If you’re planning to rent a car, you might be wondering if my Discover card covers rental car insurance? Honestly, that’s a smart question. Many people don’t realize that certain credit cards can actually protect them from costly rental car damages. Let’s break down what Discover offers, how it works, and what you need to know before hitting the road.
Understanding Discover’s Rental Car Insurance Policy
The truth is, most Discover cards do not currently offer rental car insurance coverage. In the past, Discover provided this benefit on some cards, but as of recent years, it’s been discontinued for new and existing cardholders.
That means if you rent a car using a Discover card today, you’ll likely need to get insurance directly from the rental company or use another credit card that still provides coverage (like certain Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards).
Why Did Discover Stop Offering Rental Car Insurance
Discover made changes to its benefits program a few years ago. They removed several travel-related perks, including rental car coverage. The reason? To simplify their rewards program and focus on cashback features instead of travel protection benefits.
While that’s great for everyday purchases, it leaves a gap for travelers who rely on credit card insurance instead of buying coverage at the rental counter.
What You Can Do Instead
If you love using your Discover card but still want rental protection, here are your best options:
1. Check Your Auto Insurance Policy
Your personal auto insurance might already cover rental cars (at least within the U.S.). Contact your insurance provider to confirm what’s included.
2. Buy Coverage from the Rental Company
Most car rental companies offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). It’s not cheap, but it can save you thousands if an accident happens.
3. Use Another Credit Card with Coverage
Some Visa Signature, Mastercard World, or Amex cards still provide secondary rental car insurance. If you have multiple credit cards, check their benefits guide to see if coverage applies.
What Discover Cards Still Offer
Even though Discover no longer includes rental insurance, the cards still come with solid perks, such as:
- Cashback rewards on everyday purchases
- $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges
- Freeze-it feature for instant account protection
- No annual fee on most cards
So while you lose rental insurance, you still get strong financial and security benefits for daily use.
Quick Comparison: Discover vs Other Cards
| Feature | Discover | Visa Signature | Amex Platinum |
| Rental Car Insurance | No | Yes (Secondary) | Yes (Primary) |
| Travel Benefits | Limited | Good | Excellent |
| Annual Fee | $0 (most cards) | Varies | High |
| Best For | Everyday cashback | Travel perks | Frequent travelers |
Key Takeaway
So, does Discover have rental car insurance
No, not anymore.
But don’t worry you can still stay protected by checking your personal auto policy, buying coverage from the rental company, or using another card that offers it.
The most important thing: Always verify coverage before you drive off the lot. A quick call can save you a big headache later.
FAQs
1. Does Discover card offer rental car coverage in any situation
No. Discover completely discontinued rental car insurance coverage for all cards in recent years.
2. Can I still rent a car with my Discover card
Yes, you can still use it to pay for a rental. You’ll just need to arrange separate insurance coverage.
3. When did Discover remove rental car insurance
Discover started phasing out rental insurance benefits around 2018–2019, and it’s no longer offered today.
4. Does Discover have travel insurance
Not currently. Discover focuses more on cashback rewards rather than travel perks.
5. What’s the best credit card for rental car insurance
Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, and Visa Signature cards are great options for travelers who want rental protection.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, it’s a bit disappointing that Discover doesn’t offer rental car insurance anymore. But if you’re mainly using it for cashback and security, it’s still a solid choice.
If you travel often, consider pairing your Discover card with another credit card that provides rental coverage. That way, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds cashback rewards and peace of mind on the road.