Did you know that liability insurance is included when you rent a car, but collision insurance isn’t?  Did you know that some credit cards automatically provide collision damage insurance?  Did you know that some car insurance policies cover rental cars and some don’t?

American Express wants you to be fully-informed when you rent a car at home or abroad, so they’re providing these tips on understanding credit cards and car rental insurance:

--Are You Already Insured?  If you don’t have car insurance, or your policy doesn’t cover rental cars, check the coverage provided by your credit card.  To save money, take advantage of the insurance provided by your credit card and decline the car rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW), which can be more than $15 a day.  Some credit cards that provide Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance are American Express, Delta Skymiles, the Hilton Card, the Sheraton Card and the Golf Card.  Call the card issuer to confirm coverage.

--Renting a Car Overseas.  Car rental insurance rules and regulations vary by country and by company.  Some countries require that insurance be included in the car rental fee.  Some companies also require the renter to purchase their insurance.  Some credit cards don’t provide coverage in some countries.  Call the car rental company you’ll be using in advance of your trip to confirm their policy and local regulations.

--Limitations of Coverage.  Check your credit card car rental policy concerning expensive, antique, commercial or larger vehicles, such as trucks, full-sized vans and full-sized sport utility vehicles.  Sometimes there are special restrictions.  Also, most credit cards limit their coverage to 15 to 30 days.  Other restrictions may include vehicle damage while being driven off-road, losses involving use by an unauthorized driver, driving outside the authorized rental territory, illegal activity, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and intentional damage.

--Additional Coverage.  Additional coverage is sometimes available through premium credit cards.  Under the Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance Plan from American Express, for instance, cardmembers receive accidental death and dismemberment benefits, as well as coverage for loss of or damage to personal property for themselves or their passengers.

--Documentation for a Claim. Documentation required for placing a claim may include:

--car rental agreement
--car rental agreement receipt
--itemized repair bill
--photos of the damaged vehicle
--a police report (if applicable)
--a copy  of your drivers license

Keep all of these documents in a safe place just in case you need them.

Call your credit card company before you begin the process of renting a car and you may save yourself time, trouble and money.  You can contact American Express at 1-800-THE-CARD.