Does Amex Platinum cover rental car insurance?
Yes, secondary coverage, unless you use the Amex car rental loss and damage insurance
The Platinum card gives you secondary rental car insurance by default, but you can enroll in the premium program for primary coverage. Check your card's current benefits guide to
Checked Sep 9
Why?
Secondary by default The card's standard benefit kicks in only after your own auto insurance pays, so it covers deductibles and gaps, not the whole claim.
Primary upgrade exists Amex offers an optional paid program that makes coverage primary, so you don't have to involve your own insurer first.
Terms change Coverage limits and exclusions, like which countries and vehicle types count, shift over time, so check the current guide before you rent.
This doesn't cover liability, only damage to the rental car itself, and some countries are excluded.
Who is the Amex Platinum rental car insurance right for?
Right for
- People who already have their own auto insurance
- Renters who want to avoid buying the rental counter's coverage
- Frequent travelers who rent cars a few times a year
- Cardholders who can enroll in the primary upgrade
Wrong for
- Drivers with no personal auto insurance
- People who rent in countries not covered by Amex
- Those who rent trucks, vans, or luxury cars
- Anyone who wants automatic primary coverage without extra steps
What does the Amex Platinum rental car insurance cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Standard coverage limit | $75,000 per rental, 2026 | This is the maximum the secondary benefit pays for damage or theft. |
| Primary upgrade fee | $24.95 per rental, 2026 | This flat fee makes the coverage primary, so your own insurer stays out of it. |
| Covered rental period | Up to 30 days, 2026 | Rentals longer than 30 days are not covered by the card benefit. |
| Eligible vehicle value | Up to $100,000 MSRP, 2026 | Luxury or high-value cars above this limit are excluded from coverage. |
What's the biggest Amex Platinum rental car insurance mistake?
The biggest mistake is assuming the card's secondary coverage is enough and skipping the primary upgrade. If you have a claim, your own insurance pays first, your rates can go up, and you still face a deductible. Instead, enroll in the paid primary program before you rent, or at least know your own policy's deductibles and coverage gaps.
How do you decide if the Amex Platinum rental car insurance is worth it?
- Check your card's current benefits guide for the exact coverage terms and exclusions.
- Decide if you want primary coverage and enroll in the paid upgrade if you do.
- Decline the rental company's collision damage waiver at the counter.
- Use your Amex Platinum to pay for the entire rental to activate the benefit.
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