10 Best Credit Cards with Rental Car Insurance

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

Finding the right credit card with rental car insurance can save both money and stress during travel. This article highlights 10 top credit cards that offer valuable rental car coverage, along with key details to help compare benefits and choose the best one for you. It also covers earning potential, travel perks, and other features so travelers can make an informed decision before their next trip.

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers. It offers strong travel protections, including primary rental car insurance for most countries on rentals up to 31 consecutive days.

    Cardholders earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points that can be redeemed in multiple ways. The card also includes a range of travel perks that can help offset its higher-tier fee.

    Earning Structure:

    • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠
    • 4x points on flights booked directly
    • 4x points on hotels booked directly
    • 3x points on dining worldwide
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $795
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.24%–28.74% variable
    • Other perks: $195 for each authorized user, premium travel protections, and access to luxury travel experiences

    Key Benefits:

    • Airport lounge access through Priority Pass™ Select
    • $300 annual travel credit
    • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
    • Lost luggage reimbursement
    • 24/7 travel and emergency assistance

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:
    Typically requires good to excellent credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The card has a high annual fee that may not suit infrequent travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers straightforward earning categories and flexible redemptions that are easy to understand.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a travel rewards credit card that offers strong benefits for frequent travelers. It includes primary rental car insurance when the cardholder pays for the rental with the card and declines the rental company’s coverage.

    This card earns points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, which can be redeemed in multiple ways. It is well-suited for travelers who want flexible redemption options and solid travel protections.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
    • 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services
    • 2x points on all other travel purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 19.99%–28.24% Variable
    • Other perks: 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs, access to over 150 gift card redemption options

    Key Benefits:

    • Primary rental car insurance in most countries
    • Flexible point transfers to airline and hotel partners
    • Strong travel protection, including trip delay and cancellation coverage
    • Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal for bookings

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, transferred to airline and hotel partners, taken as cash back, or used for gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is typically required.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Bonus categories are limited, and rewards may be less valuable for those who do not travel often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers straightforward earning categories, easy-to-use rewards, and valuable travel protections without overly complex rules.

  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card designed for frequent travelers. It offers strong rewards on travel purchases and includes valuable travel protections.

    Cardholders can use it for flights, hotels, and car rentals while earning flexible rewards. It also provides rental car insurance when the card is used to pay for the rental and the driver declines the rental agency’s coverage.

    Earning Structure:

    • 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel
    • 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $395
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 19.99%–29.24% variable
    • Other perks: $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary

    Key Benefits:

    • Access to Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges
    • $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
    • Cell phone protection when paying the bill with the card
    • No preset spending limit (varies by credit profile)

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for statement credits.

    Credit Requirements:
    Typically requires excellent credit (740+).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The most valuable benefits apply to bookings made through Capital One Travel.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    Its simple earning structure and built-in travel protections make it easy for new travelers to use effectively.

  • Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

    The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is designed for small business owners who want strong rewards and useful travel protections. It offers valuable coverage for rental cars when the card is used to pay for the reservation.

    This card provides primary rental car insurance for business rentals, which can help avoid claims on personal auto insurance. It also offers competitive rewards on common business expenses.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent annually on combined purchases in travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and social media/search engine advertising
    • 1x point per $1 on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.24%–26.24% Variable
    • Other perks: Flexible point transfers to airline and hotel partners; points never expire while the account is open

    Key Benefits:

    • Primary rental car coverage for business trips
    • Strong rewards on common business categories
    • Cell phone protection when paying the bill with the card
    • Flexible points redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is typically required.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Bonus earning rate is capped at $150,000 annually in combined category spending, reverting to 1x thereafter.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    Its straightforward rewards and built-in travel protections make it easy for new business cardholders to get value without complex rules.

  • Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

    The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is designed for small business owners who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases. It offers rental car insurance when the cardholder uses it to pay for the rental and declines the rental company’s coverage.

    This card provides purchase protection and travel benefits, making it useful for work trips. It also earns rewards in categories that many businesses use often.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services
    • 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn up to $750 bonus cash back: $350 when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: Yes
    • APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases; 17.49%–25.49% variable thereafter
    • Other perks: Rewards tracked as Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, flexible redemption for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more

    Key Benefits:

    • Primary rental car coverage for business rentals
    • Purchase protection on eligible items
    • Extended warranty on qualifying purchases
    • No annual fee

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel, or purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

    Credit Requirements:
    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Bonus categories have annual spending caps, and foreign transaction fees apply.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    The simple earning structure and no annual fee make it easy for new business owners to manage and benefit from rewards.

  • Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

    The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a small business credit card that offers straightforward rewards and useful travel protections. It is designed for business owners who want consistent earning without tracking bonus categories.

    This card includes rental car insurance when the rental is for business purposes and the cardholder declines the rental agency’s coverage. This protection can help cover damage or theft to the rental vehicle.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no limit

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: Yes
    • APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases; 17.49%–23.49% variable thereafter
    • Other perks: Rewards tracked as Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, flexible redemption for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more

    Key Benefits:

    • Flat-rate rewards on all purchases
    • No annual fee
    • Primary rental car coverage for business rentals
    • Purchase protection and extended warranty benefits
    • Employee cards at no additional cost

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, or purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

    Credit Requirements:
    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The card does not offer higher rewards for specific spending categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    Its simple earning structure and built-in protections make it easy for new business owners to use effectively.

  • United℠ Explorer Card

    The United℠ Explorer Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for people who fly with United Airlines. It offers benefits that can make trips more affordable and convenient.

    Cardholders can earn airline miles on everyday purchases and travel spending. It also includes travel protections, such as primary rental car insurance when the card is used to pay for the rental.

    Earning Structure:

    • 7x total miles on United flights (5x as a MileagePlus® member, plus 2x with the card)
    • 5x total miles on hotel stays purchased through United® Hotels (2x as a MileagePlus® member, 2x with the card, plus 1x from United for prepaid stays)
    • 2x miles on all other eligible United purchases
    • 2x miles on dining and hotel stays booked directly
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
    • Other perks: Earn up to 1,000 Premier® qualifying points (PQP) annually: 1 PQP for every $20 spent, up to 1,000 PQP per year

    Key Benefits:

    • Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation
    • Priority boarding on United flights
    • Two one-time United Club passes each year
    • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
    • Purchase protection and extended warranty

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline travel, seat upgrades, and other MileagePlus® rewards.

    Credit Requirements:
    Requires good to excellent credit for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Best value is achieved when spending is focused on United purchases and travel categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers straightforward rewards and built-in travel protections that are easy to use without complex rules.

  • United Quest℠ Card

    The United Quest℠ Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent United Airlines flyers. It offers strong earning potential on United purchases and added travel protections, including rental car insurance.

    Cardholders can earn miles for both travel and everyday spending. It also provides perks that make flying with United more convenient and cost-effective.

    Earning Structure:

    • 8x total miles on United flights (5x as a MileagePlus® member, plus 3x with the card)
    • 5x miles on prepaid hotel stays at Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers
    • 3x miles on all other eligible United purchases
    • 2x miles on all other travel, select streaming services, and dining
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $350
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.49%–28.99% Variable
    • Other perks: Earn up to 18,000 PQP annually (1 PQP for every $20 spent), plus 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year starting in 2026

    Key Benefits:

    • Free first and second checked bags on United flights
    • Two 5,000-mile award flight credits each year
    • Priority boarding on United flights
    • Up to $125 in United purchase credits annually

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline travel, seat upgrades, and Money + Miles bookings with no blackout dates.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is typically needed for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Best value comes from United purchases; less rewarding for those who rarely fly United.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    The earning categories are easy to understand, and the travel perks are straightforward to use.

  • United Club℠ Card

    The United Club℠ Card is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent United Airlines travelers. It offers exclusive airport lounge access and strong travel protections, including rental car insurance.

    This card is issued by Chase and works within the Visa network. It is best suited for people who often fly with United and want extra travel perks.

    Earning Structure:

    • 9x total miles on United flights (5x as a MileagePlus® member, plus 4x with the card)
    • 5x miles on prepaid hotel stays at Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers
    • 4x miles on all other eligible United purchases
    • 2x miles on dining and all other travel
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $695
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
    • Other perks: Earn up to 28,000 PQP annually (1 PQP for every $15 spent), plus 1,500 Card Bonus PQP each year starting in 2026

    Key Benefits:

    • Primary auto rental collision damage waiver
    • Free first and second checked bags on United flights
    • Priority boarding on United flights
    • Two free checked bags for companions on the same reservation
    • Access to over 45 United Club℠ locations and select Star Alliance lounges

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline travel, seat upgrades, and Money + Miles bookings with no blackout dates.

    Credit Requirements:
    Applicants typically need excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The card has a high annual fee, which may not be worth it for those who do not travel often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers simple earning rates and valuable travel protections that are easy to use without complex rules.

  • United℠ Business Card

    The United℠ Business Card is designed for small business owners who travel often with United Airlines. It offers travel perks and rewards that can help reduce costs on flights and related expenses.

    Cardholders can earn points on everyday business purchases as well as travel-related spending. It also includes rental car insurance when the card is used to pay for the rental and certain conditions are met.

    Earning Structure:

    • 7x total miles on United flights (5x as a MileagePlus® member, plus 2x with the card)
    • 5x total miles on hotel stays purchased through United® Hotels (2x as a MileagePlus® member, 2x with the card, plus 1x from United for prepaid stays)
    • 2x miles on other eligible United purchases
    • 2x miles at gas stations, dining (including delivery), office supply stores, and local transit/commuting
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $150
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
    • Other perks: 5,000 bonus miles each account anniversary year if you also hold a personal United credit card

    Key Benefits:

    • Free first checked bag on United flights
    • Two United Club one-time passes each year
    • Priority boarding on United flights
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is typically needed to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Best value is achieved when spending is focused on United and bonus categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers simple earning categories and clear travel perks that are easy to use without complex rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top credit cards that provide primary rental car insurance?

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and United℠ Explorer Card offer primary rental car insurance. This coverage applies before your personal auto insurance in the event of damage or theft. You must pay for the rental in full with the card and decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver.

How does the rental car insurance feature work on Chase Sapphire Preferred cards?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® provides primary coverage for most rentals in the U.S. and abroad. It covers theft and collision damage for eligible vehicles when you pay with the card and decline the rental company’s insurance. Certain vehicle types, such as exotic or antique cars, are excluded from coverage.

Can you list credit cards that include international car rental insurance coverage?

Several travel rewards cards offer coverage outside the U.S., including the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Coverage terms and eligibility can vary by country. Always review the card’s benefit guide for any geographic exclusions before renting abroad.

What are the benefits of using American Express cards for rental car insurance?

Most American Express cards provide secondary rental car coverage at no extra cost. Amex also offers an optional Premium Car Rental Protection program for a flat fee per rental, which can provide primary coverage. This upgrade can also increase coverage limits and include more vehicle types than standard benefits.

How does rental car insurance coverage vary between different credit card issuers?

Chase often provides primary coverage on select travel cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and United℠ Explorer Card. Other issuers, like American Express, may offer secondary coverage by default but allow upgrades to primary coverage for a fee. Coverage rules differ in rental length, eligible vehicles, and country restrictions.