I'm getting ready to book a car rental in July, with pickup and return to Heathrow. I seem to read a lot of contradictory advice about whether or not to buy the collision damage waiver. It does look like CDW is already covered by my Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Is there any reason to buy any additional insurance from the car hire company?
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11948 posts
It does look like CDW is already covered by my Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
Be sure to confirm that. Not saying you are wrong, but eliminate the possibility of a nasty surprise.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8125 posts
As was noted, read the fine print on what your credit card is providing (Collision?, liability?, Tires,Glass?) what steps you need to take to make the insurance valid (declining certain types of coverage for example) and if you have a claim, what you need and what the process is (Police report?, Certain Form?, Do you Pay up front then seek reimbursement?)
You may need to call your credit card to get some answers, rather than ask the first customer service person that answers, ask if there is someone that specifically handles claims, or the number of the company that does handle the claim.(Chase likely contracts with an insurance company.)
I have not had a claim with Chase, so I can't vouch one way or the other. Others, if you search, have mixed success with Credit Card Insurance (One might wonder if you get what you pay for it), so consider the risks.
I do use a Premium coverage through my American Express, I pay a fee per rental to use it, but coverage is much more comprehensive. I have also, in places I have a concern that risk of damage might be greater (I suppose driving on the wrong side of the road with a manual transmission might qualify) just taken the 100% CDW from the rental agency...if for no other reason than peace of mind.
Posted by
southern california
141 posts
If you google Chase Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, you'll find a benefit review of the rental car coverage supplied by your card. Be sure and read this closely (I'd print it out and take it with me). I believe that, for this benefit, you need to decline insurance offered by the car rental agency. (I'm sorry I don't know how to insert a link).
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
I agree with previous comments in this thread that you need to confirm what type of coverage is provided by your credit card firm. Rental car coverage provided by credit cards is often (usually?) issued by a third party, and the terms and conditions can be extensive. Be sure you're clear on which terms you have to accept on the rental form and which to decline.