You imagine: you can’t wait to go on that vacation. Rent that car and you’re all set to hit the road. Until, just as you’re ready to start, that nagging inside worry creeps in: What if something happens to this car? Don’t worry. Your Chase Sapphire card might just be the savior.
Among the greatest rental car insurance perks available, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards provide such benefits.
Find out how rental car insurance from Chase Sapphire works. We’ll go over the benefits, limitations, and how to use it. Prepare to hit the road knowing you are driving in confidence!
Learning About Insurance for Rentals Utilizing the Chase Sapphire Card
Your Chase Sapphire card comes with a nice rental car insurance benefit. This is used when your rental car is either damaged or stolen. Heavy repair bills may not have to be paid out of your pocket.
Primary vs. Secondary Coverage
Most credit cards offer secondary rental car insurance. That is, they only kick in after your personal car insurance pays. Chase Sapphire cards give something better as opposed to that: primary coverage.
That being primary coverage, it would mean that Chase would pay first before your very own insurance. That is a huge benefit! There is no need to file an insurance claim. Thus, rates would not go up.
Eligible Cards: Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve
Rental car insurance is applicable on both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards. Coverage terms were pretty much the same for both. The biggest difference between these cards lies in the rewards and other perks.
What It Covers (And Does Not Cover)
It is advisable to know what is included in your Chase Sapphire rental car insurance—and just as importantly, what is excluded—so that you know what to expect.
Covered Incidents
Chase Sapphire rental car insurance covers the following incidents:
- Collision damage.
- Theft.
- Vandalism.
- Valid loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company.
Basically, if there’s damage to your rental car or it gets stolen, chances are you’re covered.
Exclusions and Limitations
Every insurance policy does have exclusions. Some of the major exclusions include:
- Exotic vehicles (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, etc.).
- Certain classes of vehicles (such as cargo van, truck, and motorcycle).
- Rentals in certain countries (Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, etc.).
- Body injury to any person or damage to anything inside or outside the automobile.
- Rental was for longer than 31 days.
- Violation of the rental agreement.
Always read the fine print and understand what the limitations are.
Activate Your Chase Sapphire Rental Car Insurance
What Is Great
It’s easy to activate your Chase Sapphire rental car insurance. Just follow these simple steps!
Requirements for Qualifying Rental
With the exception of these requirements, to qualify for coverage, you:
- Pay all of the rental charges with your Chase Sapphire card.
- Decline the collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver of the rental company.
- Rental car must be in your name.
Reject the Rental Company’s Insurance
This is the key thing to remember. Say no when it comes to the rental company’s CDW/LDW so that your Chase Sapphire insurance can take effect. This notifies Chase that their insurance would be your primary coverage. If the rental company’s insurance is accepted, then Chase insurance is merely secondary, defeating the whole purpose of having primary coverage!
How to File a Claim
In the event of something happening to your rental car, you will have to file a claim.
Gathering Necessary Documentation
These are the documents you should collect:
- A copy of the rental agreement.
- Accident report (if applicable).
- Repair estimates.
- Photos documenting damage to the vehicle.
- A copy of your card statement indicating payment for the rental.
- Police report (if any).
The more documents available will speed up the claim process.
Claim Submission to Chase
Also, be quick to file your claim with Chase. Online, over the phone, or by mail are usually the options. The card benefit guide should provide further instructions concerning your specific case. Be prepared to answer questions and provide all documentation you have gathered.
Ways to Maximize Benefits and Avoid Pitfalls
Want to know how to make the most of your Chase Sapphire rental car insurance? Here are some tips!
Know the Period of Coverage
Chase Sapphire rental car insurance generally covers rental cars for up to 31 days. If you are renting your car for a longer duration, you may need to acquire additional insurance.
Mistakes to Avoid
Here are mistakes that will typically void your coverage:
- Accepting the CDW/LDW offered by the rental company.
- Renting excluded vehicles.
- Not abiding by the terms of the rental agreement.
- Failing to report damage in a timely manner.
Stay clear of these mistakes to avoid invalidating your coverage.
Conclusion
Chase Sapphire rental car insurance is a worthy perk. It affords the opportunity to save some money and provides huge peace of mind when renting a car. Understanding how it works and following the guidelines will allow you to maximize that perk. So, when renting a car next, do not forget to use your Chase Sapphire card. Use it to pay for your rental and decline the insurance offered by the rental company. Enjoy the savings and drive worry-free!
