Amex Platinum Car Rental Insurance
Renting a car can be exciting, but it also comes with risks. Accidents, theft, or damage can leave you with expensive bills. Fortunately, if you have the American Express Platinum Card, you may already have car rental insurance coverage that can save you money and stress. In this guide, we’ll break down everything about Amex Platinum car rental insurance, how it works, what it covers, and how to use it effectively.
What Is Amex Platinum Car Rental Insurance?
The Amex Platinum Card offers premium travel benefits, including car rental insurance, also called Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance. This coverage can act as a secondary or primary insurance depending on your location and situation, meaning it can either supplement your personal auto insurance or cover costs directly.
Key benefits include:
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Coverage for damage or theft of rental vehicles
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No deductible in most cases
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Worldwide coverage (with some exclusions)
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Applies to most vehicles rented for business or leisure travel
How Amex Platinum Car Rental Insurance Works
To use your Amex Platinum car rental insurance, you must:
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Pay for the rental with your Amex Platinum Card – This is mandatory for the coverage to apply.
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Decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW/LDW) – If you accept the rental agency’s coverage, Amex will not cover the rental.
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Report any damage immediately – Amex requires prompt reporting for claims processing.
The insurance typically covers:
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Collision and damage to the rental vehicle
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Theft of the vehicle
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Reasonable towing and loss-of-use charges
It does not usually cover:
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Liability for injuries or damage to other people or property
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Personal items inside the car
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Certain exotic or luxury vehicles
Is Amex Platinum Car Rental Insurance Primary or Secondary?
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Primary coverage: In some countries (like the U.S. for certain rentals), Amex Platinum may act as primary insurance, paying first for eligible damages without involving your personal auto policy.
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Secondary coverage: Often, it supplements your existing auto insurance. That means your personal insurance pays first, and Amex covers remaining eligible costs.
Always check with American Express before renting internationally to understand whether coverage will be primary or secondary.
How to Make a Claim
Filing a claim with Amex Platinum car rental insurance is straightforward:
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Contact Amex Global Assist as soon as damage occurs.
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Provide the rental agreement, incident report, and any repair estimates.
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Submit receipts and supporting documents for repairs or replacement costs.
Claims usually take a few weeks, and having all paperwork organized will speed up the process.
Tips for Using Amex Platinum Car Rental Insurance
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Always pay with your Amex Platinum Card.
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Decline the rental company’s insurance, unless local law requires it.
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Check vehicle eligibility, as some high-value or exotic cars may be excluded.
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Read the fine print – Coverage limits, rental duration limits, and country-specific restrictions exist.
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Keep detailed records of the rental and any incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Amex Platinum cover all types of rental cars?
No. Coverage usually excludes exotic vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and vehicles over a certain value. Always verify the terms before renting.
Can I rent a car abroad and still be covered?
Yes, but coverage varies by country. Some countries may require additional documentation or offer secondary-only coverage.
What if I already have car insurance?
Amex Platinum coverage can act as secondary insurance, covering costs your primary insurance doesn’t. In some cases, it may be primary, saving your personal policy from a claim.
How long does the coverage last?
Amex Platinum typically covers rentals up to 30 consecutive days, with some exclusions.
Conclusion
For frequent travelers, the Amex Platinum car rental insurance is a valuable perk that can save you money and stress. By understanding what it covers, how to use it, and the limitations, you can enjoy your trips with peace of mind knowing you’re protected. Always read the latest terms from American Express before renting, especially abroad, to ensure full coverage.