How does the Amex Platinum Avis benefit work?

The American Express Platinum card car rental insurance covers cardholders for up to $75,000 in collision damage and theft for vehicles rented with the American Express Platinum card or American Express rewards points. To get the American Express Platinum card car rental insurance coverage, you must decline the rental agency’s supplemental insurance policy. To make a American Express Platinum card rental car insurance claim, call ... read full answer(800) 338-1670 within 30 days of a covered incident.

There are a few exceptions you should be aware of, though. And there are more details about the process you’ll need to follow to actually get your money. You can find the key points below.

Here’s more info about the American Express Platinum card car rental insurance:

• You’re covered up to $75,000 per claim for collision damage or theft.
• You must pay for the entire rental with your American Express Platinum card or rewards points.
• You must decline the rental agency’s insurance policy.
• The following types of vehicles are not covered by American Express Platinum card rental car insurance: Cargo vans, vans that carry 9+ people, box trucks, trucks that weight 10k+ lbs., modified vehicles (except for handicapped accessibility), antiques, limos, off-road vehicles, motorcycles/motorbikes/mopeds, RVs, golf carts, and a few others. Geographic restrictions also apply.
• The following situations and types of damage are not covered by American Express Platinum card rental insurance: Manufacturing defects, wear and tear, damage from illegal activities, accidents caused by driver’s intoxication, seizure by authorities, damage by war, and a few others.
• To make an American Express Platinum card rental car insurance claim, call (800) 338-1670 within 30 days of the incident. If you’re abroad, collect at (303) 273-6497. Amex will then mail you instructions for what to do next. You’ll have 60 days to return any proof they request, which may include damage estimates, police reports, etc.

The American Express Platinum card rental car insurance will reimburse you within 90 days of American Express receiving your proof of the incident. Before you rent a car with your American Express Platinum card, you should take some time to read through the benefits guide. It will give you the full information.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance disclosure: Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Yes, Amex Platinum is worth it for travelers with good credit who spend a lot and can take advantage of the card’s benefits. Amex Platinum benefits include a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit, airport lounge access, up to $200 in Uber credits per year and up to $200 in airline fee credits annually, and more. The card’s initial bonus of 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months also goes a long way toward making the card worth its $695 annual fee.... read full answer

For the first year alone, you could wind up with at least $1,600 in net value (rewards and other perks, minus the $695 annual fee). The American Express Platinum card’s second year will have the same annual fee, but the total value of your benefits in year two would only be about $800 if you spent the same amount on the card as year one, according to WalletHub's research.

To really make money with this card after the first year, you’d have to spend a lot more. That said, many of the card’s perks are ongoing. You’ll benefit more if your purchases qualify for Amex Platinum’s ongoing bonus rewards rates, and if you utilize Amex Platinum’s complimentary Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors hotel loyalty programs (enrollment required).

All in all, Amex Platinum is a good card for big spenders who travel all the time and can wring every drop of value out of its benefits. But it’s far too expensive for light spenders and occasional travelers.