What’s Covered Under My Chase Sapphire Preferred Auto Coverage?

Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money.

Update:   One or more card offers in this post are no longer available.  Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers.

Million Mile Secrets reader, George, commented:

I am in France for a 3 month stay.  I’m going to rent a car with the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

I understand that primary coverage comes with the Chase Sapphire Preferred.  Does that mean headlights, windows, and tires are covered, as well?  Europcar tries to sell me insurance for that, along with any other damage to the car.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card does NOT cover Personal Liability Car insurance for other property, cars, and injuries.  So will I be able to buy that separately from the car rental agency?

Thanks for the question, George!

Booking with the Chase Sapphire Preferred will guarantee your vehicle is covered for all physical damage, including headlights, tires, and windshields.

However, for personal liability coverage, you will need to read the fine print of your rental agreement.  And you may be covered by your personal health insurance, so make sure to check!

But the Chase benefits guide states that you won’t be covered for rentals that EXCEED 31 consecutive days!  So you’ll have to split up your rentals during your 3 month trip.

I’ll show you how to make sure you’re covered by the car insurance offered with the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Reduce Expenses (and Headaches!) With Chase Sapphire Preferred Auto Coverage

Link:   Chase Sapphire Preferred

Link:   Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits Guide

Link:   My Review of the Primary Rental Coverage With the Chase Sapphire Preferred

I highly recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred, especially if you’re new to miles and points.  It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are my favorite kind of points!

One great benefit is that the card offers primary Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver coverage when you decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver and pay with your Chase Sapphire Preferred.

This means you will be off the hook paying for damages to the car.  And your insurance provider doesn’t even have to know!

It’s not comprehensive coverage, but it’s still a terrific benefit, and even saved Million Mile Secrets team member Joseph ~$2,300 during a recent trip to Ireland.

What’s Covered With Chase Sapphire Preferred?

George is right, personal liability insurance is NOT covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred.  Primary rental car coverage with a credit card only pays for damages to your rental car, not medical care, damaged personal items, or expenses resulting from a death.

But folks may find that they are either already covered by their health insurance, or the car rental agency is already providing a form of personal liability coverage by law.  I advise reading the fine print of your agreement, and checking with your own health insurance provider, too!

I contacted Europcar, and they confirmed that 3rd-party liability insurance is always included in every car rental.

The auto coverage of the Chase Sapphire Preferred WILL cover:

• Physical damage and / or theft of the covered rental vehicle
• Valid loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company while the damaged vehicle is being repaired and is not available for use, as substantiated in the company’s fleet utilization log
• Reasonable and customary towing charges related to a covered loss to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility

This benefit will pay up to the cash value of the car.

And as confirmed by several Chase associates, you WILL be covered for all damages to the car, NOT just collision with another vehicle.  This includes tire damage, cracked windshield, broken headlight, etc.

How Can I Qualify?

To qualify for primary auto coverage, you must pay for the entire reservation with your Chase Sapphire Preferred, and NO other card.

You will also be covered when you use Chase Ultimate Rewards points for paid car rentals through Chase’s travel portal, including points & cash!

In short, every penny must be paid for with:

• Your Chase Sapphire Preferred card
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points from your Chase Sapphire Preferred account
• A combination of the two

There are certain exceptions to Chase’s coverage, so make sure to read the benefits guide!

For example, certain exotic and antique cars are NOT covered, as well as everyday wear and tear.  And Chase will not cover you if your damage was a result of irresponsibility (intoxication, off-roading, etc.)

And your rental must NOT last longer than 31 consecutive days.

Remember, primary rental car coverage with a credit card only pays for damages to your rental car, NOT damage to another car, property, or injuries.  And liability for personal injuries could cost millions of dollars.

Bottom Line on Chase Sapphire Preferred Auto Coverage

Booking a rental car with the Chase Sapphire Preferred ensures your vehicle will be covered for all physical damage, including tires and windshields.

It does NOT include personal liability, which covers hospital bills, personal items, or death.  But you may be covered in some form by your personal healthcare or the rental agency anyway.

There are some exceptions to what Chase will cover, so be sure to review the benefits guide!