Frequent travelers know that The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) is loaded with premium travel benefits and annual statement credits that can justify its large annual fee. The Amex Platinum’s car rental benefits include protection against theft or damage¹ and elite status perks with Avis, Hertz and National Car Rental (enrollment required).
The card’s secondary rental car coverage¹ puts it at a distinct disadvantage to other luxury travel cards that include primary rental car insurance. However, Amex cardholders can also opt for primary rental car protection for a flat fee under $25 that’s only charged once per rental period (price varies depending on coverage selection and location).
When the annual fee can be worth it: Here’s how this card holder gets every penny back from the annual fee on their Amex Platinum
Amex Platinum Card overview
The American Express Platinum Card includes a variety of premium travel benefits for luxury travelers. In exchange for its $695 annual fee, you receive more than $1,500 in value, such as annual statement credits, airport lounge access, complimentary elite status and more. Here are a few of the major perks included with this card:
- Welcome bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
- Earn high rewards in several areas: 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
- Flexible redemption options: Membership Rewards points have numerous redemption options, including booking travel, cash back (via statement credit), gift cards, online shopping and more. Plus, Amex partners with nearly two dozen airlines and hotels, so you can transfer points to book award reservations through those loyalty programs.
- Global Lounge Collection: Complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges from American Express, Priority Pass (enrollment required) and more.
- Travel protections: Your trips are covered against delay², cancellation and interruption³ when using your Amex Platinum to book your reservations.
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
How does Amex Platinum car rental insurance work?
To receive Amex Platinum car rental insurance¹ on your reservation, you must use your card to pay for the entire rental and decline the rental company’s coverage options. This coverage also applies when redeeming Membership Rewards points to pay for some or all of the reservation.
Rental car protection¹ covers Amex Platinum cardholders, their spouse or domestic partner and any authorized drivers.
Rental car elite status
As an Amex Platinum cardholder, you and your authorized Platinum Card users receive complimentary elite status from three major rental car companies. Each program requires manual activation of these benefits, and you must use the special code when booking a rental car to receive benefits like free upgrades and discounts.
Avis Preferred
When you enroll with Avis Preferred, you’ll receive Avis Preferred Plus status. This status level includes a complimentary upgrade (when available) and additional Avis Preferred points on your reservations. To receive discounts on your rental, use your Platinum AWD discount code “A756900” and pay with your Amex Platinum Card.
Plus, you’ll receive a free weekend offer after completing two qualifying Avis rentals in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands within the following promotional period: January 1 – June 30 or July 1 – December 31. Terms and conditions apply.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Amex cardholders receive complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. As a President’s Circle member, you’ll receive a discount on the base rate, a 4-hour grace period on returns within the U.S. and guaranteed car-class upgrades on certain classes of vehicles (with at least a 24-hour advance reservation).
You’ll receive these benefits when paying with your Amex Platinum Card and using the Amex Corporate Discount Code (CDP) “211762” on your reservation.
National Car Rental Emerald Club
When you activate benefits with National Car Rental Emerald Club, you’ll receive complimentary Executive tier status. You can choose any car within the Executive Selection area and receive automatic upgrades when a full-size through luxury car is reserved. Plus, after six qualifying rentals, you’ll receive a complimentary rental day. You can also choose to receive airline miles or hotel points from one of National’s partners on your reservations.
What does Amex car rental insurance cover?
When using your Amex Platinum car rental benefits, your rental car is insured for up to 30 consecutive days per rental agreement. Eligible vehicles are covered up to $75,000 against damage or theft of the vehicle.¹
Additionally, this protection covers you for other charges beyond vehicle damage. Rental car companies may charge drivers for loss of rental vehicle use, towing charges, appraisal fees, storage, administrative fees and more. The American Express Platinum card covers all of these costs.¹
These benefits also include accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $300,000, accidental injury coverage up to $300,000 and personal property coverage up to $2,000.¹
What it doesn’t cover
Although the most exclusive cards, like American Express, are known for excellent customer service and generous benefits, the Amex Platinum car rental insurance¹ doesn’t cover every situation or claim. There are numerous exceptions where you won’t be covered against loss. Here are a few of the situations not covered by your Amex car rental coverage that may apply to your next rental car reservation.
- Vehicles rented in Australia, Italy or New Zealand.
- Illegal activity by the renter.
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
- Off-road operation of the vehicle.
- Intentional damage by the renter.
- Normal wear and tear.
- Theft or damage to an unlocked vehicle.
- Cargo vans, box trucks or vans with seating capacity for more than eight passengers.
- Using the vehicle for commercial or “for hire” purposes.
- Off-road vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds or recreational vehicles.
Additionally, these car rental benefits only apply to theft or damage to the rental car. This insurance does not cover damage to other vehicles or property. Nor does it cover injuries to passengers, other drivers or pedestrians.¹
How to file a claim for Amex Platinum rental car insurance
If your rental car experiences damage or theft during your rental period, you’ll need to file a claim. Since the Amex Platinum car rental benefits provide secondary coverage¹, you must also involve your auto insurance carrier unless you paid the additional fee to make the insurance primary.
- Start your claim within 30 days of the loss or as soon as reasonably possible. You can call (800) 338-1670 or go online at americanexpress.com/protectionbenefits. If you’re outside the U.S., call collect at (303) 273-6497.
- Claim forms will be sent to the Amex Platinum Card customer after starting your claim. If you haven’t received these forms within 15 days, you can submit your own written statement with the details of your claim.
- Submit your claim forms and proof of loss within sixty days. Required documents vary by situation, but may include an itemized repair bill and copies of the rental agreement, the charge slip for the rental, your auto insurance coverage, your driver’s license and a police report (if applicable).
- Claims for benefits are typically paid within 30 days of receipt of all requested documents supporting your proof of loss.
Amex Premium car rental protection
Although the Amex Platinum car rental benefits include secondary coverage¹, many travelers want a higher level of protection.
Amex Premium Car Rental Protection has two coverage options that offer primary rental car insurance. Depending on which coverage level you select, you’ll pay either $19.95 or $24.95 per rental period. This is one flat fee per rental, not a daily charge. California and Florida residents receive this coverage for a lower price.
This coverage provides insurance against damage or theft of your rental car for up to 42 consecutive days (up to 30 consecutive days for Washington State card members). It does not include liability coverage for injuries to others or property damage. Coverage is worldwide, except for Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica and New Zealand.
This optional insurance can provide huge savings over the daily rental insurance fees charged by rental car companies.
Other Amex cards that offer rental car insurance
If you don’t have an Amex Platinum, other American Express cards include secondary rental car insurance¹ benefits at no extra charge, including (terms apply):
- American Express® Gold Card
- Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express * The information for the The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy
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American Express® Card
American Express® CardAdditional Amex Platinum benefits worth noting for your next trip
The American Express Platinum Card is loaded with benefits beyond rental cars that may also be useful for your next trip. Here are a few benefits you should know about. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
$200 hotel statement credit
Save money with an annual hotel statement credit from the Amex Platinum Card. Get up to $200 back via statement credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay). These programs also include benefits like a welcome gift, complimentary upgrades when available and more.
Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold elite status
Link your Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty program accounts to your Amex Platinum Card to receive complimentary Gold elite status in both Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. These benefits provide higher earning power on paid stays and generous benefits when staying at participating hotels.
Trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance
When booking a trip with the Amex Platinum Card, you’re covered if your trip is delayed, canceled or interrupted. Trip delay insurance² covers eligible expenses up to $500 per trip when your flight is delayed more than six hours. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance³ reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable reservations up to $10,000 per trip that are affected for a covered reason.
Amex Offers
Before booking your rental car, check out your card’s Amex Offers. These limited-time offers may provide special incentives for rental car reservations. Depending on your card’s profile, you may receive bonus points, discounts or statement credits when booking your car. Enrollment is required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, the Amex Platinum Card includes secondary rental car insurance¹ at no extra charge. Use your card to pay for the entire reservation to be protected against theft or damage to the vehicle.
If your lender accepts credit card payments, you can use your Amex Platinum to make your monthly payment. However, if they do accept credit card payments, lenders typically charge a fee to cover credit card transaction costs. Contact your lender to ask if they accept credit card payments and what fees they charge.
Another option is to use a balance transfer or convenience check to make your payment. If you choose this option, be sure to understand the fees and interest rate associated with the checks.
The Amex Platinum car rental benefits¹ are the best of any Amex card. While the rental car protection offered by eligible Amex cards is essentially the same, the Amex Platinum Card includes additional perks that make it the most valuable choice. These benefits include rental car elite status, travel protections and generous hotel benefits.
The Amex Platinum car rental protection is secondary.¹ However, you can upgrade to primary coverage through Amex’s Premium Car Rental Protection for one flat fee per reservation (varies based on coverage selection and location). If you choose this option, it means that you don’t have to involve your personal auto insurance policy when making an eligible claim for theft or damage of a rental car.
To learn about your credit card benefits, contact customer service, read your card’s Guide to Benefits or review the card’s marketing page. When searching for your benefits, note whether the coverage is primary or secondary and if any exclusions apply to your rental.
Yes, authorized users, spouse or domestic partners and eligible authorized drivers are covered against theft or damage when using the Amex Platinum car rental benefits.¹ To receive coverage, your Amex Platinum Card or Membership Rewards points must pay for the entire reservation.
For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
¹Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
²Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
³The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.