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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Credit card rental car insurance: Best cards and how it works
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
also contributed to this story
November 12, 2025 • 12 min read
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Quick summary
Many travel-focused credit cards include rental car collision damage waivers, potentially saving you from paying extra at the rental counter.
This coverage typically applies when you pay for the entire rental with an eligible card and decline the rental company's insurance offer.
Coverage details, such as reimbursement limits and eligible vehicle types, vary by card and may exclude certain vehicles, countries or rental durations.
Understanding the difference between primary and secondary coverage is crucial, as primary insurance simplifies claims while secondary may require coordination with other policies.
What to consider
Coverage generally excludes liability for injuries or damage to other vehicles and property, as well as certain vehicle types like specialty cars, RVs and rentals from peer-to-peer platforms.
Some countries and long-term rentals may not be eligible for coverage, so always review your card's policy and confirm with customer service before renting abroad or for extended periods.
Primary coverage allows direct claims for rental car damage or theft, while secondary coverage only pays after other insurance policies have been utilized.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of coverage types, specific exclusions and tips for maximizing your rental car protection benefits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
When you're at the counter ready to rent a car, it's likely you'll be asked to add car rental protection to your bill. At first, it may seem like a good idea to say yes. What if something goes wrong?
Well, if you have a travel credit card in your wallet, you may already have the level of rental car coverage you need at no extra cost.
Many of our favorite rewards credit cards include a collision damage waiver when you decline the insurance offer from the rental company and use the card to pay. This waiver can cover rental car accidents, theft or damage at various thresholds.
Let's find out what this benefit includes and which cards offer it. This way, you'll be aware of your options the next time you rent a car.
How does credit card rental car insurance work?
Among the most important factors here is making sure you pay for your entire car rental bill with a credit card that has an auto collision damage waiver included in its benefits. You'll also want to decline any insurance offer from your rental car company.
CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Of course, terms and conditions vary, so always check your card's specific policies before you rent. This way, if you run into a problem, you'll know what's covered and what's not.
If you don’t follow these requirements, your credit card car rental insurance won’t take effect.
The car rental insurance from your credit card is technically called an “auto rental collision damage waiver.” This benefit provides reimbursement for damage due to collision or theft. The cash amount your card's insurance policy will cover can vary, so check your card's guide to benefits for specific details.
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While some cards also cover loss-of-use and towing charges assessed by the rental company, policies from other credit cards only cover physical damage or theft of the rental vehicle. Knowing what your card will cover is important before you use it.
Additionally, some rental types and locations may not be eligible for coverage. Keep the following provisions in mind if you rely on credit card car rental insurance benefits:
Liability insurance isn't included: Your card's benefits may cover damage to your rental car, but they won't cover damage you cause to other vehicles and personal property. This insurance also won't cover injuries to you and/or others involved in an incident.
Not all car types are covered: You won't need to worry about this if you stick to the standard categories of car rentals (compact, intermediate and full size). However, the policy may not cover you if you rent a specialty vehicle, such as a large passenger van, pickup truck, antique vehicle, RV or motorcycle. Leases, microleases and rentals through person-to-person car-sharing companies, such as Turo, are often also excluded.
Some countries are excluded: This list varies from card to card and issuer to issuer. Before traveling, call the customer service number on your card to ensure your destination is covered when renting a car outside the United States.
There's a limit on the number of days: Credit card insurance often won't apply to long-term rentals. Check your policy on this. Most cover 30 days, but this varies.
If you have doubts about your car's eligibility, it's best practice to call the customer service number on your card. You can get more information and confirm that your policy covers your rental vehicle type in the country you’ll be visiting.
Another important distinction is the difference between primary and secondary car rental insurance, as your card could offer one type or the other. Both types of insurance usually have maximum coverage amounts, so make sure these meet or exceed the total value of the car you’re renting.
If you get into an accident with your rental car and have primary insurance, you only need to file one claim. Generally, primary insurance will reimburse you for the rental car’s cash value or the cost to repair it, whichever is less.
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Secondary insurance is different because it only reimburses you for the amount not covered by other types of insurance, such as travel insurance or personal car insurance. However, if you don’t own a car or carry a car insurance policy, most secondary insurance from credit cards will become primary.
The secondary insurance offered by your credit card benefits would cover any expenses remaining to be paid, such as deductibles on those other policies. You'll have to file claims with multiple companies (including your credit card) to get everything covered.
Primary car rental insurance provides reimbursement for up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage for rentals in most countries, covering rentals of up to 31 consecutive days
Primary car rental insurance provides reimbursement for up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for rentals in most countries, covering rentals of up to 31 consecutive days
Provides reimbursement up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles in the U.S. and abroad, when renting for business purposes
Coverage that may reimburse you for damages caused by theft or collision when you rent for up to 15 consecutive days in your country of residence or up to 31 consecutive days in other countries
Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less, when renting for business purposes
Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less, when renting for business purposes
Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less, when renting for business purposes
Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less, when renting for business purposes
Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less, when rented for business purposes
Provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less, when rented for business purposes
The information for the United Club Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Top cards with primary car rental insurance
These cards offer primary car rental insurance, as long as you use your card to pay for the entire rental. Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list. You may find other cards offering primary insurance.
This policy covers theft, damage, valid loss-of-use charges, administrative fees and reasonable towing charges due to covered theft or damage.
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Policy details vary slightly between the two cards, though. A key difference is the total amount that can be reimbursed for damages caused by theft or collision:
Sapphire Preferred: Up to $60,000
Sapphire Reserve: Up to $75,000
Sapphire Reserve for Business: Up to $75,000 (when renting for business purposes)
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers an auto rental collision damage waiver that may reimburse you for damages caused by theft or collision up to the actual cash value of your rental vehicle, up to $75,000.
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You are only eligible for insurance when you rent for up to 15 consecutive days in your country of residence or up to 31 consecutive days in other countries.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X.
Four of the Ink Business cards from Chase offer primary insurance for most vehicles.
This credit card rental car insurance provides reimbursement when renting for business purposes, providing reimbursement for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less.
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Each card provides reimbursement of up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage.
The United credit cards offer primary car rental insurance, assuming you decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card.
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This insurance provides reimbursement of up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less.
Many consumers focus on the number of points or miles they can earn and redeem when choosing a travel rewards card, but travel protections such as rental car insurance can also provide significant value.
However, reviewing your card’s policy details is essential to understand what is (and isn’t) covered. Don’t assume you’re covered for every possible mishap when you pay for a car rental with a credit card that offers insurance, as many exceptions and exclusions apply.
Ensure you know the details and how they relate to your rental location, vehicle type, length of rental period and other important issues so you won’t be surprised by a bill if your rental car has a problem.
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.
