Primary coverage is a far superior benefit than secondary coverage. You would also typically be able to immediately file a claim for covered events for a rental car, with primary coverage benefits.

But secondary coverage usually covers only what your primary insurance carrier doesn’t pay. Your personal car insurance policy is usually your primary insurance. First having to file a claim with your auto insurance could mean a deductible, and possibly an increase in your car insurance premiums.

Who’s Covered?

It varies by card, but typically coverage is provided for the cardholder (primary renter) and anyone else on the rental car agreement who is an immediate family member or friend and authorized to drive.

What’s Covered?

Not widely known, most credit card provide rental insurance benefits cover damage caused by collision or theft. This isn’t liability or any other form of insurance unless your credit card benefits specifically state otherwise.

Some cards, for example, reimburse towing charges and other similar fees in addition to it covering damage or theft of a rental vehicle.

What’s Not Covered?

Subject to the terms and conditions of your card’s benefits, though, injuries and loss or theft of personal belongings may not be covered. Turo and other forms of this type of car share service is also generally not covered under such bills.

Also look at your card’s benefit to find out how much coverage it provides. A car that’s beyond the coverage limit may not be protected. Other types of non-standard auto might also be excluded, like exotic cars, vintage cars, motorbikes, limousines, and the like.

Note that credit card rental insurance typically does not cover rentals longer than, say, 28 days (though terms may vary by card and rental country).