Chase Rental Car Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Going on a vacation or a business trip? Renting a car is a great way to get around and explore without relying on public transportation. But what happens if you get into a car accident while driving a rental car? Will your regular auto insurance policy cover the damages? This is where rental car insurance comes in, and Chase offers its own version. In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about Chase rental car insurance.

What Is Chase Rental Car Insurance?

Chase rental car insurance, also known as Chase Sapphire rental car insurance, is an optional add-on coverage that is available to Chase credit cardholders. This insurance covers physical damage and theft of most rental cars up to the actual cash value of the vehicle. It also provides secondary coverage for personal liability and medical expenses.

If you are a Chase credit cardholder and decline the rental car company’s insurance, the Chase Sapphire rental car insurance will kick in as long as you use your Chase card to pay for the rental.

What Does Chase Rental Car Insurance Cover?

Chase rental car insurance covers the following:

Physical damage and theft of the rental vehicle
Loss of use charges imposed by the rental company while the car is being repaired
Reasonable and customary towing charges
Administrative fees imposed by the rental company
Secondary personal liability insurance up to $100,000 per incident
Secondary personal accident insurance up to $250,000 per person

Chase rental car insurance does not cover the following:

Expensive or exotic cars (such as Lamborghinis or Ferraris)
Motorcycles, mopeds, or other two-wheeled vehicles
Commercial vehicles (such as delivery trucks)
Intentional damage or negligence
Personal items stolen from the rental car

How Do You Activate Chase Rental Car Insurance?

To activate Chase rental car insurance, you must use your Chase credit card to pay for the rental car in full and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW). If you accept the rental company’s insurance, the Chase coverage will not apply.

It’s important to note that Chase rental car insurance is secondary coverage, which means it only covers damages beyond what your primary auto insurance policy covers. If you do not have a personal auto insurance policy, the Chase rental car insurance will act as primary coverage.

How Much Does Chase Rental Car Insurance Cost?

The cost of Chase rental car insurance is $0. You do not have to pay any additional premiums or fees to activate the coverage. However, keep in mind that the coverage is only available to Chase credit cardholders, so you must pay the annual fee (if applicable) for the card to access this benefit.

Is Chase Rental Car Insurance Worth It?

It depends on your personal circumstances. If you do not have a personal auto insurance policy, then the Chase rental car insurance is a great option to protect yourself and your finances in case of an accident. However, if you already have a comprehensive auto insurance policy, you may not need the additional coverage.

Keep in mind that the Chase rental car insurance is secondary coverage, which means it only covers damages beyond what your primary auto insurance policy covers. If you have a high deductible on your auto insurance policy, the Chase coverage may be worth it since it will cover the deductible amount.

FAQs

Do all Chase credit cards offer rental car insurance?

No, not all Chase credit cards offer rental car insurance. The coverage is only available on select Chase credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve. It’s important to check with your specific credit card to see if it offers the coverage.

Does Chase rental car insurance cover international car rentals?

Yes, Chase rental car insurance covers international car rentals as long as the rental is for personal use and not for business purposes.

Does Chase rental car insurance cover rental cars outside of the United States?

Yes, Chase rental car insurance covers rental cars in most foreign countries. However, there are some countries that are excluded from coverage, such as Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, and New Zealand. It’s important to check with your credit card issuer to see if your destination is covered.

What should I do if I get into an accident with a rental car?

If you get into an accident with a rental car, the first thing you should do is make sure everyone is safe and call the police if necessary. Then, contact the rental car company to report the accident and follow their instructions on how to proceed. If you have Chase rental car insurance, you should also contact the benefits administrator at 1-888-320-9961 to file a claim.

Is Chase rental car insurance primary or secondary coverage?

Chase rental car insurance is secondary coverage, which means it only covers damages beyond what your primary auto insurance policy covers. If you do not have a personal auto insurance policy, the Chase rental car insurance will act as primary coverage.

Conclusion

Chase rental car insurance is a useful benefit for Chase credit cardholders who frequently rent cars. It provides coverage for physical damage and theft of most rental cars, as well as secondary personal liability and accident insurance. The coverage is available at no additional cost, but keep in mind that it is secondary coverage and only comes into play after your primary auto insurance policy.

Before deciding whether to activate Chase rental car insurance, it’s important to evaluate your personal circumstances and determine if the coverage is worth it for you. As always, read the terms and conditions carefully and contact your credit card issuer with any questions or concerns.