ve only highlighted a few of our favorite options.
American Express cards
Most American Express cards offer secondary car rental insurance* that takes effect after damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory.
This list includes popular cards like the Amex Platinum, the Amex Gold and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. If you don’t need primary insurance, you can use one of these cards and decline the rental company’s insurance.
To learn more about each card, check out our reviews of the Amex Platinum, the Amex Gold and the Bonvoy Brilliant.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Related: Your complete guide to travel protections on American Express cards
Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offer car rental collision damage waivers.
Insurance is secondary when you rent within your country of residence and primary when you rent outside of it. However, benefits are available only on accounts approved for the Visa Signature card, and terms apply.
To learn more about each card, check out our full reviews of the Capital One Venture Rewards and the Capital One VentureOne.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Learn more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited
If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee credit card that offers secondary car rental insurance, the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited merit attention.
These cards provide insurance for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
Although neither card has an annual fee, both cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. So, using these cards to pay for a car rental outside the U.S. would add damage protection but increase your rental cost.
To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Bottom line
Secondary rental car coverage is valuable for those with personal auto insurance, as it helps cover costs that primary coverage doesn't, such as a deductible.
It's good to consider your plan in the event of theft or damage to a rental car. Just remember that you'll have to place more than one claim if you decide to lean on a combination of primary and secondary insurance.
Related: How to skip long rental car pick-up lines for free
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Bonvoy Brilliant, click here.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.