Understanding Rental Car Insurance and Points Usage: A Recent Experience and Advice
Navigating the complexities of rental car insurance can be challenging, especially when rewards points are involved. Recently, I encountered a situation that highlights some important considerations for travelers leveraging credit card benefits and loyalty programs.
Case Overview:
I rented a vehicle through Enterprise’s online platform, applying my loyalty points to significantly reduce the rental cost. At the pickup counter, the final amount due was just $5.47, which I paid in full using my Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) credit card. This card includes primary car rental insurance coverage, provided the entire rental fee is charged to the card and the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW) is declined. I followed these guidelines accordingly.
The Incident:
During my rental period, I was involved in a minor accident. I returned the vehicle and promptly submitted a claim to CSR’s insurance provider, Virginia Surety/Assurant. I have used this coverage previously without issue; however, this time, I faced unexpected resistance. The insurer requested a credit card billing statement showing the full amount charged for the rental. I submitted the statement prominently displaying the $5.47 charge from Enterprise, corresponding to the rental date. Despite multiple submissions, they persistently request additional documentation, seemingly overlooking the evidence provided.
Key Concerns:
My concern revolves around whether the insurance claim is being unfairly denied because I used points to lower the rental fee. Specifically, I worry that the insurer may perceive the $5.47 as insufficient evidence of the “full rental cost,” which could jeopardize coverage.
Important Details to Note:
- The total charged at the counter was exactly $5.47.
- I declined the rental company’s collision damage waiver.
- The CSR benefits stipulate that the entire rental fee must be charged to the card, but do not specify that discounts or points reductions are disallowed.
Reflection and Questions:
Had I known that using points would complicate the claim process, I might have chosen not to apply them. Unfortunately, I was pressed for time and didn’t consider potential implications.
Now, I seek insights from others who may have faced similar situations. Is there a legal or procedural avenue to challenge this denial? Could the mere $5.47 charge suffice as proof of the full rental cost? Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Location details:
- Rental: Utah
- Residence: California
Final thoughts:
This experience underscores the importance of understanding the fine print
