
Does Chase Sapphire Preferred Have Car Rental Insurance?
If you’re considering renting a car and wondering whether your credit card will cover rental insurance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card could be the solution you’re looking for. The card provides a range of travel protections, including coverage for car rentals. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the car rental insurance offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred and how it can benefit you during your travels.
- 1. What Does Chase Sapphire Preferred’s Car Rental Insurance Cover?
- 2. How Does the Coverage Work?
- 3. Exclusions to Be Aware Of
- 4. Steps to Take When Renting a Car
- 5. Real-World Example: Using Chase Sapphire Preferred for Car Rental Insurance
1. What Does Chase Sapphire Preferred’s Car Rental Insurance Cover?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers primary car rental insurance, meaning it will cover damage or theft of a rental car without the need to rely on your personal car insurance. The coverage includes damage to the vehicle, theft, and vandalism, as well as other losses incurred during the rental period. However, this insurance only applies when you rent the car for personal use and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance.
2. How Does the Coverage Work?
To activate the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s car rental insurance, you must pay for the full rental with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Once you decline the rental agency’s insurance, your Chase card’s insurance takes over. The coverage typically extends up to 31 days for rentals in the U.S. and up to 31 consecutive days for international rentals. Additionally, the card offers reimbursement for the rental car’s repair costs, loss-of-use fees, and even towing fees in some cases.
3. Exclusions to Be Aware Of
While the Chase Sapphire Preferred provides excellent protection, there are a few exclusions. For instance, coverage does not extend to luxury cars, exotic vehicles, or certain high-risk cars like trucks and SUVs. If you’re renting a vehicle in a high-risk area (such as a war zone or a place with extreme weather conditions), your coverage may be void. Additionally, if you’re involved in illegal activities or driving while under the influence, you’ll be excluded from coverage.
4. Steps to Take When Renting a Car
When renting a car with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card, make sure to follow these steps for a smooth claims process:
- Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card to pay for the full cost of the rental.
- Decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW) or similar insurance.
- Document the condition of the vehicle when you pick it up and when you return it.
- Keep all receipts and any police reports if the car is stolen or damaged.
- If needed, file a claim with the Chase benefits department by contacting them as soon as possible.
5. Real-World Example: Using Chase Sapphire Preferred for Car Rental Insurance
Imagine you’re on a road trip and accidentally cause minor damage to your rental car. Without the Chase Sapphire Preferred card’s insurance, you could face hefty fees for repairs. However, since you paid with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card and declined the rental agency’s insurance, you are covered under the card’s primary car rental insurance policy. By filing a claim with Chase, you’re able to get reimbursed for the damage, saving you money and hassle during your travels.
If you want to make sure your next car rental experience is stress-free and fully protected, be sure to check out Carvel Car Rental for the best car rental deals and services.