CDW -- Looking for a Platinum VISA?
 

Hi, thanks to all that I've read on these forums I've learned to check carefully about insurance on my car rental in Germany this summer. I currently have a Platinum Mastercard and it will cover only up to 15 days CDW on a car rental. Turns out I need to rent a car for 16 or 17 days! The AutoEurope representative I spoke with suggested that many Platinum VISA cards cover up to 31 days CDW.

Can anyone recommend a no-fee Platinum VISA that includes the 31 days CDW? I've tried to call a few places (MBNA, Capital One), but they can't seem to confirm for me (before I apply) that 31 days of CDW is included.

Thanks.

I have both a platinum MC and platinum VISA and the Cardholder Benefits brochure is just a standard one for all cards, as far as I can tell. I don't think the benefits vary by issuer, they are standard by MC or VISA.

I checked and sure enough, the MC ones does say only 15 consecutive days, but the Platinum VISA one says 15 consec. days in your own country, but 30 days outside your country of domicile. I can a AAA Platinum VISA and it has no fee and I like it very much. Furthermore, so far they do not have the extra 2 pct foreign transaction surcharge, either, AND they give you gift certificates back worth one pct of your purchases, which you can spend in AAA travel stores, and they give you 5 pct back on gas purchases. I just got one for $50 as I had charged $5000 over some time, and got one of those Health Back travel bags with mine.

YOu do have to be a AAA member, though. But as far as I can tell, any Platinum VISA card should have these terms.

sorry, that was 31 days coverage, as you said, outside your country of domicile.

If you need a car for 17 days, you might look into leasing. I think it and the insurance are quite a bit cheaper than renting. Boots

You also need to know whether the CC insurance is "primary" or "secondary" if a possible rise in rates from your own auto insurance company (should you have reason to actually invoke the CDW) is of concern.

>You also need to know whether the CC insurance is "primary" or "secondary"...<

I've consulted about 1/2 doz insurance brokers. They all tell me that their policies do not cover car rental outside the US.

Thus, the CC company is the primary insurer.

((I))