Here are all the details you need to know regarding getting free Rental Car Insurance through your credit card in the US:
- **Coverage Overview:**
- Reimburses for:
- Collision/Physical damage and theft of the rental vehicle.
- Valid loss-of-use charges.
- Reasonable towing charges.
- Reasonable administrative fees.
- No deductible.
- Coverage could be primary or supplemental based on card type.
- No coverage for personal liability, belongings, bodily injuries, etc.
- Limited to rental periods within/outside country of residence.
- **Claim Filing:**
- Report accidents/theft to Card Benefit Services promptly.
- Submit claim form within 90 days.
- Follow rental agency instructions.
- Submit claim online at https://www.eclaimsline.com/
- **Required Documentation:**
- Obtain from rental company immediately:
- Accident/Police report (if applicable).
- Rental agency's claim document.
- Car rental agreements.
- Repair estimate/bill.
- Photos of the damaged vehicle.
- Additional may include:
- Billing statement.
- Insurance carrier statement.
- Copy of primary insurance policy's Declarations Page.
- Any other requested by the Benefit Administrator.
- **Coverage Details:**
- Covers most vehicles but excludes certain types like antique cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.
- Exclusions: intentional acts, wear and tear, off-road operation, etc.
- Certain territories and rental origins are excluded.
- **International Coverage:**
- Applies outside country of residence, subject to conditions and exclusions.
- Minimum collision damage waiver coverage mandated in some countries; benefit applies in excess.
- **Payment and Settlement:**
- Payment to rental agency or cardholder.
- Settlement usually takes 8-10 weeks after receiving all required documentation.
- **Who Is Covered:**
- Cardholder who reserves, picks up, and pays for the rental.
- Additional drivers covered.
- **Additional Information:**
- Residents of certain states may have coverage under Property Damage Liability Law.
- Coverage provided even without personal automobile insurance.
- **Considerations:**
- Personal circumstances, insurance coverage may warrant additional rental insurance.
- Personal effects coverage redundant if covered by renters/homeowners insurance.