Capital One Rental Car Insurance

When you rent a car, you may be offered various insurance options by the rental car company. Capital One, a popular credit card issuer, also offers rental car insurance to its customers. In this guide, we’ll explain what rental car insurance is, how it works, and what Capital One’s rental car insurance policy covers.

What is Rental Car Insurance?

Rental car insurance is a type of coverage that protects you in case anything happens to the car you rented. If you get into an accident or the car is stolen or damaged, rental car insurance can cover the costs of repair or replacement.

When you rent a car, the rental car company will usually offer you several insurance options. These options can include collision damage waivers, liability insurance, and personal accident insurance. Each of these options provides different types of coverage.

Collision damage waivers, for example, cover any damage to the car in case of an accident. Liability insurance covers any damage you cause to other people or property. Personal accident insurance covers medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.

How Does Capital One Rental Car Insurance Work?

If you have a Capital One credit card, you may be eligible for rental car insurance. Capital One’s policy is called Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).

CDW is a type of collision damage waiver that covers the repair or replacement of the rented vehicle if it is damaged or stolen while in your possession. The coverage is only valid for the period of time you have rented the car and is subject to certain limitations and exclusions.

In order to be eligible for CDW, you must use your Capital One credit card to pay for the entire rental transaction. You must also decline the rental car company’s collision damage waiver.

If you meet these requirements, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket for damages to the rental car. However, you may still be responsible for other costs, such as towing fees or administrative fees charged by the rental car company.

What Does Capital One’s Rental Car Insurance Policy Cover?

Capital One’s Auto Rental CDW policy covers the following:

Event
Coverage
Collision damage
Up to the actual cash value of the rental car
Theft
Up to the actual cash value of the rental car
Loss of use
Reasonable and customary charges for the period of time the rental car is out of service
Towing charges
Up to $50 per occurrence
Administrative fees
Reasonable and customary charges

CDW does not cover the following:

  • Injuries to you or your passengers
  • Damage to other vehicles or property
  • Intentional acts or criminal acts
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Damage caused by using the rental car for commercial purposes
  • Loss of personal belongings

FAQ About Capital One Rental Car Insurance

Do I Need Rental Car Insurance if I Have CDW Coverage?

It is up to you to decide whether or not you need rental car insurance in addition to CDW coverage. Keep in mind that CDW may not cover all costs associated with a rental car accident or theft, and you may still be responsible for some expenses.

How Long Does CDW Coverage Last?

CDW coverage is only valid for the length of time you have rented the car. Once the rental period is over, the coverage expires.

What Types of Rental Cars Are Covered?

CDW coverage applies to most types of rental cars, including cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. However, some types of vehicles, such as luxury or exotic cars, may not be covered.

How Do I File a Claim?

If you need to file a claim, call the number on the back of your Capital One credit card. You will need to provide information about the rental car, the accident or theft, and any other relevant details. A representative will guide you through the claims process.

Can I Use CDW Coverage for Business Travel?

No, CDW coverage only applies to personal rentals. If you are renting a car for business purposes, you will need to purchase separate insurance coverage.

Is CDW Coverage Valid Overseas?

Yes, CDW coverage is valid in most countries. However, it is always a good idea to check with Capital One before you travel to ensure that your coverage will apply.

Final Thoughts

If you have a Capital One credit card, you may already have rental car insurance through the Auto Rental CDW policy. This coverage can save you money and provide peace of mind when you rent a car. However, it is important to understand the limitations and exclusions of the policy before you decline other insurance options offered by the rental car company.

If you have any questions about rental car insurance or the Auto Rental CDW policy, contact Capital One customer service for assistance.