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Chase United Explorer card provides primary rental car coverage

dougp26364

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I recently took out a new Chase Explorer United Airlines card for the free baggage and priority boarding benefits. I received our benefits booklet today and learned it also provides primary insurance on rental cars. There are several other nice benefits that go along with the card and pretty decent travel insurance benefits that go above the typical Visa card.

The card has a $95/yearly fee but, now I feel I can drop our Diners Club card, which has moved to yet another bank since we took it out (third bank in maybe 5 years) and charges us $135 for two cards. Granted I can use my points with the Diners Club card on several different airlines but, my primary reason for carrying that card was I hated AE's customer service (or lack of CS) and I wanted the primary coverage.

So I guess a pleasant surprise of the new Chase card is the savings of $45/year (Chase annual fee less DC annual fee that I'll drop) in card fee's, just to keep primary coverage on rental cars.
 

travelguy

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... my primary reason for carrying that card was I hated AE's customer service (or lack of CS) and I wanted the primary coverage.

Did you have a specific incident with the Amex coverage?? I'm interested to know since the other reviews I've read have been pretty positive.

I use the Amex primary auto insurance add-on for every car rental. I'd hate to continue relying on this insurance if there are significant problems with the coverage or service.

Thanks.
 

dougp26364

TUG Review Crew: Expert
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Resorts Owned
Marriott Grand Chateau
Marriott Shadow Ridge
Marriott Ocean Pointe
Marriott Destination Club Points
Hilton Grand Vacation Club Las Vegas Blvd
Grand Colorado on Peak 8
Spinnaker French Quarter Resort Branson
Did you have a specific incident with the Amex coverage?? I'm interested to know since the other reviews I've read have been pretty positive.

I use the Amex primary auto insurance add-on for every car rental. I'd hate to continue relying on this insurance if there are significant problems with the coverage or service.

Thanks.

AE is well known for poor customer service. It's nothing new. Some keep the card because of the primary coverage provided for rental cars. We went with Diners Club because we paid one annual fee, primary coverage was automatic without an additional fer and we earned points that could be used on several airlines. Now we'll switch to the Chase United Explorer card as the fee's are lower, it provides a few more benefits (since we fly United more often) and I don't really need the flexablity to trade my miles for other programs (for a fee).

Many years ago, with AE our income fell below their level to offer/keep their card. They didn't notify me of this fact and, when I went to use the card, it was cut in half in front of me and everyone else. I was told to call AE. When I called, the representative told me what he thought of me......and it was that I was a low life and below AE's standards. To say he was disrespectful wold be the understatement of the world. I don't care what benefits AE offers, I've experienced what they consider appropriate customer service and won't ever go back.

Personally, I don't understand the love affair with AE when you have to elect primary coverage and pay an additional fee to get it. There are other cards out there the provide primary coverage on every rental, every time. You don't have to worry if you forgot and there would be no arguement if something happened as to whether or not you elected (and paid for) the primary coverage.
 
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