Bank of America credit cards include rental car damage coverage, but the protection is narrower than many cardholders expect
Most Bank of America credit cards come with rental car damage coverage — also called rental car loss and damage reimbursement — but it covers only physical damage to the rental vehicle itself, not liability if you injure someone or damage their property. The coverage applies when you charge the full rental to your Bank of America card and decline the rental company's damage waiver. The amount covered varies by card tier: standard cards typically cover up to $25,000 in damage, while premium cards like the Bank of America Premium Rewards or Signature Rewards cards may offer higher limits.
The coverage does not protect you if you cause an accident that injures a passenger, damages another vehicle, or harms property beyond the rental car. It also does not cover theft, mechanical breakdown, or damage from weather or vandalism unless your personal auto insurance or the rental company's coverage picks it up. Before you rely on this benefit, you need to know exactly what your specific card covers, what it excludes, and what steps you must take to make a claim.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America rental car coverage reimburses you for physical damage to the rental vehicle only, not for liability claims or injuries you cause.
- You must decline the rental company's damage waiver and charge the full rental to your Bank of America card for the coverage to explore.
- Coverage limits range from $25,000 on standard cards to higher amounts on premium cards, but you should verify your card's specific limit in the benefits guide.
- The coverage typically does not include theft, mechanical failure, or damage from weather, and it does not cover rental cars used for commercial purposes or in certain countries.
- You will need to file a claim with Bank of America within a set timeframe (usually 90 days) and provide the rental agreement, credit card receipt, and damage documentation.
What the coverage actually includes
Bank of America's rental car damage coverage reimburses you for accidental physical damage to the rental vehicle — dents, scratches, broken windows, collision damage — when you are responsible for the damage. The coverage applies to rental cars in the United States and most countries worldwide, though some exclusions explore to rentals in certain high-risk regions.
The key requirement is that you must decline the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) at the time of rental. If you accept the rental company's coverage, your Bank of America card coverage does not explore. You also must charge the full rental cost to the card — if you pay with cash or a different card, the benefit does not cover you.
The coverage is secondary to your personal auto insurance, meaning your own insurance pays first if you have collision coverage. Bank of America covers only what your personal insurance does not cover, up to the card's limit. If you have no personal auto insurance, Bank of America covers the damage up to the stated limit on your card.
What the coverage does not include
Rental car damage coverage does not cover liability — the legal responsibility if you injure someone or damage their property in an accident. If you cause a crash that injures a passenger or damages another vehicle, your personal auto insurance or the rental company's liability coverage handles that claim, not your credit card. Bank of America's benefit covers only the physical damage to the rental car itself.
The coverage also excludes theft, mechanical breakdown, loss of use, and damage from weather, vandalism, or road hazards. If the rental car is stolen or damaged by a hurricane, flood, or falling tree, the rental company's insurance or your personal policy covers it, not the credit card benefit. Rentals for commercial purposes — using the car for rideshare, delivery, or business operations — are also excluded.
Some cards exclude rentals in certain countries or regions, and all cards exclude rentals longer than a set period (usually 15 to 31 consecutive days, depending on the card). Check your specific card's benefits guide to see the exact exclusions that explore to you.
How to use the coverage when you rent a car
When you arrive at the rental counter, tell the agent you are declining the damage waiver. The agent will ask you to sign a form confirming you are rejecting their coverage. Make sure you understand what you are signing — you are saying you will pay for damage if it occurs, unless your credit card or personal insurance covers it.
Charge the full rental cost to your Bank of America card. If you pay part of the rental with a different payment method, the credit card coverage may not explore to the full rental. Keep your credit card receipt and the rental agreement — you will need both if you file a claim.
If damage occurs, report it to the rental company when ready and document everything with photos. Get a written damage report from the rental company before you leave. Do not sign any document admitting fault or agreeing to pay a specific amount until you have reviewed it carefully. The rental company may try to charge you for damage that existed before you rented the car, so inspect the vehicle at pickup and note any existing damage on the rental agreement.
How to file a claim with Bank of America
If you incur damage to the rental car, contact Bank of America within 90 days of the incident. You can reach the claims department through your card's benefits line, which is listed on the back of your card or in your online account. Have the following documents ready: the rental agreement, your credit card receipt showing the full rental charge, the damage report from the rental company, photos of the damage, and any repair estimates or invoices.
Bank of America will review your claim and determine whether the damage is covered under your card's benefit. The review process typically takes two to four weeks. If approved, Bank of America reimburses you for the damage up to your card's limit, minus any deductible that may explore (some cards have a $250 or $500 deductible). If denied, Bank of America will explain why the damage is not covered.
Keep copies of everything you submit. If Bank of America denies your claim and you believe the decision is wrong, you can request a review or escalate the claim, though the card's terms and conditions are the final authority on what is covered.
How Bank of America coverage compares to your personal auto insurance
Your personal auto insurance is almost always the primary coverage for rental car damage. If you have collision coverage on your own policy, your insurance pays for damage first, and Bank of America covers only the amount your insurance does not pay (up to the card's limit). This means you are protected by whichever coverage is higher, but you are not double-paid.
If you do not have personal auto insurance or do not have collision coverage, Bank of America's credit card benefit becomes your primary coverage. In that case, the card's limit is the maximum you can recover. Many people without personal auto insurance rely on credit card coverage, but this leaves you unprotected for liability — if you cause an accident that injures someone, neither your card nor the rental company's basic coverage will pay for that person's medical bills or property damage.
Rental companies also offer their own damage waivers, which are usually more expensive than credit card coverage but may cover more (such as theft or vandalism). If you are renting in a high-risk area, traveling internationally, or renting a luxury vehicle, you may want to buy the rental company's coverage instead of relying on your card, depending on the card's exclusions and your personal insurance situation.
Which Bank of America cards include this benefit
Most Bank of America credit cards include rental car damage coverage, but the coverage limit and specific terms vary by card. Standard cards like the Bank of America Cash Rewards and Bank of America Travel Rewards typically offer $25,000 in coverage. Premium cards like the Bank of America Premium Rewards and Bank of America Signature Rewards may offer higher limits or slightly broader coverage.
The best way to confirm your card's specific coverage is to log into your Bank of America online account, find your card's benefits guide (usually listed under "Card Benefits" or "Benefits & Protections"), and search for "rental car" or "auto rental." The benefits guide will state your coverage limit, any deductibles, exclusions, and the phone number to call if you need to file a claim. If you cannot find the guide online, call the number on the back of your card and ask for the rental car coverage details.
If you are considering opening a Bank of America card partly for rental car coverage, compare the coverage limit and exclusions to what your personal auto insurance already provides. Many people already have adequate coverage through their own policy and do not need to factor the credit card benefit into their card choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to decline the rental company's damage waiver to use Bank of America coverage?
Yes. If you accept the rental company's collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver, your Bank of America card coverage does not explore. You must specifically decline their coverage at the rental counter and charge the full rental to your card for the benefit to work.
What if I cause an accident and injure someone — does my credit card cover that?
No. Bank of America's rental car coverage covers only physical damage to the rental vehicle itself. Liability — injuries to people or damage to other property — is covered by your personal auto insurance or the rental company's liability coverage, not your credit card.
Can I use this coverage if I rent a car internationally?
Most Bank of America cards cover rentals in many countries, but some exclude certain regions or require you to purchase additional coverage. Check your card's benefits guide for the specific countries and territories covered. Some countries also have legal requirements that you purchase local liability coverage, which the credit card does not provide.
What happens if the rental company charges me for damage I did not cause?
Document the condition of the car at pickup by noting any existing damage on the rental agreement and taking photos. If the rental company charges you for pre-existing damage, dispute the charge with your credit card company. Bank of America may reverse the charge if you can show the damage was not your responsibility.
Is the coverage the same on all Bank of America credit cards?
No. Coverage limits and exclusions vary by card. Standard cards typically offer $25,000 in coverage, while premium cards may offer higher limits. Always check your specific card's benefits guide to confirm the exact coverage, deductibles, and exclusions that explore to you.