Chase Sapphire Preferred® cardholders enjoy a valuable perk: complimentary car rental insurance. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about leveraging this benefit for your next trip, from eligibility requirements to coverage limitations and claim filing procedures.
Understanding Chase Sapphire Preferred Auto Rental Coverage
Chase Sapphire Preferred’s car rental insurance is a primary coverage benefit, meaning it’s the first line of defense in case of damage or theft. This eliminates the need to file a claim with your personal auto insurance first, potentially saving you on deductibles and preventing premium increases. To activate this coverage, charge the entire rental car cost to your Chase Sapphire Preferred card and decline the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW).
Eligibility and Activation
Utilizing your Chase Sapphire Preferred Car Rental Insurance is straightforward. Ensure you meet these two key requirements:
- Charge the Full Rental: Pay for the entire car rental using your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You can also redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for your rental.
- Decline the CDW/LDW: Refuse the rental company’s collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver at the counter. Accepting their coverage will negate your Chase benefit. This is crucial for ensuring your Chase coverage acts as primary insurance.
Coverage Details: What’s Included?
Chase Sapphire Preferred’s car rental insurance covers a wide range of incidents, including:
- Theft and Damage: Protection against theft of the rental vehicle and damage caused by collisions or other covered events.
- Loss-of-Use Charges: Reimbursement for valid loss-of-use charges imposed by the rental company while the vehicle is being repaired.
- Administrative Fees: Coverage for reasonable administrative fees associated with the claim.
- Towing Charges: Reimbursement for towing expenses resulting from covered theft or damage.
This coverage extends to rentals within the United States and abroad, offering peace of mind for both domestic and international travel. However, always review your cardholder agreement for specific details and geographical limitations.
Coverage Limitations: What’s Excluded?
While comprehensive, the Chase Sapphire Preferred car rental insurance has limitations:
- Rental Duration: Coverage is limited to rentals lasting 31 consecutive days or less. Longer rentals require separate insurance arrangements.
- Excluded Vehicles: Certain high-value, exotic, or specialty vehicles may be excluded. Refer to your benefits guide for a comprehensive list.
- Personal Belongings: Items left inside the rental car are not covered against theft or damage.
- Off-Road Driving: Driving the rental vehicle off-road will void the insurance coverage.
- Vehicle Age: Cars older than ten years, motorcycles, electric scooters, and mopeds are not covered.
- Specific Rental Types: Vans with a capacity exceeding twelve passengers, peer-to-peer rentals, hourly rentals, and moving trucks/vans are excluded.
Filing a Claim: Step-by-Step Guide
If an incident occurs, follow these steps to file a claim:
- Gather Documentation: Collect your rental agreement, Chase Sapphire Preferred statement showing the rental charge, and any relevant documents like police reports (in case of theft or vandalism), repair estimates, and accident reports.
- Contact the Benefit Administrator: Refer to your card benefits guide for contact information and claim filing instructions.
- Provide Documentation: Submit all required documentation to the benefit administrator as instructed. They will guide you through the remaining claim process.
Conclusion
The Chase Sapphire Preferred car rental insurance offers valuable protection and peace of mind for travelers. Understanding its benefits, limitations, and claim process empowers you to utilize this perk effectively. Always review your cardholder agreement for the most up-to-date information and specific details regarding coverage. Before traveling internationally, contact Chase to confirm coverage in your destination country.
