Credit card rental car insurance: Stop paying car rental insurance
11M
Readers
150+
Reviews
1,000+
Metrics
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11M
Readers
150+
Reviews
1,000+
Metrics
Partners on this page may provide us earnings.
If you own a car, your car insurance likely applies to the rental. But to avoid an increase to your personal car insurance due to an accident with the rental car, you can get one of the best credit cards for rental car insurance and avoid having to pay what could add up to over $60 a day in rental car insurance.
To help you figure out what your credit card covers you for, we’ve put together this guide that will answer all your questions. Remember, every travel insurance policy is different so you always need to read the fine print.
up to 90,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$1,072
First Year Value
$322
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived on your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.* Expires Jan 31, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card with elevated earn rates on eligible travel, dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary lounge membership, which includes complimentary passes, as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers seeking both rewards and travel-related perks.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.
45,000 points when you spend $4,500 in the first 110 days after account opening, and 3,750 points for each subsequent month in which you make at least $2,500 in purchases on your card, for 12 months.
Offer expires January 31, 2026.
Our Take
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card with elevated earn rates on eligible travel, dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary lounge membership, which includes complimentary passes, as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers seeking both rewards and travel-related perks.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.
45,000 points when you spend $4,500 in the first 110 days after account opening, and 3,750 points for each subsequent month in which you make at least $2,500 in purchases on your card, for 12 months.
Offer expires January 31, 2026.
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is one of the few credit cards that includes a car rental personal effects benefit as part of its car rental insurance policy.
The card also provides car rental accidental death and dismemberment benefits*. Obviously it’s a claim that you’ll hopefully never have to make, but the card entitles you (or your beneficiary) to lump sum payouts depending on your loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury while occupying an eligible rental car.
Car rental insurance features:
Disclosures:
*Terms and conditions apply.
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
$324
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99% - 25.99%
Purchase
22.99% - 27.99%
Cash Advance
22.99% - 27.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee credit card offering elevated cash back rates on purchases made in U.S. dollars, with a standard rate on all other eligible purchases. Cardholders benefit from comprehensive insurance coverage, including emergency medical and rental car collision/damage protection, as well as access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass; however, the card has a high income requirement.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99% - 25.99%
Purchase
22.99% - 27.99%
Cash Advance
22.99% - 27.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards cash back
3%
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars.
2%
Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw
1.5%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases.
1.5x Cash Back
Get 1.5x more cash back every time you redeem for Rogers, Fido or Shaw purchases.
5
Get 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost every year for Rogers mobile plans (up to $80 value).
Insurance Benefits
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Our Take
The Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee credit card offering elevated cash back rates on purchases made in U.S. dollars, with a standard rate on all other eligible purchases. Cardholders benefit from comprehensive insurance coverage, including emergency medical and rental car collision/damage protection, as well as access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass; however, the card has a high income requirement.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99% - 25.99%
Purchase
22.99% - 27.99%
Cash Advance
22.99% - 27.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards cash back
3%
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars.
2%
Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw
1.5%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases.
1.5x Cash Back
Get 1.5x more cash back every time you redeem for Rogers, Fido or Shaw purchases.
5
Get 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost every year for Rogers mobile plans (up to $80 value).
Insurance Benefits
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
If you regularly travel to the U.S., look for a credit card that both provides car rental insurance and helps you defray foreign transaction fees. Enter the Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®, which covers a car rental up to 31 days.
Car rental insurance features:
10% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$767
First Year Value
$468
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get a first-year annual fee rebate for you and up to three Authorized Users† and earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000†.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$99
Annual Fee
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card is a cash back credit card that rewards cardholders for everyday purchases, particularly in categories like gas, EV charging, and groceries. It also offers additional benefits such as car rental savings and access to the CIBC Mobile Banking App for convenient account management.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
25.99%†
Penalty
Fees
$99
Annual Fee
2.50%†
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
3%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
$500,000
common carrier accident insurance
$65,000
MSRP for rental cars for up to 48 consecutive days
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get a first-year annual fee rebate for you and up to three Authorized Users† and earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000†.
Our Take
The CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card is a cash back credit card that rewards cardholders for everyday purchases, particularly in categories like gas, EV charging, and groceries. It also offers additional benefits such as car rental savings and access to the CIBC Mobile Banking App for convenient account management.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
25.99%†
Penalty
Fees
$99
Annual Fee
2.50%†
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
3%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
$500,000
common carrier accident insurance
$65,000
MSRP for rental cars for up to 48 consecutive days
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get a first-year annual fee rebate for you and up to three Authorized Users† and earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000†.
The CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card is a cash back credit card that rewards cardholders for everyday purchases, particularly in categories like gas, EV charging, and groceries. It also offers additional benefits such as car rental savings and access to the CIBC Mobile Banking App for convenient account management.
Car rental insurance features:
Disclosures:
This is a digital-exclusive offer.†
To be eligible for this offer:
1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and
2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.†
This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Dividend card within the last 12 months.†
Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertising partners.
up to 180,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$1,271
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points* - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away. Expires Aug 18, 2025
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$799
Annual Fee
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
30%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Experience Amex’s best offer this year on the Platinum Card®
New Platinum® Cardmembers can earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away!
Here's how:
Earn 100,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Earn an additional 50,000 points after you spend a total of $50,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between months 15 and 17 of Cardmembership
Offer ends August 18, 2025
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
30%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Experience Amex’s best offer this year on the Platinum Card®
New Platinum® Cardmembers can earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away!
Here's how:
Earn 100,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Earn an additional 50,000 points after you spend a total of $50,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between months 15 and 17 of Cardmembership
Offer ends August 18, 2025
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Car rental insurance features:
Disclosures:
"Generally speaking, as long as you charge the full amount of the rental to your credit card and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver, your credit card car rental insurance will cover you for damage/theft to the rental vehicle, and the loss of use of the rental vehicle while it’s under repair."
Barry Choi, credit card expert and Money.ca contributor
When renting a car you should consider the possibility of misfortune to your own vehicle/property, as well as the vehicles/property of others. These are the types of coverage you need to keep an eye out for:
Your credit card's rental insurance will be either primary or secondary coverage—a crucial distinction to understand:
While credit card car rental insurance provides valuable protection for the vehicle itself, it comes with important limitations you need to understand before declining the rental counter's coverage at the counter.
Credit card rental insurance typically won't cover:
If you already have personal auto insurance, these gaps may be covered by your existing policy. If not, you'll need to purchase additional protection for complete coverage.
There are other limitations to credit card rental coverage. For example, your credit card rental insurance won't apply if you:
For most typical vacations or personal rentals, your credit card coverage should be more than enough. When in doubt, contact your card issuer before your trip to confirm your specific coverage details to ensure your rental is covered by your card’s coverage.
If you need to make a claim on your credit card rental insurance:
Before your next trip, take time to understand your credit card's rental car insurance benefits. The right card can save you money at the rental counter while providing comprehensive protection on the road.
Remember: Always read the fine print of your specific card's insurance policy, and when in doubt, contact your credit card issuer directly to confirm coverage details for your destination.
Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who makes frequent media appearances. When he's not educating people on how to be smarter with money, he's earning and burning miles and points for luxury travel.
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, BlogTO, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.
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†Terms and Conditions apply.