When you rent a car, you want to make sure you have enough coverage in case you’re in an accident. Some credit cards, such as the Capital One Quicksilver credit card, offer rental car insurance, but it’s important to know what that coverage includes.
What is Rental Car Insurance?
Rental car insurance is a specific type of coverage that protects you from damages when renting a vehicle. If you buy rental car insurance through the rental company, it may include:
- Damages: Rental car insurance limits the repair costs a rental car company can charge if you’re in an accident while you have the vehicle.
- Theft: Theft rental car insurance covers the costs if the car is stolen.
- Third-party coverage: Third-party coverage protects you if you’re in an accident and are at fault.
Some level of insurance usually is included in your car rental rate. The rental company may also try to get you to add on additional coverage at a per-day rate. This is where having a good credit card can be helpful, as some cards offer additional benefits, like rental car insurance. Using a credit card that offers insurance on car rentals can reduce the cost of renting a vehicle domestically or internationally.
Types of Rental Car Insurance the Quicksilver Card Offers
Some credit card companies offer additional insurance that can be helpful when renting a car. The Capital One Quicksilver credit card offers secondary insurance that covers physical damage or theft of your rental car. The Quicksilver car rental insurance policy also includes the cost of towing a damaged vehicle.
Rental car insurance through the Capital One Quicksilver credit card is available for up to 15 days per rental and 31 days when renting internationally. When renting internationally, the Capital One Quicksilver rental car insurance is primary. This means that if you’re in an accident outside of the U.S., you can file a claim with Capital One first.
How to Use Quicksilver Rental Card Insurance
First, you’ll have to qualify for a Capital One Quicksilver credit card. Then, you can use the insurance by paying for a car rental using the Quicksilver card. You must also decline the insurance that the car rental company offers. If you’re in an accident in the rental car, the Quicksilver card may reimburse you for damages, including repairs and towing. Also, with Quicksilver card rental car insurance, you’re covered up to the full value of the car.
The Capital One credit card insurance is available in all 50 states and a few U.S. territories. Filing a claim with Capital One is easy. If you’re in an accident, notify your primary insurance provider first. If there are costs left over, you can submit a claim with Capital One.
What is Secondary Insurance?
It’s important to note that the Capital One Quicksilver credit card is secondary insurance. This means that its coverage is secondary to your insurance policy. Secondary insurance only covers costs that a primary provider doesn’t cover. If you’re in an accident with the rental, you would first submit a claim with your insurance provider. Your insurance provider may have a limit on how much it pays, but if it doesn’t cover the full costs of the accident, you can file a claim with Capital One.
What is Not Covered with the Quicksilver Credit Card?
It’s also important to know what the Capital One Quicksilver credit card will and won’t cover. Typically, it doesn’t cover expensive or antique cars. These types of cars are harder to buy and insure. Capital One also may not cover some types of vans, vehicles with open cargo beds, and limousines. If you plan on renting any of these types of vehicles, it’s important to check that you have sufficient insurance coverage.
The Quicksilver credit card won’t cover violations of the car rental agreement. Also, it won’t directly reimburse you for loss or damage of personal property items.
Additional Capital One Quicksilver Credit Card Benefits
The Capital One Quicksilver credit card also offers other non-rental benefits, like cash back on purchases, sign-up bonuses for new customers, and shopping protection. The Capital One Quicksilver card doesn’t just protect you if you’re in an accident while renting a vehicle; it protects large purchases with price-matching protection and trip cancellation insurance.
The Quicksilver credit card also offers other traveler benefits. If you use your Quicksilver credit card to book flights or hotels, and you or a family member have an accident and can no longer travel, the card may cover your losses. The Quicksilver credit card may cover stolen or lost baggage and offer travel assistance services. Cardholders also get access to identity theft and credit-improvement tools.
How to Know How Much Rental Car Insurance You Need
Whether you use insurance from the Capital One Quicksilver card, the rental company, or another credit card, it’s important to have sufficient coverage. Always read the small print when signing a car rental agreement. This agreement lists the type of insurance coverage you have and what you will owe if the car is damaged or totaled.
You may also have other rental car insurance options available. Some car insurance providers also include rental car insurance in their rates. Always check what your insurer offers, so you’re not paying twice for coverage.
Whether you’re taking a short road trip or flying somewhere for an extended vacation, you may need to rent a vehicle. If you rent a vehicle, you’ll need to figure out who’s responsible for any accidents. Otherwise, you could be held responsible for any incurred accident costs.
Consumers get a lot of valuable benefits with the Capital One Quicksilver credit card. However, it may not be the best credit card for drivers who don’t have other types of insurance. Because Quicksilver is a secondary credit card, you will need primary insurance in addition to the card’s rental car insurance.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
