kensmiles

The Chase website states that the United MilagePlus Explorer card offers primary collision rental coverage. However, the Benefits Guide they sent states that the coverage is secondary.

So I called Chase and, after being passed to 5 reps (some of whom stated that the coverage is secondary), I was told that the benefits guide I received was the wrong one and that the card does offer primary coverage.

Now, looking through threads on this forum, I see references to the primary coverage "going away". Can someone clarify this?

SFOPhD

Hi all. The Chase MileagePlus Explorer Card has been touted as having primary car rental collision insurance (as opposed to secondary). However, I noticed that this is no longer listed on the chase online benefits page.

http://www4.chasecreditcards.com/MPY...rce=navigation

[Edit: A reply noticed that "primary auto rental coverage" is still listed under "Enjoy the assurances of better protection". Unless I missed it though, "primary" was not mentioned in the written Guide to Benefits I quote below...]

Also, when I obtained by benefits listing in writing, I noticed the wording under "Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver":

"In your country of residence, this benefit is supplemental to, and excess of, any valid and collectible insurance from any other source"
and
"We will reimburse only for that damage or theft not payable by any other party"
and
"What is not covered?" ""Expenses reimbursable by your insurer, employer, or employer's insurance."

Sounds like secondary coverage to me... Am I misinterpreting or did Chase change its terms recently?

MDtR-Chicago

I still see it on the link you gave, at the bottom:

As to your written benefits, are you sure you're looking at the right card? Not every card is covered under those benefits, especially if it's a conversion from a year or more back.

If there's a change, it'll make the Explorer way less valuable.

SFOPhD

I'm staring at the "United MileagePlus Card" Guide to Benefits in effect as of 03/20/12. The included letter references the account ending with the same four digits as my Explorer card... Do you think I'm misreading the T&C?

MDtR-Chicago

Wondering if they sent you the wrong document.

My Guide to Benefits of 03/20/12 is labeled "United MileagePlus Explorer Card" - with the word "Explorer" in there - and specifically states "This benefit is primary and provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle as it was originally manufactured."

SFOPhD

Thanks for the feedback. I hope they sent me the wrong guide...

MDtR-Chicago

The people at the 800-number for the benefits provider have been helpful for me in the past. Maybe call them up and have them check the benefits for you? They should be able to tell you what their computer shows linked to your particular card, by number.

richardvf

I think we are talking about two different cards. The United MileagePlus Card vs the United MIleagePlus Explorer Card. BTW, I previously had a Continental OnePass Mastercard in which the benefits guide clearly stated primary coverage for auto rentals and trip delay insurance (which is important to me as this is a benefit most cards do not have). Although my statements now say United Card on them, I still have not received my United Explorer Card or the Explorer benefits guide. If the Explorer card does not offer primary coverage for auto rentals and trip delay insurance I will cancel the card when my annual fee comes due.

MDtR-Chicago

I also had a OnePass MC conversion. As I recall, the new benefits statement was in the envelope with the replacement card - the one with the new blue "MileagePlus Explorer" design. Same card number and all, just a new design and the new benefits statement.

richardvf

When did you receive your new Explorer card? Was it MasterCard or a Visa? Thanks.

MDtR-Chicago

Not certain when. I would guess July or August 2012. It's still a MasterCard, which often draws odd looks, since people expect a Visa...

richardvf

Thanks for the update. Chase customer service told me that the OnePass Mastercard would convert to an Explorer Mastercard (as opposed to Visa), but you are the first customer who confirmed this. I would prefer a Visa, but Chase Customer service told me that they could not convert my Explorer Mastercard to an Explorer Visa without another application, which would obviously require another hard pull. I have read on other Blogs that you can obtain another sign-up bonus if you have an Explorer Mastercard and apply for a Visa as they are different products, but I have not been able to confirm whether or not this is in fact true.

MDtR-Chicago

Is there any particular reason you'd prefer a Visa?

The official T&Cs set a particular cut-off date for your OnePass application - July x, 2011 as I recall - after which you could not later receive the Explorer bonus. It's unclear if it's being enforced tho.

richardvf

The Visa Signature benefits just seem to be a little bit better than MasterCard World benefits (especially with regard to car rental protection). However, it is not enough for me to apply for a new Explorer card just to have a Visa. I am aware of the July 2011 deadline to receive a signup bonus for both the OnePass MasterCard and the Explorer Visa. It would be nice to confirm whether or not this deadline is enforced.

MDtR-Chicago

Keep in mind that, while the general Visa Signature benefits (like the luxury hotels collection and BOGO movie tickets) won't apply with the Mastercard - that the car rental insurance is NOT the standard policy offered by either MC or Visa. It's a custom Chase policy. So both the MC and Visa versions have that same custom policy.