Amex Premium Car Rental Protection... your thoughts?

[UncleB]

There have been threads on here before comparing CDW coverage from different credit cards, and Amex is usually mentioned.

My question is specifically in regard to the 'Premium' Car Rental Protection, where you enroll your card and then if/when you use that card for a rental car, Amex will automatically bill you for a flat-rate $19.95 or $24.95 that covers the duration of the rental up to 42 days.

My own thoughts are that on the surface this seems to be a 'no-brainer' for me, since from what I can tell there's no cost unless/until you use the card to pay for a rental, and the coverage is primary, meaning you don't have to involve your own car insurance in the event of a theft or damage claim.

It says that once enrolled coverage applies to additional cards, but there's no mention of whether it applies to additional card holders as well (i.e. authorized users).  That's not an issue for me at this time, but it might be in the future.

This seems like something that would be good to 'set and forget'.  Am I missing anything here? 

Edited for clarification - no-brainer 'for me'.

[takeshi74]

Things are never "no brainers" and each needs to consider the individual needs/wants.  AmEx premium car rental coverage fits me but that doesn't mean it's a best fit for everyone.  There are other options for primary out there if that's a concern.  I use it to keep things off my own insurance and because I frequently rent cars that are not covered by my free coverage options on other cards.

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@UncleB wrote:

It says that once enrolled coverage applies to additional cards, but there's no mention of whether it applies to additional card holders as well (i.e. authorized users).  That's not an issue for me at this time, but it might be in the future. 

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https://www295.americanexpress.com/premium/car-rental-insurance-coverage/home.do (emphasis added)

If you enroll a Card Account for which you are the basic Card Member, eligible Card Accounts will be automatically enrolled. This includes 1. Any other eligible Card Account for which you are the basic Card Member; 2. Eligible Card Accounts that you apply for in the future as the basic Card Member; and 3. Additional Cards issued under your enrolled Card Accounts. The only Card Accounts that are not automatically enrolled are Corporate Cards, any Card Account issued by a third-party bank partner of American Express, and any Additional Card issued under your eligible Card Accounts which is already enrolled in this product.

The "View Summary Terms and Conditions" link has some more details but nowhere near as much as the packet with the full terms that you'll receive in the mail after enrolling.

[UncleB]

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@takeshi74 wrote:

Things are never "no brainers" and each needs to consider the individual needs/wants.  AmEx premium car rental coverage fits me but that doesn't mean it's a best fit for everyone.  There are other options for primary out there if that's a concern.  I use it to keep things off my own insurance and because I frequently rent cars that are not covered by my free coverage options on other cards.

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@UncleB wrote:

It says that once enrolled coverage applies to additional cards, but there's no mention of whether it applies to additional card holders as well (i.e. authorized users).  That's not an issue for me at this time, but it might be in the future. 

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https://www295.americanexpress.com/premium/car-rental-insurance-coverage/home.do (emphasis added)

If you enroll a Card Account for which you are the basic Card Member, eligible Card Accounts will be automatically enrolled. This includes 1. Any other eligible Card Account for which you are the basic Card Member; 2. Eligible Card Accounts that you apply for in the future as the basic Card Member; and 3. Additional Cards issued under your enrolled Card Accounts. The only Card Accounts that are not automatically enrolled are Corporate Cards, any Card Account issued by a third-party bank partner of American Express, and any Additional Card issued under your eligible Card Accounts which is already enrolled in this product.

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I thought that when I stated 'no-brainer' it was implied I was speaking for myself, but I apologize for my lack of clarity.  I have edited my original post to reflect this.

I have thoroughly read the webpage you copied and pasted from, but the information it provides is ambiguous (to me) in regards to my question... I understand it to mean if I enroll my Green card, the enrollment applies to my BCP as well.  I'm hoping it would apply to AU's, but this isn't specifically stated.  The language provided states "across accounts", not "across cards".  Edit:  Located and read the "fine-fine print", and it appears authorized users are covered.  Yeah!

Of course, I can call and ask (and when the time comes, I will) but I figured somebody here would already have direct experience either as an AU or as the primary with an AU.

Regarding offerings from other issuers, I am aware there are many other cards with similar coverage, but my inquiry is specific to the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection.  There are many other threads on offerings for other credit cards.

Thank you for your input.

[UncleB]

I finally found the language that would care for AU's... if anybody's interested, here's the fine-print:

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If you enroll a Card Account for which you are the basic Card Member, eligible Card Accounts will be automatically enrolled. This includes 1. Any other eligible Card Account for which you are the basic Card Member; 2. Eligible Card Accounts that you apply for in the future as the basic Card Member; and 3. Additional Cards issued under your enrolled Card Accounts. The only Card Accounts that are not automatically enrolled are Corporate Cards, any Card Account issued by a third-party bank partner of American Express, and any Additional Card issued under your eligible Card Accounts which is already enrolled in this product.

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I have no idea why they don't just clearly state that up-front... oh well, at least it's covered.

Unless I've missed something, this seems to be a pretty good deal...

[-Cal-]

Thanks for posting this, I had no idea Amex offered primary insurance. This may be useful in scenarios where using an Amex to rent can be more advantageous for me. I wonder if there is a limit to how much they will cover? For example I couldn't rent the new escalade (to compare to mine last gen model) because it's MSRP was too high. 

Another option is the CSP. I rented a car two weeks ago and used my CSP because it has primary coverage (no additional charge). 

[UncleB]

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@-Cal- wrote:

Thanks for posting this, I had no idea Amex offered primary insurance. This may be useful in scenarios where using an Amex to rent can be more advantageous for me. I wonder if there is a limit to how much they will cover? For example I couldn't rent the new escalade (to compare to mine last gen model) because it's MSRP was too high. 

Another option is the CSP. I rented a car two weeks ago and used my CSP because it has primary coverage (no additional charge). 

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The CSP coverage is quite attractive, especially since it seems to be automatic (from what I understand?)

With the Amex 'Premium' coverage they become primary.  Without pre-enrolling your card, though, any coverage provided is secondary, but is at no additional charge (like most cards).

Here's a direct link to the landing page on the 'Premium Car Rental Protection':

https://www295.americanexpress.com/premium/car-rental-insurance-coverage/home.do?intlink=premiumprot...

I'm looking for a reason not to sign up my card(s), but so far I haven't come up with one.  I'm not looking to rent a vehicle anytime soon, so I have some time to research the options.  I'll be honest, though, this is looking good... 

[-Cal-]

Yes its automatic as long as you use your CSP card to pay for the full amount of the rental.

Only reason I could think not to use Amex is if you have a CSP or another card that offers you the coverage for free. Also be mindful of if there are clauses that restrict rentals of passenger vans, vehicles taken off-road and vehicles above a certain MSRP.

[sjt]

Its always good to read the fine print and get clarification on wording you may not understand.

The good points with this coverage is that its primary and worth it if you rent a car for multiple days. One thing to keep in mind is that this coverage only insures the rental car, so if you get into an accident and its your fault the coverage will not cover the other car(s).

[Open123]

In my estimation, it boils down to the following scenarios:

1.  No personal collision - doesn't matter, all CDW will act as primary.

2.  For those who have personal collision, JPM Ritz & UA may be more cost efficient for short rentals, since they offer primary CDW free of charge.

3.  For longer rentals (especailly for CA residents), I think Amex premium CDW is a no brainer.

Finally, with Amex premium CDW, so long as any rental charge is on the card, there is coverage--don't have to worry about discounts or promos invalidating coverage.