Renting a car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re unsure about insurance coverage. You want to avoid any surprise charges or headaches if something goes wrong. That’s where Credit One car rental insurance comes in.
This comprehensive guide will explain what Credit One rental car insurance is, who it covers, what it covers, how it works with other policies, and more. Read on to learn everything you need to know to rent a car with confidence!
What is Credit One Car Rental Insurance?
Credit One car rental insurance is supplemental coverage offered by Credit One Bank on certain credit cards. It provides reimbursement for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle when you use your eligible Credit One card to pay for the rental.
This benefit is secondary coverage, meaning it kicks in after your primary insurance policy pays out. It helps fill coverage gaps and lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Who Does Credit One Rental Car Insurance Cover?
To be covered by Credit One rental car insurance, you must:
- Be a cardholder of an eligible Credit One credit card
- Use your eligible card to initiate and pay for the rental
- Decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) offered by the rental agency
Authorized drivers listed on the rental agreement will also be covered.
Eligible Credit One cards that offer rental car insurance include:
- Credit One Bank American Express® Card
- Credit One Bank Platinum Visa® Card
- Credit One Bank Platinum Visa® Secured Card
Check your cardholder agreement for full details. Other Credit One cards do not include this benefit.
What Does Credit One Rental Car Insurance Cover?
Credit One rental car insurance helps pay for damage to or theft of eligible rental vehicles. Covered losses include:
- Physical damage and theft of the vehicle
- Valid loss-of-use charges from the rental company
- Reasonable towing charges related to a covered loss
- Loss of personal effects due to theft or damage
Coverage is secondary to your personal insurance and is limited to the actual cash value of the rental vehicle. There are some exclusions, which are detailed below.
What is NOT Covered by Credit One Rental Car Insurance?
While Credit One rental car insurance provides excellent protection, there are some limitations:
Excluded vehicles:
- Expensive, exotic, and antique cars
- Certain vans
- Trucks
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds
- Motor homes
- Recreational vehicles
- Trailers
- Cargo vans
Other exclusions:
- Personal injury
- Personal liability
- Damage to non-covered vehicles
- Damage from wear and tear
- Intentional damage or losses
- Damage that occurs where prohibited by law
It’s important to note that coverage is secondary. If you have personal auto insurance or coverage through another credit card, that insurance will be primary.
Review your Credit One cardholder agreement for full details.
How Does Credit One Rental Car Insurance Work with Other Policies?
As mentioned above, Credit One rental car insurance is secondary coverage. Here is how it coordinates with other policies:
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Your personal auto insurance – If you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your own car, it acts as primary insurance for rental cars. Credit One coverage kicks in after to cover deductibles and other costs.
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Coverage from your own credit card – If you have rental car coverage through another credit card, that policy pays first. Credit One insurance acts as secondary protection.
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Rental company’s insurance – Decline the CDW from the rental agency, as Credit One benefit only applies if you do so. Their insurance becomes tertiary.
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Travel insurance – If you purchased a travel insurance policy, coverage from that provider pays first.
The key is that Credit One rental insurance stacks on top of other policies to expand your protection. Review other policies closely so you understand how coverage coordinates.
When and Why to Use Credit One Rental Car Insurance
Given how Credit One rental insurance works with other policies, the best times to use it are when:
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You otherwise wouldn’t have rental car coverage – If you don’t have a personal auto policy or rental coverage through your own credit card, Credit One protection becomes your primary source of insurance.
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You want to lower deductibles – If you’d have to pay a high deductible under your primary insurance, Credit One can help pay some of that cost.
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You’re renting an expensive or specialty car – Even if you have other coverage, you’ll want Credit One as extra protection for pricier rentals.
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You want peace of mind – Doubled up coverage means you can worry less and enjoy your trip!
How to File a Credit One Rental Car Insurance Claim
If you need to file a claim under your Credit One rental car insurance benefit, follow these steps:
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Report the incident to the rental company and your primary insurer if applicable.
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Call the Credit One claims administrator listed in your cardholder agreement to notify them of the loss.
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Submit the following documentation within 180 days:
- Receipt showing the rental was paid in full with your Credit One card
- Statement showing the rental transaction
- Rental agreement
- Police report detailing the incident
- Any other documentation requested to process your claim
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The claims administrator will confirm coverage eligibility and coordinate payment of your covered losses. You may need to pay rental company charges first and then get reimbursed.
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If your claim is denied, you will be notified in writing of the reason. Make sure to review the full terms of coverage for any gotchas.
The Bottom Line on Credit One Rental Car Insurance
At the end of the day, Credit One rental car insurance provides a valuable extra layer of protection when you rent a vehicle. For maximum coverage with minimal hassle, be sure to pay for your rental with an eligible Credit One card. Then review other applicable policies and decline the CDW offered by the rental company.
If you do experience a covered loss, file a claim promptly and submit all requested documentation. With this coverage in place, you can truly relax and enjoy the journey when renting a car. Driven by thoughtful benefits like rental car insurance, Credit One offers savvy travelers protection and peace of mind on the road.
Does My Credit Card Have Rental Car Insurance? What Does it Cover?
FAQ
Can I rent a car with Credit One credit card?
Does Credit One American Express have rental car insurance?
Do credit cards cover insurance on rental cars?
What is the Credit One protection program?