Which card to use for renting a car?

[Anonymous]

I am renting a car for three days and was advised to go ahead and get the travel protection insurance for $10/day. That plus the underage driver fee of $25/day really hurts. I just read that some credit cards off insurance coverage in place of the rental company's, but I don't know anything about insurance so I can't make an educated decision. I'm hoping you guys can give me some advice. I have a DiscoverIT, Amex Blue Cash Everyday, and Chase Freedom.

Do any of these compare to the liablity insurance I am paying the rental company? 

Thanks for any help!

[Anonymous]

check the amex disclosures. my amex ED has rental insurance. you need to decline the coverage from the rental agency. beware it doesn't often include things like chevy suburbans and exotics

[gibeon]

I would check with AMEX about their rental coverage. I think it's something like $25/rental and is primary coverage and pretty good.

Also, it depends on where you are renting. NO ONE likes covering rentals in Ireland and some other countries depending on card.

[Anonymous]

also if your freedom is a VS check that too. should be good. idk about discover (i didn't read their disclosures well)

[EAJuggalo]

Freedom covers you as secondary insurance. https://creditcards.chase.com/freedombenefits  I believe Amex covers as primary for $25 per rental.  Both require that you pay the entire rental on that card though.

[Anonymous]

We use AMEX because it covers the insurance. 

[Exonumist]

With the cards you have I'd probably go AMEX and do the extra insurance coverage for $25. Your personal insurance should cover things too, but if you can get primary coverage and something happens you won't even have to tell them. Call them and ask. Another thing to look into is USAA's rental discount codes. Depending on your age you can probably get rid of the extra fees for being "too" young. 

[Turbobuick]

My auto insurance agent says I'm covered no matter what or who's car I'm driving. I've never purchased insurance elsewhere. Liability always, but I understand it applies to comp and collision only if I carry on my own vehicles. So basically, I get similar coverage on rentals to what I pay for on my own vehicles.

[Mattopotamus]

Not to detrail, but it is related and not "new thread worthy".

Since the CSP has primary insurance coverage is there anything that has to be done outside of denying the rental card company insurance.  Meaning if you rent a car with your CSP you automaitcally are covered with primiary insurance?

[Anonymous]

Thank you! And thank you to everyone who contributed - I really appreciate the help. I'm going to spend today calling my card companies and rental companies. I read that some people have luck getting the below 25 fee waived, so that'll help in addition to this whole insurance deal.