I called the claims department, and they basically said that I better not use any discount or coupons (issued by Hertz) because that *may* void the coverage.

I am on the AMEX Premium Rental Car Protection plan. I think I pay around $18 per rental (I'm a CA resident and it's cheaper here). Pertinent section of the policy states, "Coverage is activated when the Cardmember uses an Enrolled Card to pay the rental fee for the Rental Car and the Cardmember signs the rental agreement for that Rental Car."

Note that the free coverage provided by AMEX Blue (US) has this language: "uses the Card to pay for the entire auto rental from the Rental Company at the time of vehicle return." (emphasis added)

I argued that the policy I have doesn't even require the "entire" rental fee to be paid so the fact that I used a discount code (CDP#) and a promotional coupon by Hertz shouldn't invalidate coverage but the customer service agent insisted that the entire fee without discount/coupons must be paid even under my policy. She talked to an insurance adjuster, and the adjuster told her that I should not use my American Bar Association discount (which was 10% off the total rental) or the $75 off coupon issued by Hertz for monthly rental.

I did get in an accident and I have a claim pending, but the contract was for a month so I still have the car. I told her that I will cure it by removing the discounts when I return the car because the policy only requires payment of rental fees, and nothing requires that I do not use any coupons/discounts when I make a reservation.

I personally think if AMEX denies claims because people used AAA discount or whichever organization they belong to would be bad-faith.... I can hardly see how obtaining a discounted rate can invalidate coverage, but I'm just going to take off the discount/coupon when I return the car and pay the full price so I don't have to argue with them.

Of course, on their website, they don't mention anything about using a coupon/discount code, and neither does the policy state clearly on this issue. What a "got-cha" moment.