topic Re: What CC do you use/recommend for car rental & transit in Credit Cards

What CC do you use/recommend for car rental & transit

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:51:23 GMT

I don't have a car right now so use rental a lot, in fact that might be my biggest expense in terms of $ lol. Naturally what with holding fee for about 150 to 200 it has to have decent limits, so while CFF might be ideal(travel portal 5%), 500 CL won't cut it; so at first used CO Plat(700 now), then Citi DC(2%, and add 10$ per day for collision insurance at Expedia), and this year CO SO(since CO has collision insurance, and if one doesn't have car like me, primary insurance).

Ideally should have high % CB AND Collision insurance. CFF would be great for me also to earn UR, but alas, for toy limit.

For transit, bus monthly $15, LA Flyaway $19(to and fro), I just charge it to Citi DC but I see that Amex BCP has 3%, also United Gateway for 2%

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

CYBERSAM — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 20:50:13 GMT

For personal rental I use AMEX BCP and for business still use AMEX!

When it comes to rental, having the best insurance and liability coverage is my highest priority!

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 20:56:47 GMT

@CYBERSAM wrote:
For personal rental I use AMEX BCP and for business still use AMEX!
When it comes to rental, having the best insurance and liability coverage is my highest priority!

Do you buy the extra insurance (Premium Car Rental Insurance)? BCP alone only provides secondary and no liability coverage.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

cashorcharge — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:23:20 GMT

I only use AMEX for rental cars.

AMEX does have an option of around $18/rental where it will become your primary insurance versus your existing auto-coverage. In order for that to be in place, you need to activate the feature with AMEX and they will add it to every charge once it closes for any car rental. It requires you to DECLINE the coverage provided by the rental car company. IF there's an issue and if you have this activated, AMEX insurance becomes your go-to policy with the rental car. If you mistakenly accept the rental agency coverage, AMEX will decline your claim. Ultimately, it's cheaper than paying "per day" with a rental agency and shifts liability from your own auto-policy.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

cashorcharge — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:22:11 GMT

Here's the details on that program...

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

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

wasCB14 — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:26:56 GMT

@cashorcharge wrote:
I only use AMEX for rental cars.
AMEX does have an option of around $18/rental where it will become your primary insurance versus your existing auto-coverage. In order for that to be in place, you need to activate the feature with AMEX and they will add it to every charge once it closes for any car rental. It requires you to DECLINE the coverage provided by the rental car company. IF there's an issue and if you have this activated, AMEX insurance becomes your go-to policy with the rental car. If you mistakenly accept the rental agency coverage, AMEX will decline your claim. Ultimately, it's cheaper than paying "per day" with a rental agency and shifts liability from your own auto-policy.

OP mentions the LA Flyaway Bus, and this is the correct figure ($15.95-$17.95) for California residents.

For people outside of CA and FL, though, it is a little more expensive.

I use the Amex coverage. I don't rent cars often so don't benefit from frequent coverage like from CSR.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

unsungivy — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:40:02 GMT

I love AmEx, but for car rentals when player 2 travels (which is now happening again frequently) it's CSP all the way (until we upgrade to CSR) for the excellent primary coverage.

I do currently have the EZ-Pass billing to the BCP, however. That will likely get shifted upon the upgrade to CSR.

As the OP has, and likes, the CFF, the CSP seems a natural fit with the UR they're already collecting... Access to the same travel portal they spoke of, etc.

EDIT: it appears the OP, if their signature is accurate, is way over the 5/24, so getting a new CSP won't be an option. And the CFF would need to be able to get a limit upgrade to 5k for a product change to even be possible. Make of that what you will, but I would still say CSP fits best.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

MachoHombre — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:45:08 GMT

Many CC's have "secondary" coverage for rentals meaning your car insurance on your personal car comes first.

But, in your situation, where seemingly you have no personal car insurance (due to not having a car), that "secondary" coverage from a credit card in effect becomes your primary insurance when the card is used for car rental. ....which is kinda cool.

Now, there are some credit cards that provide PRIMARY insurance. Chase Saphire (both flavors) comes to mind. There is no added cost, it's part of card membership.

As noted above, AMEX can also become PRIMARY, but there is a per rental fee and you have to let AMEX know that you want this coverage on your car rentals ....NOTE: It is not something to toggle on and off (at least not easily) ....once you tell them that you want this, they'll charge you for insurance on all car rentals going forward.

My situation is different than yours -but I use my Chase Saphire on routine rentals (due to it being primary coverage at no charge). For longer rentals I use AMEX and pay for the insurance. My feeling is that the AMEX insurance is better, but I don't know that for fact.

**Insurance on rental cars can be confusing and can vary by state. I think it's brilliant that you're getting advice here on this forum, BUT, I'd encourage you to take the advice you get here and validate it with your unique scenerio.

Not having a personal auto insurance plan (your scenario) opens nice doors -in that many credit cards, even those with secondary insurance may suffice for insuarnce on car rentals ....and you'll pay nothing. BUT, your scenario ...also warrants you being very careful to ensure that you indeed have adequate insurance as you have no personal auto policy as a safety net.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:58:36 GMT

KEY FEATURES
Flat rate of $19.95 / $24.95 per rental period, not per day depending on your coverage selection ($15.95 / $17.95 for CA Residents; $12.25 / $15.25 for FL Residents).
Coverage is primary for theft and damage to a Rental Vehicle. If your rental vehicle is damaged, you can file that claim with us first as your primary provider.
Coverage provided is not subject to a policy deductible.
You pay only when you rent. Your enrolled Card Account(s) will automatically be charged when used to pay for a rental vehicle until your enrollment is terminated.
PROTECTION
Coverage is worldwide, except for vehicles rented in Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, and New Zealand.4
Coverage is for up to 42 consecutive days (up to 30 consecutive days for Washington State Card Members).
Coverage extends to many vehicles available from Car Rental Companies.

@cashorcharge wrote:
Here's the details on that program...

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

Yeah heard about it: very nice!

As @unsungivy said, Sapphire is great since Primary(but I don't have car anyway lol. Wonder then if one gets primary automatically, or is it case by case: CO SO is automatic). United Explorer too. But for Chase 5/24 rule 😭

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:53:08 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@CYBERSAM wrote:
For personal rental I use AMEX BCP and for business still use AMEX!
When it comes to rental, having the best insurance and liability coverage is my highest priority!
Do you buy the extra insurance (Premium Car Rental Insurance)? BCP alone only provides secondary and no liability coverage.

I don't think any CC provides liability

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 22:04:25 GMT

@MachoHombre wrote:
Many CC's have "secondary" coverage for rentals meaning your car insurance on your personal car comes first.

But, in your situation, where seemingly you have no personal car insurance (due to not having a car), that "secondary" coverage from a credit card in effect becomes your primary insurance when the card is used for car rental. ....which is kinda cool.

Now, there are some credit cards that provide PRIMARY insurance. Chase Saphire (both flavors) comes to mind. There is no added cost, it's part of card membership.

As noted above, AMEX can also become PRIMARY, but there is a per rental fee and you have to let AMEX know that you want this coverage on your car rentals ....NOTE: It is not something to toggle on and off (at least not easily) ....once you tell them that you want this, they'll charge you for insurance on all car rentals going forward.

My situation is different than yours -but I use my Chase Saphire on routine rentals (due to it being primary coverage at no charge). For longer rentals I use AMEX and pay for the insurance. My feeling is that the AMEX insurance is better, but I don't know that for fact.

**Insurance on rental cars can be confusing and can vary by state. I think it's brilliant that you're getting advice here on this forum, BUT, I'd encourage you to take the advice you get here and validate it with your unique scenerio.

Not having a personal auto insurance plan (your scenario) opens nice doors -in that many credit cards, even those with secondary insurance may suffice for insuarnce on car rentals ....and you'll pay nothing. BUT, your scenario ...also warrants you being very careful to ensure that you indeed have adequate insurance as you have no personal auto policy as a safety net.

Thank u @MachoHombre , thankfully I didn't have any accidents or car damage from 2019, but of course should be careful!

Some say it's wise to buy insurance without car(no owner insurance?), it's cheap, like $16 per month, which can also provide liability insurance?

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

notmyrealname23 — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 22:02:31 GMT

I don't own a car, I get by with using an AMEX Green for car shares and rental cars.

Except for CA, rental car companies have to give you state-minimum coverage on liability as part of the rental (you'd be wise to add on liability insurance in CA, and since the coverage is bare minimum of legal coverage, you could be in trouble if you cause a lot of damage and it's determined you are at fault, so you may decide to add supplemental liability).

https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/rental-car-insurance/10030

Insurance coverage included with credit cards will, as mentioned, become primary when you don't have a car insurance policy.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 22:09:15 GMT

@notmyrealname23 wrote:
I don't own a car, I get by with using an AMEX Green for car shares and rental cars.

Except for CA, rental car companies have to give you state-minimum coverage on liability as part of the rental (you'd be wise to add on liability insurance in CA, and since the coverage is bare minimum of legal coverage, you could be in trouble if you cause a lot of damage and it's determined you are at fault, so you may decide to add supplemental liability).

https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/rental-car-insurance/10030

Insurance coverage included with credit cards will, as mentioned, become primary when you don't have a car insurance policy.

Right, but as wallethub also mentions, a lot of coverage comes from your auto insurance (e.g. liability side in particular), so without an insurance policy you can be exposed. Certainly getting 3rd party non-owner coverage makes sense if you do a lot of rentals.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Wed, 11 May 2022 15:33:28 GMT

I'm not sure if this should go to a separate thread, but CCs that give you more than 1% for car rental;

Not all flat 1.5% or 2% CCs provide CDW insurance(Collision). Quicksilver(notable perks of CO are this AND no FTF) and Well's Fargo Active Cash provide it but not Citi Double Cash and BA Unlimited Cash Rewards. BA Travel Rewards provides it and I guess CO Venture cards too.

Gotta add CFU too(wonder if one can PC from CFF to it)?

Citi Custom Cash provides it but not sure if car rental is included in 'select travel' category to qualify for 5%, they should specify on this.

Other flat 1.5% or more CCs from CUs, haven't checked it out but PenFed Power Cash does provide it.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

NRB525 — Wed, 11 May 2022 15:31:56 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@CYBERSAM wrote:
For personal rental I use AMEX BCP and for business still use AMEX!
When it comes to rental, having the best insurance and liability coverage is my highest priority!
Do you buy the extra insurance (Premium Car Rental Insurance)? BCP alone only provides secondary and no liability coverage.
I don't think any CC provides liability

This would be my concern. Have you checked with any insurance agent, to see what policy might be available to provide liability insurance so you have some sort of coverage, even though a specific vehicle is not owned? Vehicle damage shouldn't be too expensive, and may simplify your constant choices with multiple rentals. The liability aspect is what can destroy a person financially.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Wed, 11 May 2022 15:44:34 GMT

@NRB525 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@CYBERSAM wrote:
For personal rental I use AMEX BCP and for business still use AMEX!
When it comes to rental, having the best insurance and liability coverage is my highest priority!
Do you buy the extra insurance (Premium Car Rental Insurance)? BCP alone only provides secondary and no liability coverage.
I don't think any CC provides liability
This would be my concern. Have you checked with any insurance agent, to see what policy might be available to provide liability insurance so you have some sort of coverage, even though a specific vehicle is not owned? Vehicle damage shouldn't be too expensive, and may simplify your constant choices with multiple rentals. The liability aspect is what can destroy a person financially.

Now I'm scared to rent w/o it on my upcoming week-long trip to Champaign, IL lol. Haven't bought it most times(thankfully no acccidents during my 14? rentals from 2017) but maybe should think about it at the Fox rental car counter..it's cheaper than CDW anyway?

My former non person insurance before I cancelled it was $16 per month but was charged double(through agent? But why does one need an agent if u don't have car. Thought of applying for AAA if I had to, directly)

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Wed, 11 May 2022 19:30:18 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I'm not sure if this should go to a separate thread, but CCs that give you more than 1% for car rental;

Not all flat 1.5% or 2% CCs provide CDW insurance(Collision). Quicksilver(notable perks of CO are this AND no FTF) and Well's Fargo Active Cash provide it but not Citi Double Cash and BA Unlimited Cash Rewards. BA Travel Rewards provides it and I guess CO Venture cards too.

Gotta add CFU too(wonder if one can PC from CFF to it)?

Citi Custom Cash provides it but not sure if car rental is included in 'select travel' category to qualify for 5%, they should specify on this.

Other flat 1.5% or more CCs from CUs, haven't checked it out but PenFed Power Cash does provide it.

Confirmed with askCiti twitter:

Ask Citi
@AskCiti
Car rental is included in Select Transit. Below are details :

SELECT TRANSIT
Includes car rentals, ferries, commuter railways, subways, taxis/limousines/car services, passenger railways, bridge and road tolls, parking lots/garages, bus lines, and motor home and recreational vehicle rentals. Excludes bike/scooter rentals, auto clubs and insurance companies.

SELECT TRAVEL
Includes airline, hotel, cruise line and travel agency purchases. Excludes timeshares, boat leases and rentals, campgrounds and trailer parks, and real estate agencies.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Includes ticket purchases for live entertainment, including: concerts, live sporting events, live theatrical productions, amusement parks, and orchestras. Excludes: charitable organizations that provide live entertainment (benefits), sporting camps, sports complexes where you participate in the sport, public and private golf courses, country clubs (including membership fees), bowling alleys, movie theaters, tourist attractions, museums and art galleries.

So CCC gives the highest, 5% on Car rental(plus CDW, but do have FTF). Other premium travel cards might match it

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Wed, 11 May 2022 21:36:12 GMT

https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/citibank-custom-cash-card-rental-car-insurance-2140771847/

Not 100% sure though, Citi page doesn't mention it, or does Mastercard provide it.

Ditto for PenFed Power Cash, not sure it still provides CDW

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

Anonymous — Thu, 12 May 2022 16:49:58 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/citibank-custom-cash-card-rental-car-insurance-2140771847/

Not 100% sure though, Citi page doesn't mention it, or does Mastercard provide it.
Ditto for PenFed Power Cash, not sure it still provides CDW

Oops it waa BA Cash rewards which nerfed it, Penfed still provides it.

Re: What CC do you use for car rental

kilroy8 — Thu, 12 May 2022 16:54:25 GMT

+1 CSP