Originally Posted by
bkn79
This is just an informative post about my positive experience with the Chase CDW while traveling abroad.
I made several mistakes (?) along the way, which surprisingly didn't end up screwing me over.
I have the Chase Sapphire preferred. I was aware of the requirement to deny the CDW offered by the agency (AVIS) or my Chase CDW would be void.
However, I was traveling to Italy and every major agency I attempted to book with had it automatically included with no way to opt-out upon booking. So, I figured I would just go with it and talk at the counter. I also did not print the "letter of eligibility" (which is a pre-form letter on the eclaims website you can bring as proof of your own CDW, just FYI)
Upon arrival at the rental counter in Italy (Catania, Sicily), I was told that I could not remove the AVIS CDW. There was also some language barrier. And typical travel fatigue (+wife+2kids under age 3). So, I said whatever and signed the agreement and went on my merry way.
Upon return of the rental car they noted a few large-ish scratches on the bumper. I had no memory of damaging the car but it certainly could have happened while I was renting it. They automatically charged me about $300.
To submit the claim with chase, I provided the following:
- Copy of the estimate of damages provided by Avis
- Copy of the payment receipt of payment of the damages by Avis (CC was charged automatically)
- Copy of my credit card statement showing the initial rental charge
- Copy of the credit card statement showing the damages charge,
- A letter I wrote and signed by me stating that the rental counter agent upon arrival required me to accept the Italian CDW
After about 3 weeks I did receive the full $300 reimbursement from Chase / Card Benefits Services.
Hope this is helpful for someone down the line! Has anyone else had experiences with getting reimbursed, even though they had rental agency CDW?
good DP . in italy, CDW is required by law.
in any case, whether it is Italy or not, the principle i work with is if CDW is automatically included in the rental quote with no way of parsing out, then Chase benefits kicks in immediately until it reaches the deductible. thereafter, it is the responsibility of car rental's insurance company to cover. i have asked this question many times to different eClaims benefit agent, and everytime i get the same answer. whether that will apply in reality or not when it comes to me filing claim, i dont know, since i never have to file one .
which is why i think your DP is great (even better if it happens to another country other than Italy)
many here look for car rental companies that distinguish CDW as a separate line item so they can "uncheck" the option. but the reality is, this cannot always happen. there are many big or small companies out there besides the international chains, and there are many cities/towns/villages in many countries out there that dont have international chains or similar companies that will do this kind of charge separation for you.
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as i prefer to enjoy travel than go crazy finding a rental company that fits perfectly to the cc company mold or to forgo renting just bc the rental quote doesnt fit the mold, i just rent with whoever that i trust and is least likely to mess with me (charge for phantom damages etc), even if it means the rental quote already includes CDW with deductible. the most important thing to know is you should not sign up for super CDW (that zeros out deductible) - this will disqualify you from receiving any chase benefits. eg, if your tire puncture or windshield broke (these are things car rental companies usually do not cover even under super CDW), then chase will not reimburse you