I’m Olivia Barr—your favorite Caribbean getaway curator—and I’m so excited to be back for part two of my Hidden Travel Benefits series. If you missed part one, we talked all about the value of travel medical assistance (hint: don’t skip it!). Today, we’re shifting gears—literally—and diving into a benefit most people don’t even realize they have: rental car coverage through your credit card.
Let’s get into it!
What Is Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)?
Okay, let’s break it down. Some credit cards offer Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) as a primary benefit. That means if your rental car is stolen, damaged, or incurs fees like towing or loss-of-use—you’re covered by your credit card before your personal car insurance gets involved. 🙌🏾
Why is “Primary” coverage such a big deal?
Because if something happens, you won’t have to:
- File a claim with your personal car insurance
- Risk your premiums going up
- Pay extra for the rental company’s expensive coverage
It’s a hidden gem that can save you hundreds—if you know how to use it.
My “Be Prepared” Moment While Abroad 📄🧳
A while back, I rented a car while exploring a destination where most credit card companies don’t cover rental damage. But I’d done my homework, and I knew:
- Adding liability through the rental company would double my rental cost.
- My specific credit card did cover rentals in this country (yes, it matters!).
- To be safe, I printed both my reservation and a letter from my card’s benefits department confirming that coverage applied in this country.
So I show up at the rental counter, and—surprise!—the agent tries to upsell me their insurance, claiming the country is excluded. I confidently pulled out my proof, and the conversation changed real quick. Moral of the story? Bring your receipts, literally. 👏🏾
The Luxury Car That Got Hit (But Didn’t Hit My Wallet)
Another time, I decided to treat myself and rent a luxury car for a special trip. Everything was great—until someone hit the parked car and caused rear-end damage. I had no clue who did it, but I filed the report and sent the invoice to my credit card’s benefits department.
After some follow-up between the rental company and the credit card company, guess what? I paid zero out of pocket, and my personal insurance was never touched. Win-win!
Final Thoughts: Let Your Card Work For You 💳💼
Now, anytime I travel, I make sure to use the credit card that offers the best benefits for my trip. I’m not trying to come back from a relaxing vacation to bills, insurance drama, and unnecessary stress. Nope—not me. My vacation starts at the airport, and my credit card perks are right there with me.
Up Next: What Happens at the Airport Doesn’t Stay at the Airport…
In our next post, I’ll reveal how some credit card benefits start the moment you step into the airport—think lounge access, trip delay coverage, and more goodies you might already have access to.
Until then, I’m Olivia Barr, your travel bestie and Caribbean experience curator.
📲 Follow along on Instagram and Facebook: @caribbeanislandfestivals
Stay curious, stay covered, and safe travels!
