Annual access to up to $200 in Uber cash and privileges at more than 1,400 airport lounges (including Centurion Lounges) are not the only perks of the Platinum Card® from American Express.
Although the aforementioned benefits may be the focal point of the card that is renowned for its annual fee of $695, the less spectacular perks are occasionally disregarded. Moreover, these advantages frequently prove to be the most cost-effective in the long run. This includes the rental car benefits provided by American Express’s Platinum Card®. Conditions apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express members are eligible for the following rental car benefits: complimentary car rental insurance and rental car elite status perks.
Car Rental Insurance Coverage from AmEx
Should you purchase car rental insurance from a third-party travel insurance provider or pay an additional fee at the counter? Possessing The Platinum Card® from American Express eliminates the need to make a difficult choice between purchasing rental car insurance and forgoing protection.
The Platinum Card® from American Express provides rental car loss and damage insurance for amounts up to $75,000 in coverage for rentals financed with the card.
To obtain this secondary coverage at no additional cost, simply satisfy the following two conditions:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express may be utilized to make reservations and settle the total rental expense.
- Refuse the collision damage waiver at the counter of the rental agency.
Moreover, this car rental benefit transcends the rental vehicle itself. Loss or damage to your personal property, including electronics and luggage, is insured for a maximum of $2,000 per person (or $1,000 per person) during your car rental.
AmEx shall provide coverage for medical expenses, amounting to $5,000 per person, for both the rental car driver and any occupants involved in the accident. Additionally, cardholders and their companions are eligible for accidental death or dismemberment benefits in the worst-case scenario.
Restrictions on car rental insurance coverage with American Express’s Platinum Card®
Despite its commendable protection, the AmEx rental car protection does not extend to every car rental or every circumstance.
Certain Countries Do Not Accept Am Ex Insurance; rentals in those countries are not eligible for protection. Illustrative instances encompass Australia, Italy, and New Zealand, among others.
The following vehicles are not covered: Loss and damage insurance for car rentals through AmEx excludes the following categories of vehicles from coverage:
- Combustible or full-size vehicles.
- Commercial minivans are available.
- Personalized automobiles.
- Antique automobiles.
- Limousines are available.
- Off-road machinery.
The insurance benefit provided by AmEx excludes liability coverage. Although the damage to the rented vehicle is covered by your card, liability for harm inflicted upon other vehicles or individuals is not. However, if you are the owner of a vehicle, you should review your auto insurance policy. This policy may provide liability coverage for rental vehicles. Obtaining maximal coverage may still necessitate a separate policy if this is not the case.
Secondary coverage, not primary:American Express Platinum Cards® offer supplementary coverage. Consequently, you must initially submit a claim to your insurance provider prior to submitting a claim to American Express. Conditions apply.
Credit cards that offer car rental insurance benefits typically only extend to primary coverage, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® being one of the few exceptions. As the car rental insurance provided by Chase Sapphire Reserve® is primary coverage and not secondary, there is no obligation to notify your personal auto insurance provider regarding the incident.
Discounts on Premium Vehicle Rental Protection Offered by AmEx
Related: Which Car Rental Company Is the Best?
Premium auto protection is available for purchase from American Express if you desire primary rental car insurance coverage. This paid product provides comprehensive coverage for luxury automobiles and other premium vehicles for car rentals lasting up to 42 consecutive days, at a reasonable rate of less than $25 per rental. This is frequently a far superior option than purchasing coverage directly from the rental car company.
Your state of residence and coverage selections will determine the exact cost. Residents of Florida must pay $15.25 per rental for larceny and damage coverage of up to $100,000, while residents of California must pay $17.95 per rental and residents of all other states must pay $24.95 per rental.
Additional benefits of AmEx premium car rental protection are as follows:
- Accidental death and dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (or $250,000 for California residents).
- Per person, up to $15,000. For secondary medical expenses.
- Secondary personal property coverage of up to $5,000 (or $15,000 for Florida residents).
Nevertheless, similar to the complimentary American Express Platinum car rental insurance, this coverage does not include liability coverage.