Credit card insurance or CDW - car rental in France

Posted by maryanddon on 12/23/22 09:48 PM

Read the RS article - good info. Most forum replies are pretty old on this topic so looking for travelers recent experiences.

Our BECU VISA card does not include car rental collision/comp/loss insurance as a built-in benefit. Wondering if it's worth getting a new card (dedicated for car rental in France per RS suggestion) having this benefit or just purchase the CDW from the rental agency. Also appreciate any comments on specific rental agencies for touring the Normandy/Brittany regions.

Thanks in advance - Don

Posted by joe32F

Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂

12/23/22 10:25 PM

11180 posts

If you are considering getting a card for the CDW benefit, you may want to check out AMEX

https://feeservices.americanexpress.com/premium/car-rental-insurance-coverage/home.do

Posted by jaimeelsabio

Mid-Atlantic area

12/23/22 11:31 PM

6546 posts

In addition to getting CDW through your CC or rental company, it can also be purchased through companies like Allianz for about $9-$10 a day. If you wanted full coverage and minimal or zero deductible coverage, you need to get the rental agency’s CDW. We normally rent through Avis or Enterprise. While not knowing where you’re picking up the rental car, or where you’re flying into, depending on your itinerary you might find cheaper flights and car rental prices flying into Brussels.

As an example, for a 20 day rental next May into June, it was 500€ less to rent in Frankfurt than at de Gaulle. Since we intend to be mostly in the Alsace region, it’s pretty much a now brainer. The flight is less too.

Posted by Carol now retired

Lynnwood, Washington

12/24/22 12:54 AM

8382 posts

If you are considering a travel credit card, think bigger than just CDW insurance. Why not pick one that provides CDW insurance, trip insurance, lounge access, and a variety of rewards?

You had a different suggestion previously in this thread and I would also suggest Chase Sapphire Reserve.

https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/22Q4a/sapphire/dual?CELL=6RRW&jp_cmp=cc/Sapphire+Reserve_Brand_Exact_Sapphire+Reserve_SEM_US_NA_Standard_NA/sea/p64466442709/Gap+Analysis+Test+KWs&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwJWdBhCYARIsAJc4idB4FV_CWktB15gK0GxanSmxXcCnnYZmQvrq0LCk_CTBc2iX1Y3KjxsaAgAzEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds