Your experience claiming benefits of high end travel cards

We have the Amex Platinum and will use that insurance for domestic rental cars but not for overseas. I don't want to chance any hassle as lately most of our trips are in Iceland which presents a whole different set of challenges with insurance.

Thankfully, we have never needed to make a claim, so I can't speak for that aspect.

I have had a “regular” AmEx card for 20 years. I have twice made claims for minor damage to rental cars (domestic travel, in Alaska and California, not our fault). Both times they covered the damage promptly and without fuss.

Did you eventually get your claims covered, after all the frustration?

The car damage claim almost took getting a lawyer but was paid. the Trip interruption claim (for about $300) took 2 months and about 12 phone calls. I had a $200 medical claim that I gave up on after 3 or 4 calls requesting the submission form. I've had this card for about 10 years, but about ready to drop it.

I haven't had to make a travel or auto claim on my Chase Sapphire Reserve, but I do enjoy several of other benefits of this travel card. Lounge/Restaurant access at airports through Priority Pass for myself and up to two guests; Cash back or points that transfer to many frequent flier programs, Auto insurance for rental cars Door Dash and Lyft offers. Refund of Global Entry or Nexus application fees.

I do use it for travel insurance, but since I have never had to make a claim I can't comment on that aspect. My impression from the posts of people on the forum (and I think we are more likely to hear when things don't work than when they do) is that many travel insurance providers can be a bit of a challenge to have claims processed through.