Does Costco Visa Have Rental Car Insurance?
If you're planning a trip and renting a car, you might be wondering about rental car insurance. Many credit cards offer this perk, and the Costco Visa is no exception! But exactly what kind of rental car insurance does the Costco Visa provide, and is it enough to cover you? Let's delve into the details.
What Rental Car Insurance Does the Costco Visa Offer?
The Costco Visa Signature Card offers secondary rental car insurance, which means it kicks in after your primary insurance. This is a crucial distinction – it doesn't replace your existing car insurance policy.
Here's what this secondary coverage typically includes:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This protects you against damage to the rental car caused by an accident, theft, or vandalism.
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This covers the cost of replacing the rental car if it's stolen or totaled.
Important Note: The Costco Visa's rental car insurance doesn't cover every scenario.
What The Costco Visa Rental Car Insurance Doesn't Cover:
- Liability Coverage: This covers you if you cause an accident that injures someone or damages their property. You'll still need to rely on your personal car insurance for liability protection.
- Personal Accident Insurance: This covers your medical expenses if you're injured in an accident. You may need to purchase this separately.
- Certain Damage: Some types of damage are usually excluded, such as damage caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or damage to the underside of the vehicle.
What To Do Before Renting a Car With Your Costco Visa:
- Check Your Existing Insurance: Contact your car insurance company to see if your policy already offers rental car insurance. If so, you may not need the coverage from your Costco Visa.
- Review the Costco Visa Terms and Conditions: Familiarize yourself with the specific details of the rental car insurance coverage, including any exclusions or limitations.
- Compare Costs: Evaluate the cost of purchasing insurance from the rental company versus using the Costco Visa coverage.
- Consider a Separate Policy: If you are concerned about the limitations of the Costco Visa's coverage, consider purchasing a separate rental car insurance policy.
Benefits of Using The Costco Visa For Rental Car Insurance:
- Convenience: You don't have to worry about purchasing separate rental car insurance.
- Cost Savings: You may be able to avoid paying for additional coverage from the rental company.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have secondary coverage can provide peace of mind while you're on the road.
The Bottom Line:
The Costco Visa Signature Card offers valuable secondary rental car insurance, but it's crucial to understand its limitations. Before you rely solely on this coverage, carefully review your existing insurance, the terms of the Costco Visa, and consider whether you need additional protection. By doing so, you can ensure you have the right coverage for your next car rental.