What rental car coverage does the Amex Platinum card provide?

The Amex Platinum card provides rental car loss and damage insurance, which covers up to $75,000 for theft or damage to most rental vehicles, provided you use the card to reserve and pay for the rental.

This insurance is considered secondary coverage, meaning it kicks in after any primary insurance you may have, such as your personal auto insurance.

To activate the coverage, you must decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) offered by the rental company at the time of renting the vehicle.

The coverage applies to rentals for a maximum of 48 consecutive days, beginning when you take control of the vehicle.

If a vehicle is damaged or stolen, you are required to file a claim promptly, providing necessary documentation such as the rental car agreement, insurance information, and any repair bills.

It’s important to note that the rental car loss and damage insurance does not cover liability, which means you are still responsible for any injuries or damages you may cause to others while driving the rental car.

Cardholders can receive elite status at major rental companies, including Hertz, National, and Avis, which offers additional benefits like vehicle upgrades and expedited service.

The coverage is not automatically included; you must ensure to enroll for the benefits, which may vary based on the cardholder's location and specific offers.

The Amex Platinum card's car rental insurance includes accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing up to $150,000 for California residents, and $75,000 for others, in the event of a covered incident.

If you have to extend your rental beyond 48 days, the insurance coverage will no longer apply, necessitating a review of your insurance needs for longer rentals.

The premium for the enhanced primary coverage option through the Amex Premium Car Rental Protection varies by reservation and is an additional cost on top of the regular rental fees.

The cardholder must be the primary driver of the rental vehicle for the coverage to be valid, meaning that if someone else drives the vehicle, the coverage may not apply.

If you're renting in a country where you normally wouldn’t drive, such as certain European countries, be aware that the coverage might have specific exclusions based on local laws.

The claims process typically requires filing a claim online or via phone, and it’s advisable to keep copies of all documents related to the rental and incident for smoother processing.

Interestingly, the collision damage insurance covers vehicles rented in the US and abroad, though details may vary by country, and it’s essential to check local regulations.

Amex Platinum cardholders can potentially save on rental car insurance costs by using this benefit instead of purchasing additional insurance directly from the rental company.

Many cardholders are unaware that relying solely on the Amex coverage without understanding their personal auto insurance limitations can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

The card also provides access to a dedicated concierge service, which can assist in making rental arrangements, potentially leading to better rates or availability.

Understanding the nuances of the rental car insurance coverage can be complex, especially when traveling internationally, where local laws regarding insurance may differ significantly from US standards.

The coverage's effectiveness may also depend on the type of vehicle rented, as luxury or specialty vehicles might not be covered under the standard terms, requiring additional verification.