Canada’s best credit cards with auto rental insurance
Charlotte Sinclair, Personal Finance Contributor
May 27, 2025 | Fact checked by: Natasha Macmillan, Business Unit Director - Everyday Banking
Despite the peace of mind, paying for additional car rental insurance is almost always unnecessary. If you own a car and have insurance, your policy will usually cover you for car rentals. Even if you don’t own a car, there are many cash back credit cards and travel credit cards in Canada that provide you with both collision and damage coverage for rental vehicles. Here are our picks for the best credit cards for car rental insurance in Canada.
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The best credit cards for rental car insurance in Canada
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
Best for Travel perks
based on spending $2,200/mo after $150 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 5pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
100,000 points (a $667 value)
- Annual fee
$150
Perks of the BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Includes 4 visits per year | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | $500,000 per person | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | $5,000,000 for first 21 days (under 65) | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | MSRP of up to $65,000, for 48 days | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Up to $1,500 per person | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Up to $2,000 per person | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Up to $2,000 per person | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | $500; delays 6 hours or more | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | $500; delays 6 hours or more | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Not included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Not included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Covered for 90 days | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Up to one additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Welcome offer: Get up to 100,000 points and the annual fee waived in your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
- 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
- Unforgettable travel experiences start with our premium flexible travel credit card!
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes.
- Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world – all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges*
- Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services
- Points you can use to cover all flight charges & taxes*
- Fly on any airline, with no blackout dates*
- Best-in-class travel and medical insurance (unlimited trips per year)*
- Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada
- Cash Advance & Balance Transfer Interest: 21.99% for Quebec residents
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information
- *Terms and conditions apply
- †Statement based on a comparison of the redeemable value of the non-promotional travel rewards points earned on premium flexible Canadian credit cards as of May 3, 2022. “Flexible” is defined as points earned when you purchase travel anywhere and “premium” refers to cards with an annual fee of ≤ $150 or has an income requirement of ≤ $150,000 annual individual income.
Ratehub’s take
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is a top choice among seasoned travellers, particularly those who prefer a Mastercard, and who like to frequently fly and dine out. This card offers a suite of perks that cater to travel enthusiasts.
Pros
- Earn points: Earn three points per $1 spent on restaurant, entertainment purchases, and recurring bills, and one point per $1 spent on everything else
- Comprehensive insurance package: Recognized for one of the best insurance packages in the market, including $5 million in out-of-country insurance, exceeding the standard $1 million in coverage offered by most other cards
- 24/7 concierge services: Enjoy around-the-clock concierge services for your travel needs
- Airport lounge access: Receive complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass, including four annual complimentary passes
- Redemption flexibility: Enhanced flexibility to redeem points for flights on virtually any airline with no blackout dates (points can be used to cover taxes and fees as well)
Cons
- Income requirements: The card’s minimum personal income of $80,000 may limit accessibility for some users
- Lower point value: While BMO points are flexible, they are worth less than other travel rewards programs (usually around 1 cent per point) at 0.67 cents per point
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 760
Minimum income: $80,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 21.99%
Cash advance: 23.99%
Balance transfer: 23.99%
- Rental car coverage: Damage or theft of your rental car plus any valid towing charges, lost or stolen personal effects, and accidental death and dismemberment
- Coverage amount: A rental car with an MSRP of up to $65,000, and $500,000 for accidental death and dismemberment
- Covered period: Up to 48 consecutive days
- Conditions: You must use your card to pay for the full or partial cost of the rental vehicle and decline the rental agency’s damage waiver; claims must be made within 48 hours of an incident
In-depth: BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard Travel Insurance
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard offers coverage for up to $65,000 in damages. The insurance also provides accidental death and dismemberment benefits of up to $500,000 while occupying a rental car for one accident. This is quite extensive coverage compared to other cards.
Coverage extends to cars, sports utility vehicles, and vans as long as they’re for private use, seat no more than eight occupants, don’t exceed at “¾ ton” rating, and aren’t designed for recreational use.
American Express Cobalt Card
Best for Groceries & dining
based on spending $2,200/mo after $156 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 5pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
15,000 points (a $150 value)
- Annual fee
$156
Perks of the American Express Cobalt® Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Not included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | $250,000 | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | $5,000,000 for first 15 days (under 65) | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | MSRP of up to $85,000, for 48 days | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Not included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Not included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | $500; delays 4 hours or more | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | $500 per trip for all persons | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | $500; delays 6 hours or more | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Up to $1,000 for 90 days | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Up to $1,000 for 90 days | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Up to one additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets
- Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
- Earn 3X the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- Earn 2X the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada
- Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
- Earn 1X point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
- Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
- Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events
- Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex ExperiencesTM
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Ratehub’s take
The American Express Cobalt is one of Canada’s best travel credit cards. If you’re looking for a versatile credit card that rewards both everyday spending and travel, the American Express Cobalt is an ideal choice. Cardholders can enjoy strong travel insurance, a generous welcome offer, and flexible point redemption options.
Pros
- Exceptional point earning: 5x the points on eligible restaurant and food delivery, 3x the points on eligible streaming services, 2x the points on ride shares, transit and gas. The earning potential for restaurants and takeout is significantly higher than most other cards
- Flexible point redemption: Travelers can choose from three ways to use their points: points 1:1 to several valuable loyalty programs including Aeroplan, use the Fixed Points Program to simplify redemptions regardless of travel dates, or use points for statement credits at a rate of 1 point = 1 cent. Or, redeem Membership Rewards for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or purchases
- Exclusive access: Enjoy privileges such as Front of the Line Presale and Reserved tickets to concerts, theatre performances, movie screenings, culinary events, and other special offers
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Benefit from a strong travel insurance package, including up to $5,000,000 in travel emergency medical
- No additional fee for authorized users: Add authorized users for no extra cost (an average fee of $30-50 on other comparable cards)
Cons
- Monthly fee: A monthly fee of $12.99 (totalling an annual fee of $155.88, which is higher than most other rewards cards)
- Limited acceptance: American Express isn’t as widely accepted in Canada compared to Visa and Mastercard
- Travel insurance age limitations: The travel insurance package does not cover trip cancellation or medical coverage for cardholders over the age of 65
- Lack of airport lounge access: Frequent travellers may be disappointed as this card does not offer access to airport lounges
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: N/A
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 21.99%
Cash advance: 21.99%
Balance transfer: N/A
- Rental car coverage: Damage, loss or theft of your rental car
- Coverage amount: A rental car with an MSRP of up to $85,000
- Coverage period: Rentals of 48 consecutive days or less
- Conditions: You must use your card to pay the full cost of the rental vehicle and decline the rental agency’s damage waiver; claims must be made within 48 hours of an incident
The American Express Cobalt made our list of the best credit cards in Canada under the overall rewards cards category, but it also has some impressive travel benefits. Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance is included as long as you fully charge your rental to your American Express Cobalt Card. You’re covered for damage or theft of your rental car with an MSRP of up to $85,000.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Best for Groceries & dining
based on spending $2,200/mo after $120 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 6pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
45,000 points (a $450 value)
- Annual fee
$120
Perks of the Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Not included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | $500,000 per person | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | $1,000,000 for 25 days (under 65) | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | MSRP of up to $65,000, for 48 days | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Up to $1,500 per person | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Up to $1,500 per person | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Up to $500 coverage per person | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Up to $1,000; delays over 4 hours | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Up to $1,000; delays over 4 hours | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Up to $1,000 per occurence | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Covered for 90 days | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Up to one additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹
- Earn 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- AMEX Offers®
- AMEX Front of the Line®
- American Express Invites®
- Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.
Ratehub’s take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card earns an honourable mention as one of the best overall travel credit cards for the outstanding benefits it offers to cardholders. This card stands out as a top choice, thanks to its exceptional return on spending and a variety of travel-related perks. This card is particularly useful for those who dine out often, travel, and enjoy entertainment.
Pros
- No foreign exchange fee: Save on foreign currency purchases while travelling abroad or shopping online, as this card doesn’t charge the typical 2.5% foreign transaction fee
- Extensive insurance coverage: Enjoy comprehensive travel insurance, including the $1 million travel medical insurance, which lasts for 25 days and is one of the longer coverage periods available on the market
- High return on spending: Earn five points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, food delivery, and entertainment – one of the best in class multipliers in the market. Earn three points per $1 spent on gas and transit expenses
Cons
- Limited acceptance: American Express isn’t as widely accepted in Canada compared to Visa and Mastercard
- Annual Fee: This card carries an annual fee of $120
- Fixed point values: Although earn rates are high, travel points are always worth one cent per point and you can’t transfer your points to other airline rewards programs like you can with other cards
- Airport lounge access is not free: Although you’ll get a discount on a Priority Pass membership for airport lounge access, lounge visits aren’t included with the card
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: $12,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
- Rental Car Coverage: Covered up to the vehicle’s actual cash value plus any valid loss of use charges, towing charges, and administrative charges resulting from damage or theft
- Coverage amount: Rental car with an MSRP of up to $65,000
- Coverage period: Up to 48 consecutive days
- Conditions: You must use your card to pay the full cost of the rental vehicle and decline the rental agency’s damage waiver
What’s great about the Scotiabank Gold American Express card is that it offers coverage up to the vehicle’s actual cash value plus loss of use charges, reasonable towing charges, and administrative charges that could result from damage or theft. The coverage extends to cars, sport utility vehicles, and minivans provided they seat no more than eight occupants including the driver, and they are used for private use only.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Best for Travel perks
based on spending $2,200/mo after $150 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 3pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
30,000 points (a $300 value)
- Annual fee
$150
Perks of the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Includes 6 visits per year | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | $500,000 per person ($1 million total) | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | $2,000,000 for 25 days (under 65) | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | MSRP of up to $65,000, for 48 days | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Up to $1,500 per person | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Up to $2,500 per person | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Up to $500 coverage per person | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Combined maximum $1,000 | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Up to $1,000; delays over 4 hours | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Not included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | $60,000 lifetime limit | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Up to one additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
Ratehub.ca’s 2024 Credit Card Award Winner
- Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points¹
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating
Co-ops and more - Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways taxis and more)
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
- Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection
- Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.
Ratehub’s take
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card makes a great vacation companion, designed for Canadians who travel abroad and explore the world. It is one of the few cards that covers foreign transaction fees, and also includes valuable travel benefits like airport lounge access.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee: Save 2.5% on all non-Canadian currency purchases
- Scene+ points: Earn three Scene+ points per $1 spent at participating grocery stores (e.g., Sobey’s, IGA, and FreshCo) and two Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible grocery, dining, entertainment, and daily transit purchases
- Flexible redemption: Enjoy flexible point redemption options including for travel, groceries, statement credits, gift cards, and movie tickets
- Airport lounge access: Access airport lounges with six free visits per year to over 1,200 lounges worldwide
- Visa Infinite benefits: Benefit from the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite Dining series, and complimentary Avis Preferred Plus membership
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Enjoy coverage for emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delays, and more
Cons
- Annual fee: The annual fee of $150 is higher than some comparable cards
- Low point return: The earn rate for certain spending categories like dining and entertainment is lower compared to other cards
- Consistent point values: Travel points are always worth one cent per point and you can’t transfer your points to other airline rewards programs like you can with some Amex cards
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: $60,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
- Rental Car Coverage: Covered up to the vehicle’s actual cash value plus any valid loss of use charges, towing charges, and administrative charges resulting from damage or theft
- Coverage amount: Rental car with an MSRP of up to $65,000
- Coverage period: Up to 48 consecutive days
- Conditions: You must use your card to pay the full cost of the rental vehicle and decline the rental agency’s damage waiver
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers the same rental car insurance policy and coverage terms as the aforementioned Scotiabank Gold American Express Card for vehicles with an MSRP of $65,000. This card’s rental insurance policy extends to almost all car types – from four seater sedans to minivans – and covers up to the vehicle’s actual cash value plus loss of use charges, reasonable towing charges, and administrative charges that could result from damage or theft. It’s also worth highlighting that the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers from 5% up to 25% off the lowest available discountable retail rates at eligible AVIS locations and charges no foreign transaction fees (which can help you save further if you’re embarking on a road trip outside of Canada).
American Express Gold Rewards Card
Best for Groceries & gas
based on spending $2,200/mo after $250 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 2pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
60,000 points (a $600 value)
- Annual fee
$250
Perks of the American Express® Gold Rewards Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Not included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | Included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | Included | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | Included | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Not included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Not included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Not included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Included | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Included | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Not included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
- New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card
- This could add up to 60,000 points in a year. That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
- The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options
- Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card
- You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online
- As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply
- Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used
- Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
- 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster
- Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 28.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
Ratehub’s take
The American Express Gold Rewards card is one of the most flexible travel credit cards in Canada, and this has led it also to be one of the most popular – particularly among savvy travellers and points optimizers.
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: N/A
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 21.99%
Cash advance: 21.99%
Balance transfer: N/A
- Rental Car Insurance: Covers up to the vehicle’s actual cash value plus any valid loss of use charges resulting from damage or theft
- Coverage amount: A rental car with an MSRP of up to $85,000
- Coverage period: Up to 48 consecutive days
- Conditions: You must use your card to pay the full cost of the rental vehicle and decline the rental agency’s damage waiver
The American Express Gold Rewards card offers similar coverage as the Scotiabank Gold American Express card in that they both offer full coverage up to the vehicle’s actual cash value plus any valid loss of use charges resulting from damage or theft. This card covers vehicles with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of under $85,000 in its model year. This includes cars, sport utility vehicles, and minivans, provided they have a maximum gross vehicle weight of 2,680 kg (5,966 lbs.), seat no more than eight occupants, and are for private use only.
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite
Best for Household spending
based on spending $2,200/mo after $139 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1% – 3% / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
$600
- Annual fee
$139 $0 first year waived
Perks of the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Not included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | Not included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | Included | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | Included | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Not included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Not included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Not included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Not included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Included | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Included | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Not included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Offer Details Earn up to $600 in value†, including 10% in Cash Back Dollars in the first 3 months on Bonus Eligible Purchases up to a total spend of $3,500†. Conditions apply. Offer effective as of April 30, 2025.
- Bonus Eligible Purchases are Grocery, Gas & Electric Vehicle Charging, Public Transit, Recurring Bill Payments, and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media Purchases, until a total collective spend of $3,500 of such purchases have been made†
- 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance with Deluxe TD Auto Club membership, included at no additional cost†.
- Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.
- To receive the first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the first Additional Cardholder first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your first Additional Cardholder while the offer is in effect.
- Starbucks Bonus Offer for New Linked Members†: Link your TD Cashback Visa Infinite to earn 600 Starbucks Stars and redeem them for free Starbucks treats. Limited time only. Conditions and restrictions apply.
- Earn Cash Back Dollars on every eligible Purchase.
- Emergency Road Services with Deluxe TD Auto Club Membership†
- Complimentary Visa Infinite* Concierge service† available 24/7
- Mobile Device Insurance†
- Earn 3% in Cash Back Dollars on Grocery, Gas & Electric Vehicle Charging, Public Transit Purchases†.
- Earn 3% in Cash Back Dollars on Recurring Bill Payments, and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media Purchases†.
- Earn 1% in Cash Back Dollars on all other Purchases made with your Card†
- Redeem your Cash Back Dollars to help pay down your Accounts balance whenever you please – the choice is yours†!
Ratehub’s take
The TD Cash Back Visa Infinite offers a strong earn rate on rewards and the option to redeem your cash back at any time (minimum $25). Plus, the card packs a punch with added benefits like travel insurance coverage – which is rare for a cash back card.
Pros
- High earn rate: Strong earn rate of 3% cash back on gas, groceries and recurring bills and 1% on all other purchases
- Additional perks: Complimentary roadside assistance through Deluxe TD Auto Club membership, discounts at Avis and Budget Rent-A-Car locations
- Travel insurance: This card includes travel medical and delayed/lost baggage insurance, which is quite uncommon for non-travel cards. Additional insurance includes purchase security and extended warranty protection.
Cons
- Cap on key spending categories: $15,000 yearly spending cap for gas, groceries and recurring bills – after which the rate drops to 1%. Big spenders in these categories may want to consider partnering this card with one that offers non-capped rates
- Income requirements: $60,000 minimum personal income requirement may pose a hurdle for some users
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: $60,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 21.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
- Rental Car Coverage: Covers up to the vehicle’s actual cash value plus any valid loss of use charges resulting from damage or theft
- Coverage amount: Rental car with an MSRP of up to $65,000
- Coverage period: Up to 48 consecutive days
- Conditions: You must use your card to pay the full cost of the rental vehicle and decline the rental agency’s damage waiver
Along with offering 48 days of collision damage and loss insurance, the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite stands out for its strong earn rate of 3% cash back on gas. So, not only will you save on rental car insurance but at the pump too. Plus, you can knock an additional 5% to 10% off the base price when reserving a car from eligible Avis and Budget agency locations.
Honourable Mentions
While all our top choices highlighted above provide credit card rental coverage for up to 48 consecutive days, our list of honourable mentions below didn’t quite make the list because they offer coverage for 31 days. But, we thought they deserved a shoutout nonetheless because they’re great no fee credit cards that offer coverage despite the fact they’re free to carry.
Tangerine World Mastercard
Best for Flexible spending
based on spending $2,200/mo after $0 annual fee
- Earn rewards
0.5% – 10% / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
$100
- Annual fee
$0
Perks of the Tangerine World Mastercard®
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Not included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | Not included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | Not included | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | Included | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Not included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Not included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Not included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Not included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Not included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Not included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Included | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Included | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Not included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- If you have a balance you owe on another credit card, transfer it to a Tangerine World Mastercard® and pay our low promotional interest rate of 1.95% on that transferred balance for 6 months (and 22.95% on any unpaid balances after 6 months.)
- A Balance Transfer Fee of 1% on the amount transferred will apply. Conditions apply.†
- Offer ends: August 31, 2025
- Rack up Money-Back Rewards and pay no annual fee with Tangerine’s World Mastercard®. Earn unlimited 2% cash back in 2 categories of your choice*, like hotels, restaurants and entertainment, so you can earn the most wherever you spend the most. Plus, unlock a third 2% category when you have your Rewards deposited automatically into a Tangerine Savings Account. *Conditions apply.
- Spend confidently with the Tangerine World Mastercard®. Take advantage of travel benefits and worry less with features like Booking.com; Flexiroam; Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance and Lock/Unlock Card and Mobile Device Insurance**
**Conditions apply.
Ratehub’s take
The Tangerine World Mastercard is a well-rounded credit card offering thorough insurance coverage, including mobile device coverage, exclusive World Mastercard benefits, and airport lounge access through the Mastercard Travel Pass. This card makes a fantastic travel companion while providing great cash back value.
Pros
- Customizable bonus categories: Pick up to three bonus categories to earn 2% cash back on (out of a total of 10 options), which is in sharp contrast to most other cards, where you have fixed bonus categories that you have no control over. Users are also given the freedom to change the bonus categories at any time (changes will take up to 90 days to come into effect)
- Balance Transfer Option: Take advantage of a 1.95% balance transfer promotion for the first 6 months, providing potential savings on interest charges to help you pay off your credit card debt. (Balance transfer fee of 3%)
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Surprisingly robust insurance coverage, particularly mobile device insurance, which is uncommon for a no-fee card.
- Exclusive World Mastercard Benefits: Access Mastercard Priceless Cities and Mastercard World Experiences for unique global experiences and valuable offers.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through Mastercard Travel Pass, enhancing your travel experience (at a cost of $32 USD per visit)
Cons
- High Income Requirements: The card comes with a high annual income requirement of $60,000. However, if these are not met, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a viable alternative with few sacrifices.
- Low Earn Rate: You only earn 0.5% on all purchases outside of bonus categories.
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: $50,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.95%
Cash advance: 22.95%
Balance transfer: 22.95%
- Rental Car Coverage: Covered up to the vehicle’s actual cash value plus any valid loss of use charges, towing charges, and administrative charges resulting from damage or theft
- Coverage amount: Rental car with an MSRP of up to $65,000
- Coverage period: Up to 31 consecutive days
- Conditions: You must use your card to pay the full cost of the rental vehicle and decline the rental agency’s damage waiver
PC World Elite Mastercard
based on spending $2,200/mo after $0 annual fee
- Earn rewards
10pts – 45pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
20,000 points (a $20 value)
- Annual fee
$0
Perks of the PC® World Elite Mastercard®
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Not included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | Not included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | For trips up to 10 days from date of departure, for those under age 65. | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | Collision damage and theft protection for your car rental needs. | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Not included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Not included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Not included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Not included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Not included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Not included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Not included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | In the event of theft, loss or damage in the first 90 days when you pay in full with your PC Financial Mastercard credit card. | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Doubles the manufacturer's regular warranty for up to an additional year on items purchased with your PC Financial Mastercard credit card. | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Not included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Award-winning, no annual fee rewards credit card
- Get up to $750 in PC Optimum™ points every year (for illustrative purposes only; results may vary.)
- Earn at least 3 cents per litre in PC Optimum™ points on gas at Esso™ and Mobil™ stations
- Earn 45 PC Optimum™ points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart® stores
- Earn 30 PC Optimum™ points for every $1 spent at Loblaw affiliated grocery stores
- Earn 30 PC Optimum™ points for every $1 spent at Joe Fresh® stores
- Earn 10 PC Optimum™ points for every $1 spent everywhere else you shop
- No limits on points earning and points don’t expire
- Welcome offer of bonus PC Optimum™ points to kickstart your rewards journey
Ratehub’s take
If you are looking for a credit card that will help you save money on groceries, the PC World Elite Mastercard is a great choice, especially for those who frequently shop at Loblaws-owned stores and Shoppers Drug Mart.
Pros
- No annual fee: For a rewards card, charging no annual fee is a major perk and can help you ramp up your earnings even more
- High return on spending: Your points are valuable at Loblaws-affiliated stores and for gas purchases because of high earn rates on everyday spending
- Points stacking: Stack your points by showing your PC Optimum card at Loblaw-affiliated stores and paying with your PC Financial World Elite Mastercard
- Competitive earn rates: Earn rates are high compared to other no-fee credit cards
- Added travel insurance: Offers travel insurance benefits adding value to cardholders
Cons
- Limited rewards outside of Loblaws: While PC Financial Mastercards offer excellent rewards at Loblaw stores, they do not provide great benefits when shopping anywhere else
- Restrictive redemption rules: Points can only be redeemed in increments of 10,000 (10,000 = $10). Points cannot be used to pay for purchases at non-Loblaws retailers or redeemed against a statement balance. Plenty of other rewards cards on the market offering more flexibility
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 560
Minimum income: $80,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 21.99%
Cash advance: 22.97%
Balance transfer: N/A
- Rental Car Coverage: Covered up to the vehicle’s actual cash value plus any valid loss of use charges, towing charges, and administrative charges resulting from damage or theft
- Coverage amount: Rental car with an MSRP of up to $65,000
- Coverage period: Up to 31 consecutive days
- Conditions: You must use your card to pay the full cost of the rental vehicle and decline the rental agency’s damage waiver
FAQ
How do you use credit card insurance coverage for rental cars?
In order to get your rental car insurance coverage you usually have to charge the full cost of a car rental to a credit card that has rental car insurance included. In rare cases, you could be eligible for coverage if you charge just part of the booking to the card. If you use your credit card points to book the rental car, you may not be eligible for the included rental car coverage. If your credit card provides rental car insurance and your booking is eligible for it, you’ll have to decline rental car insurance offered by the car agency you are renting from when you pick up the car.
What does credit card car rental insurance cover?
Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. The cost of injuries to yourself or other drivers may not be covered by your credit card’s rental car insurance, and the cost of your stolen personal items from the rental car also may not be protected. You’ll want to check the fine print of your credit card’s insurance agreement to confirm.
What credit card should you use for car rentals?
Many travel credit cards offer credit card car rental insurance, as well as discounts on rental cars. Cards like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card or the BMO Ascend World Elite card provide great coverage on cars with an MSRP of up to $65,000. If you are going to rent a pricier car, the American Express Cobalt card or the American Express Gold Rewards cards are good choices, because they offer higher than average coverage, applicable to cars with an MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of $85,000.
Is a collision damage waiver the same as credit card rental car insurance?
Collision damage waivers (CDW) offered by rental car companies may differ from the coverage offered by your credit card. Credit cards may offer damage waiver insurance, but to be eligible for coverage you’ll have to decline the CDW from the rental car agency. Even if you use the insurance coverage from your credit card in the case of an accident, the rental car agency may charge you additional administrative fees or charge you for the diminished value of the vehicle after repairs or loss that may not be covered by your card’s insurance.
Does roadside assistance apply to rental cars?
Car rental agencies often charge a hefty sum to add roadside assistance to your rental. You won’t need it if your personal auto insurance or work benefits plan provides roadside assistance where you’re travelling, or if you have a service that includes it (such as CAA membership). Some premium credit cards like the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card offer roadside assistance as a benefit.
Our guide to credit card car rental insurance in Canada
Many credit cards in Canada include rental car insurance as a benefit — meaning you could decline the rental car insurance pushed by rental companies and save yourself hundreds of dollars. That said, you should know the terms of your credit card rental car insurance and what you need to do to qualify before assuming you’re covered in all scenarios.
What does credit card rental car insurance cover?
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Most credit cards offer excellent collision and damage insurance that will cover you for the cost of the rental car in the event it’s stolen, vandalized, lost or damaged – even if an accident is your fault.
Theft protection: Suddenly find your parking spot is empty because someone broke into your car? In either of those cases, you’d be insured for the rental car (up to its MSRP) by your credit card.
Administrative/towing charges and Loss of Use: Some cards will cover the charges for towing a damaged vehicle or compensate the rental agency for the time that the rental car is out of service.
In general, making use of the insurance on your credit card will save you from having to buy the optional collision insurance or damage/loss waiver insurance from the rental agency (typically a cost of $16 to $23 per day) and still provide the coverage you need for the vehicle.
What credit card rental insurance won’t cover
While credit card car rental insurance will provide collision, damage, and loss coverage for the rental car itself, it won’t provide:
Third-party liability: Your credit card won’t cover you for any damage caused to someone else’s property or medical costs associated with an accident (like physiotherapy or other potential hospital bills).
Loss or theft of personal belongings: Outside of a few exceptions (like the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard), most credit cards also won’t insure your personal effects. So, if your rental car is stolen and your expensive laptop along with it, you won’t get any money back for your laptop.
Generally, if you own a car and already have personal auto insurance, you’re probably covered for all the above and won’t need to pay out of pocket. But, if you don’t and you’re just relying on your credit card, you’ll only be covered for the cost of the rental car and you’ll need to purchase liability and personal injury insurance.
What to know before using your credit card for car rental insurance
Credit card rental car insurance, just like any insurance policy, has its fair share of fine print, terms, and legalese to decode. Even if your card comes with rental car insurance, you’ll need to check the fine print before you reserve your rental. Here are some of the most important things to know:
1. Is the car you’re renting eligible for coverage?
Some credit cards restrict rental car insurance to vehicles with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) below a certain amount, usually between $65,000-$80,000. If you’re renting a luxury car or a larger vehicle like a truck, it may not qualify for coverage.
2. How long is your car rental period?
Typically, credit cards will cover rental vehicles for a period of 31-48 consecutive days. If your rental exceeds the coverage period, you won’t be covered at all.
3. Where are you renting the car?
Some countries such as Ireland, Israel, and Italy mandate that rental car insurance must be purchased locally, so your credit card’s insurance coverage may not apply — we’ll explain why in the next point.
4. Does your credit card provide primary or secondary rental car coverage?
Primary or secondary coverage determines what will be the first insurance to pay in the event of a claim. If the credit card provides primary car rental insurance, your personal auto insurance policy won’t be involved. However, if the credit card offers secondary coverage, you’ll need to file a claim with your personal insurance provider first. The credit card coverage will only apply to additional costs not covered by the personal policy.
That said, if your personal auto insurance policy isn’t valid overseas, the rental car insurance from your credit card essentially becomes your primary coverage.
How to activate credit card rental car insurance
Most importantly, you must know that your credit card’s rental car insurance won’t apply automatically just because you are a cardholder. To activate auto rental insurance each time you rent a car, you must:
- Pay for the full price of the rental car using your credit card, and
- Explicitly decline the collision/damage/loss waiver insurance from the rental agency..
In Australia, for instance, Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) is included in the rental fee; customers must add a signed declaration declining CDW to the rental contract in order to use their credit card car rental insurance.
Limits to credit card car rental insurance
While credit card coverage usually applies around the world, that might not always be the case. Here are some other limitations:
- Your credit card must be in good standing, otherwise, coverage won’t apply.
- Your credit card insurance won’t cover you in instances when you’re inebriated, carrying illegal goods, or visiting a country that has a travel warning in place.
- Coverage is usually intended for rental cars that have been booked for personal use, and won’t apply if you’re using the rental for commercial purposes.
- Credit card rental insurance will typically cover the primary cardholder as well as any driver who’s been given permission to use the vehicle by the primary cardholder.
Generally, if you’re renting a sedan or minivan just to get around or for a road trip out of the city, you’ll be covered through your card. To be extra safe, consider calling up your credit card company before reserving a rental car.
Last but not least, if you’re in the unfortunate situation where you have to make a claim, time will be of the essence as you’ll usually have to report a claim within 24 to 48 hours for it to be valid.
The bottom line
Regardless of which credit card you have, you can maximize your benefit from the car rental insurance provided. Before renting a vehicle, make sure that the rental agency will allow you to decline the collision damage waiver without making a deposit. Also check the rental car thoroughly for any scratches, dents, or damages before taking possession of the car. This will ensure you aren’t blamed for any damages prior to you taking possession of the vehicle.
Also read:
- The Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance
- Rental Car Insurance: The Ultimate Guide
- Best No Fee Credit Cards in Canada
*This blog is for educational purposes only and isn’t legal advice. Check your credit card policy and rental car agency terms for details.