Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
Plan Documents
Applicable to Rentals made on or after:
1/1/2020
Contents
All States (except below), District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories......................... . .. 2 - 10
New York State............................................................................................................. 11 - 18
To file a claim electronically for a qualifying event please visit us at
americanexpress.com/protectionbenefits.
For any coverage inquires related to rentals made prior 1/1/2020 please refer to your Additional Card
Benefits document delivered with your American Express Card.
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Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
Benefit Guide
This Benefit Guide describes the Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance benefits that are in effect for
rentals made on and after 01/01/2020. Information in this Benefit Guide replaces any Car Rental Loss
and Damage Insurance benefits document You may have received previously for Your Additional Card
Benefits. Read this Benefit Guide carefully.
Capitalized and bold words that are not section headings have special meanings and are defined
throughout this Benefit Guide.
Getting into Your Rental Vehicle can be the start of a great vacation. When You use Your Eligible
Card to reserve and pay for the Entire Rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the Rental
Company counter, You can be covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered
Territory.
Key Terms
You or Your means the Card Member who carries an Eligible Card.
We, Us, or Our means American Express.
American Express means American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., or its
participating subsidiaries, affiliates or licensees.
Card Member means the authorized user of an Eligible Card.
Claim means a request of a Card Member or Eligible Beneficiary that We Pay for a Covered
Event.
Covered Event means an unintentional event or occurrence that qualifies for benefit
consideration.
Eligible Beneficiary means the Card Member or other intended beneficiary entitled to make a
Claim.
Eligible Card means those card types designated as eligible for benefits by American Express.
Pay means a credit issued to the Eligible Card of the Eligible Beneficiary, or if that is not
feasible, a payment by check to the Eligible Beneficiary.
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How to Activate Benefits
To activate benefits
A. An Eligible Payment is made to reserve and pay for the Entire Rental of a Rental
Vehicle to the Eligible Card.
B. The following optional coverages offered by the Rental Company at the counter are
declined:
1. full collision damage waiver (CDW); and
2. similar coverage.
C. Eligible Renter signs the Rental Agreement as the person renting and taking control
and possession of the Rental Vehicle.
After all activation requirements are met as stated above, the transaction is considered an
Eligible Car Rental Payment.
What is an Eligible Payment?
The amount of the one original worldwide charge to an Eligible Card for the purchase of a
service for personal or business use.
What is an Entire Rental?
The full rental cost for a Rental Vehicle, less any applicable Rental Company discount/coupon
applied to the rental rate.
Can rewards points be redeemed towards an Eligible Payment / Entire Rental?
Yes, purchases on Eligible Cards that are combined with American Express Loyalty
Programs, such as Membership Rewards® points or Pay with Points, would qualify for benefits.
However, other Loyalty Programs (i.e. Non-American Express) DO NOT qualify on purchases
redeemed in part or full towards the rental cost. An example would be Common Carrier
Frequent Flyer Miles point redemption.
What about Travel Packages?
Rental Vehicles rented through a Rental Agreement which are provided either as part of a
travel or similar package/services or at a reduced cost by a Rental Company discount/coupon
would qualify for benefits.
All States, District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories except New York State
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Who is Covered?
Benefits are available to Eligible Renters. An Eligible Renter means a Card Member with an
Eligible Card, and their spouse or Domestic Partner, and Authorized Drivers.
What are the requirements to be an Authorized Driver?
An Authorized Driver must be authorized on the Rental Agreement between the Card
Member and Rental Company to operate the Rental Vehicle according to the terms of
the Rental Agreement.
What is Covered?
Once the benefits are activated, Rental Vehicles are insured up to 30 consecutive days per
Rental Agreement, regardless if such agreement gets extended or is new or on a different
vehicle, for the following benefits:
A. Rental Vehicle Damage and Theft Coverage
Benefits are provided to Eligible Renters up to $50,000 per Rental Agreement for
Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory.
1. Rental Vehicle Damage repair, being the lesser of:
a. The actual cost to repair the Rental Vehicle;
b. The Wholesale Book Value of the Rental Vehicle, minus reasonable salvage and
depreciation costs; or
c. The purchase invoice price of the Rental Vehicle, minus reasonable salvage and
depreciation costs.
2. Charges beyond Rental Vehicle Damage repair, meaning:
Reasonable and Customary charges related to the Rental Vehicle subsequent to
the Damage or Theft, such as Loss of Rental Vehicle Use, appraisal fees provided
they are supported with verifiable documentation, towing charges (which are not
covered by other roadside assistance programs available to the Card Member) and
storage, which are charged by the nearest vendor or facility capable of rendering
assistance. Any additional charge related to Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle
as defined by the Rental Agreement are covered, subject to the terms and conditions
described herein, when required or allowed by local law. These charges include
diminishment of value, depreciation, merchant deductibles, and Rental Company
administrative fees or similar charge.
All States, District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories except New York State
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What is Not Covered?
ANY COVERED EVENT BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF:
A. All Benefits
1. war or acts of war (whether declared or undeclared), service in the armed forces or
units auxiliary to it;
2. any vehicle rented in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand or any country subject to
comprehensive sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control;
3. use of the Rental Vehicle in violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental
Agreement (including Covered Events occurring when: a person other than an
Authorized Driver was in possession or control of the Rental Vehicle; or driving the
Rental Vehicle outside of the more restrictive of the Covered Territory or authorized
rental territory);
4. costs attributed to the Rental Company's normal course of doing business;
5. illegal activity by the Eligible Renter of the Rental Vehicle;
6. intoxication of any kind on the part of an Authorized Driver resulting in Damage to
the Rental Vehicle, (intoxication as defined where the Car Rental Accident
occurred);
7. an Eligible Renter or Passenger voluntarily taking any drug or acting under the
influence or effect of any drug (unless taken as prescribed or administered by a
Physician or Dentist);
8. off-road operation by the Eligible Renter of the Rental Vehicle (meaning, any time
the Rental Vehicle is located on an unpaved or other surface which is not a regularly
maintained state or government road);
9. injury of anyone or Damage to anything other than the Rental Vehicle;
10. personal liability, uninsured/underinsured motorists, personal injury protection,
worker's compensation injuries, disability benefits of any kind, any coverage
mandated by government or any other form of insurance coverage except as
specifically described herein;
11. intentional Damage, by an Eligible Renter, to the Rental Vehicle;
12. Damage that occurred prior to the Eligible Renter taking possession of the Rental
Vehicle;
13. manufacturing defects in the Rental Vehicle;
14. confiscation by government authority, public authority or customs authority;
15. wear and tear, including gradual deterioration;
16. Damage which is due and confined to freezing, mechanical or electrical breakdown
or failure unless such Damage results from a Theft Covered Event;
17. Theft of or Damage to Rental Vehicles that are unlocked at the time of Theft or
Damage;
18. Theft of or Damage to Tires (flats or blowout), unless the Damage was by fire,
malicious mischief, vandalism, or the Covered Event is coincident with and from the
same cause as a Car Rental Accident Covered Event;
19. Damage to any property other than property covered by the Rental Agreement;
20. sales tax related to repair of Damage, unless reimbursement of such sales tax is
required by law;
21. value added tax or similar tax, unless reimbursement of such tax is required by law;
All States, District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories except New York State
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ANY COVERED EVENT BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF: (CONTINUED)
22. gasoline, airport, and roadside assistance fees;
23. expenses assumed, waived or paid for by the Rental Company or its insurer;
24. expenses covered by the Eligible Renter’s personal vehicle insurer, employer or
employer's insurer;
25. diminishment of value, unless reimbursement is required by law; or
26. depreciation, unless reimbursement is required by law.
NO COVERAGE IS PROVIDED FOR:
A. All Benefits
1. A Rental Vehicle which is/are:
a. cargo vans, custom vans, vans with a seating capacity over 8 passengers, cube
van or box truck, or any truck that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 lbs.
or more;
b. use by an Eligible Renter for commercial or for hire purposes;
c. leased or mini-leased vehicles;
d. cars that are at least 20 years old or have not been manufactured within the 10 or
more years before the date of the Rental Agreement;
e. limousines; or
f. off-road vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, recreational vehicles, golf or motorized
carts, campers, trailers and any other vehicle which is not provided by a Rental
Company.
2. A Rental Company which is:
a. a moving van rental company;
b. any business which may incidentally rent a vehicle to a customer (such as an
auto dealership or auto body repair shop); or
c. vehicle sharing or peer to peer arrangements which allow independent owners to
rent personal vehicles.
If You have any questions about a specific vehicle, please call Us at 1-800-338-1670, if
international, collect at 1-303-273-6497.
How to File a Claim
A. To file a Claim for a Covered Event please visit us at
americanexpress.com/protectionbenefits or call 1-800-338-1670, if international, collect
at 1-303-273-6497.
B. Notice of Claim should be provided within thirty (30) days of the loss or as soon as
reasonably possible.
All States, District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories except New York State
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C. If required, claim forms will be sent to the Eligible Beneficiary once proper Notice of
Claim is received. If it is not received within fifteen (15) days from Notice of Claim then
the Eligible Beneficiary can submit written communication that describes the
circumstances and extent of the Covered Event for which the Claim is made.
Proper Notice of Claim conditions are met by answering all relevant claim intake
questions.
D. Proof of Loss must be submitted to Us within sixty (60) days; however, failure to do so
will not invalidate a Claim or reduce any available benefit if it can be shown that it was
provided as soon as reasonably possible. Examples of Proof of Loss We may require:
1. an itemized repair bill;
2. a copy of the Rental Agreement;
3. a copy of charge slip for the Rental Vehicle;
4. a copy of Eligible Renter’s or employer’s auto insurance coverage, or a notarized
letter stating no insurance;
5. a copy of Eligible Renter’s drivers license, unless it is included on Rental
Agreement; and
6. a police report (if applicable).
E. A Claim for benefits will be paid within thirty
(30) days (or in accordance with
applicable State law) after receipt of satisfac
tory Proof of Loss and Our determination that
s
uch Claim is payable. Any payment made by Us in good faith will fully discharge Us to
the extent of such payment.
The Eligible Beneficiary must Cooperate with Us in adjusting the Claim.
Additional Terms & Definitions
Additional Terms
A. Assignment
The Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance benefits may not be assigned and any
implied assignment is void.
B. Benefit Guide
This Benefit Guide is not, by itself, a policy or contract of insurance or other contract.
The insurance benefits are provided under the Commercial Card Issuer Travel Insurance
Policy issued by AMEX Assurance Company to the named Policyholder for which
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. participates. This Benefit
Guide is a summary of benefits provided to You. All terms and conditions stated herein
are governed by the Insurance Policy.
In case of a conflict between the Benefit Guide and Insurance Policy, the Insurance Policy
shall control.
All States, District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories except New York State
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Additional Terms (Continued)
Who is American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.?
It is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express who is responsible for offering Car
Rental Travel Insurance Benefits to eligible Card Members.
C. Cancellation/Benefit End Date
1. We may cancel these benefits at any time by providing notice to You; or
2. Benefits will end automatically on the earliest of the following:
a. the date when the Eligible Card is cancelled or terminated; and/or
b. the date when You are no longer a Card Member.
Are benefits still eligible when the Card Account is no longer active?
Yes, if the Eligible Car Rental Payment is made for a Rental Vehicle prior to the
effective date of the Benefit cancellation.
D. Criminal Activity/Fraud
An Eligible Beneficiary’s right to seek or obtain Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
benefits may be cancelled due to alleged criminal activity, deceit, fraud, material
misrepresentation, excessive or abusive Claims.
E. Effective Date
Effective January 1, 2020, this Benefit Guide replaces any Car Rental Loss and Damage
Insurance benefit document You may have received previously for Your Additional Card
Benefits. We reserve the right to change the benefits and terms of these benefits at any
time.
F. Other Insurance or Agreement
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance is intended to Pay only for amounts not covered
by any other insurance or agreement including reimbursement by Rental Company or
other supplier of travel services. We will, however, Pay applicable deductible(s) of other
available coverage where doing so does not result in an over-payment of the overall
Claim.
Does this mean it is secondary coverage?
Yes, it is secondary to any other coverage which may be available to You or the Eligible
Renter.
G. Trade and Economic Sanctions
No insurance benefits apply if providing insurance, including
Payment of Claims, violates law or regulation, including trade or economic sanctions.
If You have any questions about a specific rental location, please call Us at 1-800-338-1670, if
international, collect at 1-303-273-6497.
All States, District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories except New York State
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Additional Definitions
Car Rental Accident means a motor vehicle incident that results in Damage to the Rental
Vehicle.
Common Carrier Frequent Flyer Miles means a non-American Express award of air
transportation, regardless of whether the award is referenced as frequent flyer miles,
voucher, trip pass, coupon, or other awards, provided to a Eligible Renter or for which a
Eligible Renter may benefit, that may be used to pay, in full or in part, or otherwise defray
or reduce the costs of Rental Vehicle.
Cooperate means the Card Member and the Eligible Beneficiary (or someone acting on
the behalf of the Card Member or Eligible Beneficiary) helping Us determine whether the
Card Member has a Covered Event, and how much We Pay. This includes things like the
Card Member submitting a Claim to Us on time, giving Us the details of what happened,
providing Proof of Loss, recorded statement, or permission to obtain documents from third
parties, reporting to an appropriate law enforcement agency as soon as reasonably possible,
and generally doing whatever is reasonably necessary for Us to honor Our commitment to
an Eligible Beneficiary, including recoveries from third parties.
Covered Territory means any country, commonwealth, protectorate or political division in
which possession of a Rental Vehicle is taken by an Eligible Renter except as otherwise
stated in this Benefit Guide under the “What is Not Covered” section above.
Damage means, that as the result of a Car Rental Accident, the effect of any contact with
or treatment of the Rental Vehicle which requires repair in order to restore the Rental
Vehicle to its pre-rental condition.
Domestic Partner means legally recognized Domestic Partner.
Loss of Rental Vehicle Use means the unavailability of a Rental Vehicle due to Damage
or Theft and consequent loss of revenue by the Rental Company.
Loyalty Program means the award of points or other measures redeemable for benefits
offered by the Loyalty Program, such as reward points earned for using a product or service.
Passenger means a person, other than the Eligible Renter, who the Eligible Renter
permits to enter the Rental Vehicle, including an Authorized Driver.
Reasonable and Customary means a charge customarily made by other vendors/providers
for a given service in the same geographic area that the Damage to or Theft of the Rental
Vehicle occurred and reflects the complexity of the service.
All States, District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories except New York State
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Additional Definitions (Continued)
Rental Agreement means the contract that the Card Member or their spouse or Domestic
Partner signs and receives in-order to take possession of a Rental Vehicle from the Rental
Company which describes in full the terms and conditions of the contractual relationship and
paid for by an Eligible Car Rental Payment.
Rental Company means a commercial car rental agency that is licensed under the laws of
the applicable jurisdiction and whose primary business is renting private passenger vehicles.
Rental Vehicle means a four-wheeled, two-axle passenger type motor vehicle, designed for
and sold to accommodate private passenger transport on public roads, rented to the Eligible
Renter by the Rental Company, and intended to be operated by Authorized Drivers in a
Covered Territory by means of a Rental Agreement.
Theft means the taking and driving of the Rental Vehicle by a person other than the Eligible
Renter without the permission of the Eligible Renter.
Tire means the rubber part of a vehicle that grips the road; Tire does not include the wheel
or rim of the vehicle connected to a Tire.
Wholesale Book Value means wholesale or trade-in book value of the Rental Vehicle
based on the National Automobile Dealers Association website at www.nada.com or similar
source.
All States, District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories except New York State
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New York State
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CAR RENTAL LOSS AND DAMAGE INSURANCE
DESCRIPTION OF COVERAGE
Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
Administrative Office, 18850 N 56th St, AZ08-02-02, Phoenix, AZ 85054
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance provides Authorized Driver(s) with insurance coverage for Damage to or
Theft of most Rental Vehicles when the Card Member uses the Card to pay for the Entire Rental from any Rental
Company. Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle coverage is always secondary to any other insurance.
Coverage is worldwide except for vehicles rented in Australia, Italy, New Zealand and any country on the Office of
Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) sanctioned country list. Coverage will be voided if a Rental Vehicle is rented in
any country on the OFAC sanctioned country list.
This Plan does not provide insurance for personal liability, uninsured/underinsured motorists, personal injury
protection, worker's compensation injuries, disability benefits of any kind, any coverage mandated by government
or any other form of insurance coverage except as specifically described in this Description of Coverage.
INDEX
Definitions Section I
Eligibility and Coverage Activation Section II
Description of Benefits Section III
Exclusions Section IV
Claims Process Section V
General Provisions Section VI
Termination or Cancellation Section VII
Important Additional Information for You Section VIII
I. DEFINITIONS
Certain words used in this Description of Coverage are capitalized throughout and have special meanings.
Wherever used herein, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, as the context
requires.
Accident means a motor vehicle incident that results in Damage to the Rental Vehicle.
Account means Your American Expres Card on which the record of the charge for the Entire Rental is made.
Additional Card Member means a person who has received an American Express Card at the request of a Basic
Card Member for use in connection with the Basic Card Member’s Account.
Authorized Driver means a person listed on the Rental Agreement between the Card Member and the Rental
Company, at the time the Card Member takes possession of the Rental Vehicle, who is permitted to operate the
Rental Vehicle according to the terms of the Rental Agreement.
Basic Card Member means a person who has been issued a United States of America based proprietary American
Express Card and who has an Account.
Card Member means a person who has been issued a United States of America based proprietary American
Express Card, and who has a Permanent Residence in the 50 United States of America, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Card Member must rent the Rental Vehicle, sign the Rental Agreement with
the Rental Company and take possession of, or permit an Authorized Driver to take possession of, the Rental
Vehicle.
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Common Carrier means an air, land or water vehicle (other than a personal or rental vehicle) licensed to carry
passengers for hire and available to the public.
Common Carrier Frequent Flyer Miles means an award of air transportation, regardless of whether the award is
referenced as frequent flyer miles, voucher, trip pass, coupon, or other awards, provided to a Card Member or for
which a Card Member may benefit that may be used to pay, in full or in part, or otherwise defray or reduce the costs
of Rental Vehicle.
Company means AMEX Assurance Company.
Damage means the effect of any contact with or treatment of the Rental Vehicle which requires repair in order to
restore the Rental Vehicle to its pre-rental condition.
Entire Rental means the full rental cost for a Rental Vehicle, less any applicable Rental Company discount/coupon
applied to the rental rate, charged to an eligible American Express Card and/or combined with American Express
Membership Reward Points or American Express Pay with Points programs. Entire Rental does not include fees
on a Rental Vehicle defrayed in full or in part with loyalty points from the Rental Companies or Common Carrier
Frequent Flyer Miles.
Loss of Use means the unavailability of a Rental Vehicle due to Damage or Theft and consequent loss of revenue
by the Rental Company.
Master Policyholder means American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Membership Rewards® Points means credits obtained through the Membership Rewards program available with
most American Express Cards, which are earned when making certain purchases with such cards. In some cases,
participating Card Members receive a redemption certificate in order to use their Membership Rewards points.
Pay with Points is a process that may be available to an individual who accrues American Express Membership
Rewards Points and then uses the Membership Rewards Points to pay for travel by converting them to statement
credits to off-set some or all of the expense of that travel reflected on the individuals Account statement.
Permanent Residence means the one primary dwelling place where the Card Member resides and to which they
intend to return, and, if necessary, can be evidenced by a current and active official form of identification. Examples
include, but are not limited to: State issued Identification Card, Driver License, and Voter Identification Card.
Plan means the Policy and the benefits described therein.
Policy means the Group Insurance Master Policy (AX0925) issued by the Company to American Express Travel
Related Services Company, Inc.
Rental Agreement means the contract that the Card Member signs and receives when renting a Rental Vehicle
from a Rental Company which describes in full the terms and conditions of the contractual relationship.
Rental Company means a commercial car rental agency that is licensed under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction
and whose primary business is renting private passenger automobiles. A Rental Company does not include a
moving van rental company or any business which may incidentally rent an automobile to a customer, such as an
auto dealership or auto body repair shop or vehicle sharing service arrangements which allow independent owners
to rent personal vehicles.
Rental Period means the period of time during which You rent a Rental Vehicle pursuant to a Rental Agreement.
Rental Vehicle means a four-wheeled, two-axle passenger type motor vehicle, designed for and sold to
accommodate private passenger transport on public roads, rented to the Card Member by the Rental Company,
and intended to be operated by the Card Member or other Authorized Driver by means of a Rental Agreement with
the Rental Company.
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Secured means locked in the trunk of the Rental Vehicle or locked in the seating compartment of the Rental Vehicle
with all windows fully closed and all Card Members, Authorized Drivers and Passengers are absent from the vicinity
of the Rental Vehicle.
Theft means the taking and driving of the Rental Vehicle by a person other than the Card Member or an Authorized
Driver without the permission of the Card Member or the Authorized Driver.
We, Us, and Our means the Company.
Wholesale Book Value means wholesale or trade-in book value of the rental vehicle based on the National
Automobile Dealers Association website at www.nada.com
or similar source.
You and Your means the Card Member.
II. ELIGIBILITY AND COVERAGE ACTIVATION
Who is Eligible to Receive Benefits
You are eligible to receive benefits in accordance with this Description of Coverage if:
1. You are a Basic Card Member or Additional Card Member;
2. You were the person who signed the Rental Agreement;
3. You maintain your Permanent Residence within the 50 United States of America, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands; and
4. You have fully activated coverage.
How to Activate Coverage
Coverage for Theft of or Damage to an eligible Rental Vehicle is activated when:
1. You decline the full collision damage waiver (CDW) or similar option, or pay for a partial collision damage
waiver, offered by the Rental Company;
2. You or the Authorized Driver is named on the Rental Agreement as the person renting and take control
and possession of the Rental Vehicle; and
3. You use Your Account, American Express Membership Reward Points and/or American Express Pay
with Points to hold or place a deposit at the time the rental is checked out and to pay for the Entire Rental
from the Rental Company. Coverage will not be activated if You pay for any portion of the Rental Vehicle
by some other means.
III. DESCRIPTION OF BENEFITS
What is Covered
If Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle occurs while coverage is in effect, the Plan will pay a benefit up to
a maximum of $50,000 per Rental Agreement for:
1. The lesser of:
a. the actual cost to repair the Rental Vehicle;
b. the Wholesale Book Value of the Rental Vehicle, minus salvage and depreciation costs; or
c. the purchase invoice price of the Rental Vehicle, minus salvage and depreciation costs.
2. Reasonable and necessary charges related to the Rental Vehicle subsequent to the Damage or Theft,
such as Loss of Use, appraisal fees provided they are supported with verifiable documentation, towing
charges (which are not covered by other roadside assistance programs available to the Card Member)
and storage, which are charged by the nearest vendor or facility capable of rendering assistance and
which are usual and customary in the locale where the Damage or Theft occurred.
Only a Card Member has a legal and equitable right to this insurance benefit available under the Plan.
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Length of Coverage
This Plan covers eligible Rental Vehicles for the first 30 consecutive days.
In no event shall coverage be provided for a Rental Vehicle beyond 30 consecutive days from the same
Rental Company, regardless of whether the original Rental Agreement is extended, or a new written Rental
Agreement is entered into, or a different vehicle is rented.
IV. EXCLUSIONS
General Exclusions
This Plan does not cover losses for which coverage sought was directly or indirectly, wholly or partially
contributed to or caused by:
1. war or acts of war (whether declared or undeclared), participation in a felony, riot, civil disturbance,
protest or insurrections, service in the armed forces or units auxiliary to it;
2. operation of the Rental Vehicle in violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement
(including but not limited to losses occurring when: a person other than an Authorized Driver was in
possession or control of the vehicle; or driving the vehicle outside of the authorized rental territory);
3. costs attributed to the Rental Company's normal course of doing business;
4. illegal activity by the Authorized Driver of the Rental Vehicle;
5. alcohol intoxication on the part of the Authorized Driver of the Rental Vehicle, as defined in the state
where the Accident occurred;
6. an Authorized Driver voluntarily taking any drug or acting under the influence or effect of that drug
(unless taken as prescribed or administered by a Doctor);
7. off-road operation by the Authorized Driver of the Rental Vehicle;
8. injury of anyone or anything other than the Rental Vehicle; and
9. personal liability, uninsured/underinsured motorists, personal injury protection, worker's compensation
injuries, disability benefits of any kind, any coverage mandated by government or any other form of
insurance coverage except as specifically described in this Description of Coverage.
Vehicles Not Covered
This Plan does not cover rentals of:
1. cargo vans, custom vans, vans with a seating capacity over 8 passengers, cube van or box truck, or any
truck that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 lbs or more;
2. Rental Vehicles which have been customized or modified from the manufacturer's factory specifications
except for driver's assistance equipment for the physically challenged;
3. any Rental Vehicles used by an Authorized Driver for commercial or hire purposes;
4. leased or mini-leased vehicles;
5. antique cars, which means cars that are 20 years old or have not been manufactured for 10 or more
years;
6. limousines;
7. off-road vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, recreational vehicles, golf or motorized carts, campers, trailers
and any other vehicle which is not a Rental Vehicle; and
8. Rental Vehicles rented in Australia, Italy, New Zealand and any country on the OFAC sanctioned country
list.
Losses Not Covered
This Plan does not cover losses caused by or contributed to by, directly or indirectly, wholly or partially:
1. intentional Damage by an Authorized Driver of the Rental Vehicle;
2. Damage that occurred prior to the Rental Period;
3. manufacturing defects in the Rental Vehicle;
4. confiscation by authority;
5. wear and tear, including gradual deterioration;
6. Damage which is due and confined to freezing, mechanical or electrical breakdown or failure unless
such Damage results from a Theft covered by the Plan;
7. Theft or Damage to Rental Vehicles that are unlocked or not Secured at the time of Theft or Damage;
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8. Theft of or Damage to tires (flats or blowouts), unless Damaged by fire, malicious mischief, vandalism,
or stolen, unless the loss is coincident with and from the same cause as other loss covered by the Plan;
9. Damage to any vehicle other than the Rental Vehicle; and
10. Damage to any property other than the Rental Vehicle, owner’s property, or items not permanently
attached to the Rental Vehicle.
This Plan does not cover, and benefits will not be paid for:
1. sales tax related to repair of damages, unless reimbursement of such sales tax is required by law;
2. value added tax or similar tax, unless reimbursement of such tax is required by law;
3. roadside assistance fees;
4. expenses assumed, waived or paid for by the Rental Company or its insurer;
5. expenses covered by the Card Member's personal vehicle insurer, employer or employer's insurer,
Authorized Driver's insurer, or other insurance;
6. diminishment of value; and
7. depreciation, unless reimbursement for depreciation is required by law.
V. CLAIMS PROCESS
If You experience a loss for which You believe a benefit is payable under this Plan, You must provide both
Notice of Claim and Proof of Loss.
Notifying Law Enforcement Agency
Notification of Damage, including vandalism, Theft, or an Accident must be reported to the appropriate law
enforcement agency as soon as reasonably possible. This requirement applies regardless of whether the
Rental Vehicle is involved with other vehicles. Failure to notify may result in denial of benefits.
Notice of Claim
Notice of Claim should be provided to Us within thirty (30) days of the loss. You or the Authorized Driver
may contact the Company by calling toll-free stateside 1-800-338-1670 or, if from overseas, by calling collect
1-303-273-6497. You or the Authorized Driver may also write to Us at Car Rental Loss and Damage
Insurance Claims Unit, PO Box 979178, Miami, FL 33197-9178.
Failure to provide Notice of Claim within thirty (30) days will not invalidate a claim or reduce any benefit
payment that may be found to be eligible, if it can be shown that Notice of Claim was provided as soon as
reasonably possible. At the time You or the Authorized Driver provides Us with Notice of Claim, We will
assist with completion of the Proof of Loss by providing instructions and/or documents, which You or the
Authorized Driver may have to complete and return to Us. You or the Authorized Driver are required to
cooperate with Us and provide documentation as requested by Us which is required and necessary to
process the claim, determine if benefits are payable and collect amounts recoverable from others. No claim
will be denied based upon Your or the Authorized Driver’s failure to provide notice within such specified time,
unless this failure operates to prejudice Our rights.
Proof of Loss
If required, a claim form will be sent to You or the Authorized Driver after We receive notice of loss. Written
proof of loss, which includes the signed claim form and all other requested documentation, must be received
within sixty (60) days after We have provided You with instructions and/or a claim form in response to Your
Notice of Claim, or Your claim may be denied. The proof of loss must be sent to: Car Rental Loss and
Damage Insurance Claims Unit, PO Box 979178, Miami, FL 33197-9178. If the required proof of loss and
other documentation is not received within sixty (60) days of the date of loss (except for documentation
which has not been furnished for reasons beyond Your or the Authorized Driver’s control), coverage may be
denied. It is the claimants responsibility to provide all required documentation.
Required documentation may consist of, but is not limited to:
1. an itemized repair bill;
2. a copy of charge slip for the rental of the Rental Vehicle, Rental Agreement or machine generated receipt
to show rental was charged and paid for with an American Express Card;
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3. a police report (if applicable);
4. photos of the Damaged Rental Vehicle, if available;
5. a copy of the Card Member's, Authorized Driver's or employer's auto insurance coverage, or a notarized
letter stating no insurance;
6. a copy of all claim documents and correspondence, provided by the Rental Company;
7. a copy of the Rental Company's utilization log or other verifiable documentation acceptable to Us;
8. a copy of the driver's license of the Card Member and/or Authorized Driver, unless the driver's license
number shows on the Rental Agreement;
9. a copy of the written Rental Agreement, front and back, which documents when the Rental Vehicle was
checked out and checked in;
10. information pertaining to other available insurance coverage(s); and
11. any other information reasonably required to process the claim including Our rights to recover from
others.
Your or the Authorized Driver’s cooperation with issues related to their benefits is required.
Payment of Claims
A claim for benefits provided by this Plan will be paid within ninety (90) days after Our receipt of satisfactory
Proof of Loss documentation and determination that a claim is payable according to the terms of the Plan.
Any payment made by Us in good faith pursuant to this or any other provision of this Plan will fully discharge
Us to the extent of such payment.
VI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Change of Permanent Residence
You must notify Us as soon as possible if You change Your Permanent Residence. If the change is to a
different state, Your Plan provisions may be adjusted to conform to the requirements of that state. We will
send any and all notices or Plan related materials to Your last known address on file. If You fail to notify Us
of a change in Your Permanent Residence, You may not receive all notices and Plan related materials.
Clerical Error
A clerical error made by the Company will not invalidate insurance otherwise validly in force nor continue
insurance not validly in force.
Conformity with State and Federal Law
If a Plan provision does not conform to applicable provisions of State or Federal law, the Plan is hereby
amended to comply with such law.
Entire Contract; Representation; Change
This Description of Coverage, the Policy, the declarations page and any applications, endorsements or riders
make up the entire contract. Any statement You or the Authorized Driver make is a representation and not
a warranty. This Description of Coverage may be changed at any time by written agreement between the
Master Policyholder and the Company. Changes shall take effect as of the date a replacement Description
of Coverage, if any, is issued or the date otherwise agreed upon by the Master Policyholder and the
Company. A copy of the Policy will be maintained and kept by the Master Policyholder and may be examined
at any reasonable time upon reasonable notice.
Fraud
If any request for benefits made under the Plan is determined to be fraudulent, or if any fraudulent means
or devices are used by You or the Authorized Driver or by anyone acting on Your or their behalf to obtain
benefits, all benefits will be forfeited.
No coverage is provided if You or the Authorized Driver, whether before or after a loss, have:
1. concealed or misrepresented any fact upon which we rely, if the concealment or misrepresentation is
material and is made with the intent to deceive; or
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2. concealed or misrepresented any fact if the fact misrepresented contributes to the loss.
We may be required to report suspicion of fraudulent activity and/or confirmed fraudulent activity to Your
residency state’s Department of Insurance.
Legal Actions
No legal action may be brought to recover against this Plan until sixty (60) days after Proof of Loss has been
received by Us. No such action may be brought after three (3) years from the time written Proof of Loss is
required to be given.
Right of Recovery
If We make a payment to You under this Plan and You recover an amount from another, equal to or less
than Our payment, You shall hold in trust for Us any proceeds of the recovery and reimburse Us to the extent
of Our payment. If Our payments exceed the maximum amount payable under the benefits of this Plan, We
have the right to recover from You any amount exceeding the maximum amount payable.
Secondary Coverage
This Plan is secondary to all other valid and collectible insurance or other sources of indemnity and shall
apply only when such other benefits are exhausted. We will pay only that portion of the loss benefit which is
not reimbursed by other collectible insurance or other sources of indemnity, up to Our limits, as provided
under the Description of Benefits section.
When a Card Member has Coverage under similar products underwritten by AMEX Assurance
Company
A Card Member may be covered for similar benefits under different products underwritten by AMEX
Assurance Company. If the products state that the similar benefits are either primary or that the benefits are
excess, the product with the lower level of benefits will pay first and the other product(s) will provide excess
coverage.
Subrogation
In the event of any payment under this Plan, We shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all
Your rights of recovery. You shall execute all papers required and shall do everything necessary to secure
and preserve such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable Us to effectively
bring suit or otherwise pursue subrogation rights in Your name. You shall do nothing to prejudice such
subrogation rights.
We shall be entitled to a recovery as stated in these provisions only after You have been fully compensated
for damages by another party.
VII. TERMINATION OR CANCELLATION
Coverage will terminate automatically on the earliest of the following:
1. when the Rental Company resumes control of the Rental Vehicle, or 30 consecutive days after the
Rental Vehicle was checked out by You or another Authorized Driver, whichever is earlier;
2. the date You no longer maintain a Permanent Residence in the 50 United States of America, the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands;
3. the date We notify You of our determination that Your enrollment or claims information contains a
misrepresentation or fraudulent statement or fails to disclose material information;
4. the date You terminate Your Account and are no longer a Card Member;
5. the date Your Account is cancelled by American Express; or
6. the date the Plan is not available in the location where You maintain a Permanent Residence.
The Company has the right to cancel this Description of Coverage or any endorsement or rider at any time
by sending a written notice at least sixty (60) days in advance to You at Your last known address. The notice
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will include the reason for cancellation. You will be eligible to receive benefits if You fully activated coverage
in accordance with this Description of Coverage prior to the effective date of the Company’s cancellation.
Termination or cancellation of coverage will not prejudice any claim submitted prior to termination or
cancellation subject to all other terms of the Policy.
VIII. IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR YOU
The benefits described herein are subject to all of the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the Policy. This
Description of Coverage replaces any prior Description of Coverage which may have been furnished in
connection with the Policy. For any questions regarding the benefits described in this Description of
Coverage, please call 1-800-338-1670 or International Collect 1-303-273-6497, the number listed on the
back of Your card, or the number shown on Your card statement.
This Description of Coverage is an important document. Please read it and keep it in a safe place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We have caused this Description of Coverage to be signed by Our officers:
Gregory M. Pond Mark W. Musser
President Secretary
AMEX Assurance Company AMEX Assurance Company
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