Ontario

Hi,

This is a question for car rental in Canada with a Canadian credit card. I used to use the Platinum version of the above card which I understood provided enough coverage to decline the car rental company’s options. I don’t have the Platinum card any longer and switched to the above Gold card.

Would like to know from people who have this card and had a claim how this was handled and if the Gold card was sufficient. Below is what Amex says but always prefer to hear about personal experience.

• Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance 3† – Save money when travelling with complimentary Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance. Where allowed by law, you will be automatically covered for damage or theft of your rental car with an MSRP of up to $85,000. To take advantage of this protection, simply decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or similar option offered by the car rental company, and fully charge your rental to the American Express AeroplanPlus Gold Card. There’s no additional charge for this coverage, and you save yourself the daily insurance fee (usually $16 to $23 per day) charged by the car rental company.

I also have the Visa Infinite Avion card which advertises to cover car rental insurance but from what I read it’s a problem with third party liability which it does not cover. I do not own a car and only rent occasionally so I understand I should not rely on this card.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

mia

Have you read anything in the terms which leads you to believe that American Express does provide liability coverage? In the portion you quoted I see only coverage for damage to, or loss of, the rental car itself. I don't see any mention of coverage for damage to anyone else's car, other property, personal injury etc. It's possible that these issues are not relevant in Canada, but if not I expect they would be equally irrelevant for VISA and American Express.