Chase to switch insurance benefits provider, improve protections and expand coverage
We all hope that our hard-earned and meticulously organized trips go to plan. However, not everything is in our control, so sometimes, an event like a medical scare, a transportation strike or inclement weather can cause us to cancel or change our trips.
Thankfully, many top credit cards offer complimentary trip protections as a benefit when you use your eligible credit card to book transportation, accommodations or another trip component like a rental car.
Eligible Chase cardholders are covered for certain events, and we've received news that the issuer will be switching benefits administrators — the business that takes care of your claim — and launching a new insurance portal in October.
Here's what we know so far.
New benefits administrator and portal
From Oct. 1, cardholders will be directed to a new Chase-branded website — chasecardbenefits.com — to access their benefits and file new claims.
Up until now, cardholders have dealt with eClaimsline. As we've reported, some TPG readers have had issues with this benefits administrator, including being given the run around on the phone, enduring long wait times and being asked to repeatedly upload the same documents over and over. Others, however, have had more positive experiences, like receiving over $1,500 to cover a canceled trip because of a sick child.
From October, the benefits administrator will switch to Assurant. It remains to be seen if this will result in an uptick in cardholder satisfaction with the claims process.
New and updated benefits
Some Chase cards are getting additional and improved protection benefits. You should hear from Chase via mail or email about the changes to your specific card by mid-August.
Here are some examples of what will be changing:
- Auto rental coverage will cover more vehicles, and cardholders will receive up to $60,000 in coverage for eligible vehicles with a value of $125,000 or less.
- Emergency transportation for qualifying events will be arranged by the service provider, meaning cardholders will no longer need to pay upfront and then file a claim.
- Extended warranty protection limits will be improved from $50,000 for the life of the account to the same amount per year on select products.
- Travel accident insurance will be doubled from $250,000 to $500,000 on select products.
- Travel and emergency assistance, and lost luggage reimbursement will be added to more cards.
Bottom line
Chase is switching its insurance benefits administrator in October. Keep an eye on your mail and email to see how your card's benefits are changing.
In the meantime, you can access this information by logging into your Chase account, clicking on your card, selecting "More" and choosing "Card benefits."
Also make sure you have one of the top cards for travel insurance in your wallet to ensure you're covered on your next trip.
Related: 4 times your credit card's travel insurance can help with summer travel woes, and 7 times it won't