Travel Deal of the Day (November 13, 2007)

Most rental car coverage that is offered by credit cards is “secondary” coverage – meaning that it covers only what is not covered by your own automobile coverage. There are a few options for primary car rental coverage you may want to consider to avoid having to file a claim on your own automobile coverage should you have an accident in a car rental:

(1) Diners Club offers primary car rental coverage with its credit card. For $95 a year, you receive various travel benefits including the primary car rental protection. If you rent a car frequently, you may want to consider the Diners Club card.

(2) American Express offers optional primary car rental coverage (above and beyond its standard secondary coverage available when using most/all American Express cards) for a fee. The fee is based on the level of coverage and is charged per rental. The fee normally is around $20-$25/rental.

You may want to consider these options if you rent frequently and would like to avoid making any claims on your individual auto policy.