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Are you aware that numerous credit cards include rental car insurance protection benefits? Although these protections vary among cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offer some of the most comprehensive coverage available. In this article, we will delve into the rental car insurance benefits provided by the Chase Sapphire cards.
Chase Sapphire Rental Car Insurance Benefits
This Sapphire car rental benefit can save you thousands of dollars if your rental car has collision or theft-related damage. Plus, you don’t have to purchase optional coverage to qualify. You only need to charge the entire car rental amount to your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® to qualify for this complimentary travel perk. Note that you can also use your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to book a car.
The cardholder must be the primary driver when renting the vehicle. They also need to decline any collision damage waivers from the rental company. If they accept the coverage provided by the car rental company, they will end up voiding their Chase Sapphire car rental benefit.
What Are the Chase Sapphire Preferred Rental Car Insurance Benefits?
Here’s what you should know about the Chase Sapphire rental car insurance perks.
Almost every credit card comes with some version of rental car insurance. But, you may not realize that most credit card coverage isn’t as extensive as you think. That’s because most cards only offer secondary car rental loss and damage coverage.
Secondary coverage requires you to file a claim with your auto insurance policy first. Then, the credit card car rental benefits may cover any remaining expenses.
The $95-a-year Sapphire Preferred covers up to the actual cash value of the rental car and activates before your personal auto insurance policy.
Secondary coverage is a built-in benefit for all Visa Signature credit cards, regardless of the issuing bank. Several Chase-issued Visa Signature credit cards offer enhanced coverage at no additional charge.
Primary Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has primary coverage. This means your Chase Sapphire car rental benefits cover the first portion of the damage costs up to the vehicle’s actual cash value.
It’s possible that you won’t have to file a claim with your auto insurance policy because the Sapphire benefits cover the entire bill. This helps keep your car insurance premium low as you have a clean CLUE Report.
How to Get Coverage
There are basic requirements you must meet to activate your primary rental car benefits:
- The cardholder should be the primary driver on the car rental agreement
- Charge the entire car rental to your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Decline any rental car agency insurance policy
- The rental period doesn’t exceed 31 days
It’s essential that you decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver and liability damage waiver.
Otherwise, you forfeit the Chase Sapphire rental car benefits. If the rental car insists you purchase their coverage, you must call the Sapphire benefits administrator at 1-888-320-9961 before you accept your rental car.
Any additional drivers are covered if their names are listed on the rental property documents. Chase only requires the name of the primary driver to match the name on your Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card or be an authorized user under your Sapphire account.
What Damages Are Covered
The Chase Sapphire rental car insurance covers these rental car expenses:
- Physical damage to the rental car from collision or theft
- Loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental car company
- Reasonable and customary towing charges to the nearest qualified repair facility
You will still need to file a claim through your personal insurance if there are any medical injuries. The Chase benefits only apply to damages for the rental car itself.
Vehicles Not Covered
Most, but not all, rental cars qualify for this rental car insurance. However, these rental car types are not covered:
- Expensive or exotic vehicles. Some luxury brands and select models may not qualify for coverage.
- Antique automobiles. Any vehicle at least 20 years old or hasn’t been manufactured in at least 10 years.
- Large vans. Only vans manufactured to transport up to 9 people qualify for coverage.
- Moving trucks and vans. Some trucks and SUVs may also not qualify.
- Peer-to-peer and hourly car rentals. Unfortunately, these will not be covered.
- Motorcycles, electric scooters, and mopeds. These will not be covered.
If the car has not been manufactured in the last decade, it won’t be covered.
If you have any questions about a certain vehicle make or model, you should contact Chase before booking your rental car.
Countries Not Covered
The Chase Sapphire guide only states that rental car benefits extend to rentals within the United States and most foreign countries. Coverage can depend on which rental car agency you use and where you are traveling. If you are renting a car for international travel, call Chase before booking your rental car.
Other Non-Qualifying Events
Chase won’t cover every collision or theft-related expense, even if you decline the rental agency’s insurance. These are some examples:
- Any violation of the rental car agreement
- Confiscation by authorities
- Expenses waived or paid by the rental agency, its insurer, or another party
- Injury of anyone or anything inside or outside the vehicle
- Loss due to hostility (i.e., war, rebellion, or insurrection)
- Loss or theft of personal items
- Intentional acts or driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Off-road operation of the rental vehicle
- Fail to report or file a claim in time
As long as you are driving responsibly, Chase will most likely cover your claim. Remember that Chase doesn’t reimburse personal injuries or losses for any personal property.
If a thief breaks into your rental car, Chase covers the repair costs for the broken window or door but not your stolen goods.
Filing a Claim
If your rental car gets damaged, you must begin the claims process immediately. You do have up to 60 days from the accident or theft date to notify Chase. However, all documents must be submitted to Chase within 100 days of the incident date.
In case there is a delay in getting the paperwork and also settling with the rental agency, try to contact Chase as soon as possible.
Here is the current timeline for filing a claim:
- Notify Chase Benefit Administrator. Call 1-888-320-9961 inside the United States or call collect outside the United States at 1-804-673-1691.
- Submit the claim report to Chase within 100 days of the incident. All available documentation must be postmarked within 100 days of the incident report to qualify for compensation.
Chase pays most claims within 15 days of receiving all the required documents.
Here are some of the documents that may be requested:
- The car rental agreement
- A copy of the Chase Sapphire card statement showing proof of payment was made with a Chase Sapphire card OR proof of payment with Chase Ultimate Rewards points
- Police report if carjacking or vandalism occurs
- Copies of the repair estimate, accident report forms, and photographs of the incident may also be required
Having photographic evidence is good to have, regardless of whether they are requested.
Other Chase Credit Cards with Rental Car Benefits
The Sapphire Preferred Card rental car insurance benefits aren’t exclusive to the Sapphire Preferred. Several other Chase credit cards offer primary rental car benefits.
There are a few nuanced differences in the coverage terms and conditions:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Up to $75,000 coverage instead of the vehicle’s actual cash value.
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Primary coverage up to the vehicle’s actual cash value when the rental is for business purchases. This policy also applies to other Chase business credit card options as well as some of the cash-back credit cards.
- United℠ Explorer Card. Up to the actual cash value of the rental car.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Car Rental Benefits
Most travel credit cards focus mostly on airline and hotel benefits. A few of the best rewards cards give you extra rental car benefits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® car rental benefits are also some of the best. From collision damage waiver protection to free upgrades, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers plenty of rental car perks.
Plus, earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Primary Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver
The primary auto rental collision damage waiver is the best-known Chase Sapphire Reserve car rental benefit and one of the many Chase Sapphire Reserve perks.
You must decline the rental car agency’s collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver. Doing so means Chase covers up to $75,000 in collision and theft-related damages. This benefit applies to most car rentals in the United States and abroad. However, the rental period must also be 31 days or less.
Because this is primary coverage, you can report the incident to Chase first to begin the claims process. This means you may not have to file a claim with your regular auto insurance provider and potentially raise your future policy premium.
Coverage Exclusions
Like the Chase Sapphire Preferred rental car benefits, certain rental cars are excluded. But, there are slightly fewer restrictions because the Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel rewards card. For instance, most luxury vehicles qualify for coverage with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
The following rental car types don’t qualify for coverage:
- Antique vehicles (Vehicles at least 20 years old or out-of-production for over 10 years)
- Select vans (Vans designed to carry up to 8 passengers are covered)
- Vehicles with an open cargo bed
- Trucks
- Motorcycles, mopeds, and motorbikes
- Limousines
- Recreational vehicles
If you plan on renting a luxury vehicle, large SUV, or exotic car, it’s still a good idea to contact Chase before you reserve your car. The Sapphire Reserve benefits guide still states, “Most private passenger automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles are eligible for coverage, but some restrictions may apply.”
Also, contact Chase if renting a car in a foreign country. Although Chase doesn’t exclude any specific countries in their benefits guide, and using your card to travel to Chile (for instance) is a smart move, it’s still a good idea to check. Coverage depends on the rental car agency and rental car type.
Rental Car Privileges
Sapphire Reserve members enjoy special privileges at Avis, National, and Silvercar. These benefits come standard with all Visa Infinite cards.
To enjoy the following benefits, you must book your car directly from the rental car agency. These special discounts do not apply to cars booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
Avis
Use Avis Worldwide Discount Code S107100 to save up to 30% on car rentals. You also need to create an Avis Preferred loyalty account.
Using the code gives you Avis Preferred Plus status includes rapid checkout and complimentary upgrades (when available). You can also get free two-day weekend rentals on select rentals.
To enjoy these benefits, you will need to book your car on the Avis website (not through the Chase travel portal) at least 24 hours in advance.
National
Save up to 25% on rentals by using Contract ID 5030849 on the National website or booking by phone.
Owning the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives you automatic Emerald Club Executive loyalty status. You can earn free rental days faster. Executive perks for U.S. and Canada reservations include guaranteed free upgrades. It also includes choosing any car in the Executive Area when you reserve at the midsize rate. Plus, you’ll get faster free rental days. In Europe, you can get one free class upgrade.
As an Emerald Executive member, you can also choose your preferred rewards. Options include free rental days, frequent flyer miles, and hotel points. Another exciting benefit is no second driver fees. Usually. most agencies reserve this perk for AAA or Costco Travel.
Like Avis, a 24-hour advance reservation is required to enjoy all these perks.
Silvercar
Silvercar lets you rent Audi luxury cars and save between 10% and 30% on every rental. There are locations in 20 large airports across the United States. In-town locations are currently in Miami, New York City, and San Francisco.
Always free in-car premium features include SiriusXM, Bluetooth, WiFi, plus hands-free Apple CarPlay and Android integration.
Silvercar doesn’t require a promotion code. However, your Chase Sapphire card must be saved as your default payment method.
Hertz
Although Chase doesn’t actively promote Hertz rental car perks, it is another Visa Infinite travel benefit. Being a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member gives you complimentary one-class upgrades (when available) and discounts on the Prestige and Adrenaline collections.
You will also have a 2-hour grace period on U.S. rental returns. You can skip the rental counter when picking up your car.
What Are The Chase Sapphire Car Insurance Benefits?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® car rental benefits are primary collision and theft coverage up to $75,000. Plus, there are special discounts and perks at certain rental car agencies.
In summary, both of the Chase Sapphire travel credit cards come with car rental benefits, among other perks. Depending on how often you travel, one may be better for you than the other.
For a better idea of what to expect, check out our guide to the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve application rules.
You can also compare the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Chase Sapphire Preferred if you need more information.
Related Articles:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Score: What You Need to Know
- Best Credit Cards With Car Rental Perks
- Car Insurance Guides and Resources
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Chase Sapphire Preferred only offers primary rental insurance on some intentional car rentals but for domestic car rentals its secondary just like the rest of the credit cards. I read Chase rental card policy and it is clear that they do not offer it for domestic travel. Just wanted to make you aware of this so people aren’t being misled.
I decided to go ahead and finally apply for the Sapphire preferred due to the upgraded bonus, I have always preferred AMEX personally, but de used to read the T&Cs.
I have not been able to find Fl verbiage stating that CDW is primary. I went to the chase site, then. I sited their benefits guide only to read that it says CDW is secondary.
I have heard for some time now that the coverage is primary so I am wondering if the policy has changed recently.
Chase Sapphire Preferred clearly states the Car rental insurance is SECONDARY in the US. It is only primary outside the country.
Regards
Diners Club, now the Diners Club International “Professional” (whatever that’s supposed to mean) branded Mastercard — yeah, it really exists — now issued through BMO Harris Bank provides primary coverage, I’ve had it since before it became a Mastercard, and that’s the only reason I have it.
From the Chase Sapphire T&C:
” ‘Primary’ means that within your country of residence, this benefit will pay for covered theft or damage to your rental car, without the need to go through your own auto insurance provider. ‘Secondary’ means that within your country of residence, this benefit will pay for the remaining covered theft or damage to your rental car after your own auto insurance pays out. If you do not have car insurance, or are renting outside your country of residence, both primary and secondary coverage will pay for all covered theft or damage.”
It’s shown as primary coverage. It’s not a card that I have, so some of the comments about it being secondary within the USA seem to be at odds with these T&C.
who covers the damage to other car involved in accident? assuming price of rental paid with chase sapphire preferred and the rental driver was at fault. Thanks
Check the full terms here for Sapphire car insurance