Title: Navigating Insurance Claims After Using Loyalty Points to Rent a Car
Understanding the complexities of credit card rental insurance can be challenging, especially when loyalty rewards and discounts are involved. Here’s a real-world scenario that highlights the potential pitfalls and considerations for travelers relying on credit card coverage for rental car damages.
A Recent Rental Experience and Its Complications
Recently, I rented a vehicle from Enterprise via their online platform, applying loyalty points to significantly reduce the rental cost. At the counter, the final payable amount was a mere $5.47, which I settled entirely with my Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) credit card. This card’s benefits include primary coverage for rental vehicles, provided the full rental fee is charged and the collision damage waiver (CDW) is declined, both of which I did.
However, shortly after returning the vehicle, I encountered a problem. I was involved in a minor accident during the rental period, and I promptly filed a claim through CSR’s insurance provider, Virginia Surety/Assurant. Having successfully used this benefit in the past, I assumed things would proceed smoothly. Unfortunately, the insurance provider is now raising obstacles.
The Issue at Hand
The insurer’s primary request is a billing statement from the credit card showing the full amount charged for the rental – in my case, just $5.47. I have submitted this documentation twice, clearly indicating that my card was billed this exact amount for the rental on the date in question. Yet, the insurer persists in requesting the same information, appearing to overlook the documentation already provided.
This has raised a concern: Is the claim being unfairly rejected because I used points to lower the rental fee? Do they deem the amount of $5.47 insufficient as the “full charge,” thus invalidating my primary coverage?
Key Details and Considerations
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The total charged at the time of rental was $5.47, as shown on my credit card statement.
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I explicitly declined the optional CDW offered by Enterprise.
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The CSR benefits stipulate that the entire rental amount must be charged to the card; there is no mention of restrictions related to discounts or using points.
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My intention was to settle the full cost with my CSR card, satisfying the policy’s requirements.
Reflections and Advice
Had I known that using points to reduce the rental price might jeopardize my insurance coverage, I would have considered alternative payment methods. Rushing to catch a flight that day, I didn’t scrutinize the fine
