5 Best Credit Cards with Rental Car Coverage

If you have a rental car in the first place, you know that things don’t always go according to plan. You can get into an accident or even just have trouble affording the bill. That’s why the right credit card can make a world of difference. Here’s a rundown of the best credit cards with rental car coverage to help you out on the road.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred offers major bonuses for rental car coverage

When you use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card to pay for the car rental, your rental of up to 31 consecutive days is covered for losses during that time up to the value of the vehicle. This includes physical damage to the car, related towing expenses, theft of the vehicle and more.

Basically, this credit card is rental car coverage encapsulated.

As of May 2021, you can also get $1,000 in travel cash when you spend $4,000 within three months of opening your account. You also get $50 in grocery store credits in the first year.

Bear in mind that there is an annual fee of $95 for this car, so you’ll only want to use it if you frequently travel or rent vehicles. Features like baggage delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and more make it an ideal travel card.

2. For business owners, look at the Ink Business Preferred card

If renting cars is part of your business operations, you may want a business card to accompany you. The Ink Business Preferred card (also from Chase) currently offers $1,000 cash back if you spend $15,000 in the first three months.

The card also comes with travel and purchase coverage like auto rental collision damage. According to Chase, you can “decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card.”

You’re eligible for reimbursement up to the vehicle’s cash value. Theft is also covered by the card.

On the business side of things, the card gives you access to quarterly credit and capital reports, which can help you improve your financial standing over time.

The $95 annual fee is minimal since business expenses tend to be much higher than personal expenses.

3. The United Explorer card delivers rental car coverage through travel rewards

If you’re looking for a credit card that provides both flight bonus miles and rental car coverage, the United Explorer card is it.

You can earn miles from every dollar you spend on dining, hotels, airline purchases and any other purchase you make. Get reimbursed for any Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application costs. Your first checked bag is always free.

It’s not just flying benefits, either. Auto rental collision and theft coverage means you’re safe on the road, too.

Your first year is fee-free, but it goes up to $95 after that.

4. Chase Sapphire Reserve is another credit card to have on hand

An alternative to the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you $900 after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months. You also automatically receive a $300 credit annually. This is a travel cost reimbursement but also includes gas stations and grocery stores.

In addition to collision and theft rental car coverage, you get reimbursed for any necessary expenses incurred from a trip delay or lost luggage.

The annual fee for this card is much higher at $550, so it’s best reserved for premium spenders on travel.

5. The Capital One Secured Mastercard offers extra security in a rental car situation

The Capital One Secured Mastercard is great for people who are rebuilding their credit. It also has no annual fee, which makes it unique on this list of credit cards with rental car coverage.

The APR is particularly high at 26.99 percent, so do not miss any payments or you’ll risk burying yourself in credit card debt.

This card requires a small refundable security deposit but offers automatic credit line reviews twice a year, which means it can boost your credit way more quickly than other options.

Some interesting security features include virtual card numbers and $0 fraud liability. You can also locate ATMs and get an emergency replacement card quickly.