Best Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance

If you're planning to rent a car for an upcoming trip, don’t rush to accept the rental counter’s pricey insurance coverage. Many personal auto insurance policies or rewards credit cards already provide rental car insurance—and in some cases, even better protection. With rental insurance fees ranging from $13 to $30 per day, using the right credit card can save you hundreds on a single trip.

A recent WalletHub study compared 86 credit cards from the top 10 issuers to identify which ones offer the best rental car insurance perks. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road.

🏆 Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

WalletHub Score: 93.5%

• Coverage Type: Primary rental car insurance

• Rental Period Limit: Up to 31 days (domestic and international)

• Coverage Amount: Up to $75,000

• Annual Fee: $550

• Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months

• APR: 20.24% – 28.74% variable

• Rewards Highlights:

  • 5x on flights and 10x on hotels & car rentals through Chase Travel

  • 3x on other travel and dining

  • Points worth 1.5x more when redeemed via Chase Travel℠

• Perks: $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit, travel protections

Why it wins: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers industry-leading coverage, including in countries typically excluded by other cards like Ireland and Italy. Plus, it provides primary coverage, which doesn’t require you to file a claim with your own auto insurer first.

🥈 Runner-Up: Chase Sapphire Preferred®

WalletHub Score: 91%

• Annual Fee: $95

• Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months

• Coverage: Primary coverage for damage/theft

• Rewards: 5x on travel via Chase, 3x on dining, 1x on other purchases

• Perks: $50 annual hotel credit, 25% more value when redeeming through Chase Travel

Why it’s great: This card is perfect for frequent travelers who want solid protection without the high fee. It provides many of the same travel perks as the Reserve version with a much lower cost.

🥉 Third Place: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

WalletHub Score: 90%

• Annual Fee: None

• Sign-up Bonus: $200 back after $500 spend in 3 months

• Rewards: 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases

• Coverage: Secondary coverage, up to $50,000; excludes Israel, Jamaica, and parts of Ireland

• Limitations: 15 days max in U.S., 31 days internationally

Why it’s a good pick: A no-annual-fee card that still provides solid rental coverage, perfect for occasional renters and domestic travel.

4️⃣ Fourth Place: American Express Consumer Cards

WalletHub Score: 88.5%

• Standard Coverage: Secondary, unless you opt for Premium Car Rental Protection (paid add-on)

• Standout Feature: Covers luxury and SUV rentals for a flat fee (not daily)

Why it stands out: Amex offers a unique upgrade option—Premium Car Rental Protection—which gives primary coverage for luxury and exotic rentals, a rarity among cards.

Other Highly Rated Cards for Rental Car Insurance

Card	WalletHub Score
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite®	87.5%
Navy Federal Visa Cards	86%
Capital One Visa Cards	86%
Citi Strata Premier®	85%
Bank of America® Premium Rewards®	80%

Note: Synchrony and Discover do not offer rental car insurance on any cards.

🧠 How to Use Your Credit Card’s Rental Car Insurance

1. Use the card to reserve and pay for the rental.

2. Decline the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered by the rental agency.

3. Check limitations ahead of international travel, especially in countries where some form of coverage is legally required (e.g., Italy, Ireland).

When Credit Card Rental Insurance Makes Sense

✅ You’re renting internationally (many cards offer global coverage).
✅ Your personal car insurance lacks collision or comprehensive coverage.
✅ You want to avoid increasing your personal premiums after an accident.
✅ You’re renting a higher-value vehicle than your personal one.
✅ You’re traveling for business, and your personal insurance doesn’t apply.

Personal Auto Insurance vs. Travel Credit Cards

Scenario	Personal Auto Insurance	Travel Credit Card
U.S. travel	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
International travel	❌ Usually no	✅ Often yes
Business rentals	❌ Usually no	✅ Often yes
Luxury/exotic cars	❌ Limited	✅ Yes (Amex only)

Final Tips to Save on Car Rentals

• Avoid airport drop-off fees by returning your car off-site.

• Refuel before returning to skip inflated gas charges.

• Use your own toll pass to avoid daily rental transponder fees.

Choosing the right credit card for rental car insurance could save you money and offer better protection than what rental companies provide. Whether you travel often or just occasionally, reviewing your card’s perks before booking your rental can help you skip unnecessary charges—and give you peace of mind.