Amex Insurance for Car Rental
Renting a car should feel liberating — not stressful. But one question always comes up: Do I really need extra car rental insurance? If you use an American Express card, you may already have coverage that can save you money and headaches.
In this in‑depth guide, we’ll break down:
✔ What Amex rental car insurance covers
✔ Which American Express cards include it
✔ How to activate the benefit
✔ Real‑world examples and tips
✔ Limitations & exclusions you need to know
✔ Whether it’s worth buying extra coverage ✨
🚘 1. What Is Amex Car Rental Insurance?
American Express offers secondary or primary rental car coverage as a card benefit on many of its credit cards. This benefit helps cover damage or theft of a rental vehicle, often at no extra cost — as long as you meet certain criteria.
Unlike standard liability insurance, Amex’s coverage focuses on physical damage to the rental vehicle — not injuries to others.
💳 2. How Amex Rental Car Insurance Works
Here’s the simplified process:
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Use your eligible American Express card to pay the full rental cost.
— Partial payments won’t qualify. -
Decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW/LDW).
— If you accept CDW/LDW, the Amex benefit may be voided. -
Coverage automatically kicks in.
— If the car is damaged or stolen, Amex can reimburse repair or replacement costs (subject to limits).
This benefit is sometimes called Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance (LDW).
🏆 3. Which American Express Cards Include This Benefit?
Not all Amex cards offer rental car protection, and the level of coverage varies.
🟢 Common Cards With Coverage
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
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American Express® Gold Card
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American Express® Green Card
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Select Delta SkyMiles® cards
Pro tip: Premium Amex cards tend to offer primary coverage, meaning you don’t have to file with your personal car insurance first — which can protect your personal premiums.
📌 Always check the Terms and Conditions for your exact card, as benefits change over time.
📊 4. What Does Amex Rental Insurance Cover?
Coverage typically includes:
✔ Damage to the rental vehicle
✔ Theft of the rental vehicle
✔ Reasonable towing charges
✔ Loss of use — when the rental company charges for the time a car is being repaired
❌ What It Usually Doesn’t Cover
✖ Liability for injuries or damage to others
✖ Personal belongings stolen from the car
✖ Vehicles used off‑road or for illegal purposes
✖ Certain exotic or luxury cars
✖ Rentals in some countries
Since liability coverage isn’t included, many travelers pair Amex rental coverage with standalone liability insurance or rely on local requirements.
🧠 5. Primary vs. Secondary Coverage
Primary Coverage
Pays first — you don’t involve your personal auto insurance.
📍 Common on premium cards (e.g., Amex Platinum)
Secondary Coverage
Pays after your personal insurance — filling gaps or deductible costs.
📍 Often seen on mid‑tier cards
💡 Best practice: If your Amex offers primary coverage, use it! It can prevent rate increases on your personal auto policy.
🛫 6. How to File a Claim With Amex
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Notify Amex immediately after an incident.
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Gather documentation:
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Rental agreement
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Police report (if applicable)
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Repair estimates
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Accident report
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Photos of damage
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Submit your claim through the Amex benefits portal or by calling the number on your card.
Keep copies of everything — claims can take time, but being organized helps.
💡 7. Real‑World Examples
Example 1: Minor Collision
You scrape a rental door in a parking lot.
Amex primary coverage pays the repair bill — no deductible, no premium increase.
Example 2: Theft
Your rental is stolen at night.
Amex reimburses the replacement cost after documentation — faster than personal insurance.
These are real scenarios where using Amex rental coverage saved customers hundreds to thousands.
⚠️ 8. Common Limitations & Exclusions
Most Amex rental policies won’t cover:
🚫 High‑end luxury cars (e.g., Ferrari, Lamborghini)
🚫 Trucks used for hauling
🚫 Damage from reckless driving
🚫 Rentals in certain countries
📌 Always review your card’s Benefits Guide before travel.
🏝️ 9. Tips for Traveling Abroad
If you’re renting outside your home country:
✔ Amex coverage often applies internationally, but
✔ Some countries require proof of local liability coverage
✔ Confirm with both Amex and the rental agency
This saves surprises at pickup.
🧾 10. Do You Still Need Extra Insurance?
Maybe — depending on your trip:
✅ If you want liability coverage, you may need extra insurance.
✅ If your Amex benefit is secondary, consider supplemental plans.
✅ If renting specialty vehicles, you might not be covered.
Budget travelers and frequent renters often benefit most from maximizing their Amex coverage.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Amex rental insurance the same worldwide?
Coverage varies by card and region — always confirm the terms before traveling.
Can I add another driver and still be covered?
Yes — as long as they are listed on the rental agreement and you follow all eligibility rules.
Will Amex cover my deductible?
If you have primary coverage, there’s often no deductible. Secondary coverage may help cover your personal insurance deductible.
📌 Final Thoughts
Amex insurance for car rental can be a powerful and valuable travel benefit — especially when it offers primary coverage. It saves money, reduces stress, and protects you in scenarios where liability insurance alone isn’t enough.
💡 Pro tip: Always activate the benefit by paying with your Amex card and declining the rental company’s CDW/LDW. Keep documentation and file promptly if needed.