Costco Executive Membership Rental Car Insurance Review: How good is the coverage in 2024?
Did you know that Costco memberships offer perks when it comes to rental cars? Here's everything you need to know about Costco car rental deals.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Jul 21, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Costco members can get discounts on rental cars
- Executive members with Costco can earn rewards and additional perks through their memberships
- Costco Travel does not offer rental car coverage, but members who use their Costco credit card may be eligible for rental car insurance
Costco is a leading chain of wholesale club stores, and the company offers two types of memberships: standard and executive. A standard Costco membership costs $60 a year, while an executive membership costs $120 annually.
Costco is known for selling goods in bulk, but both standard and executive members can enjoy several perks outside of the store. And many Costco members find that Costco car rental deals make their memberships worthwhile.
But while Costco Travel offers Costco rental car deals, as well as deals on hotels and cruises, members cannot purchase rental car insurance through Costco Travel. Instead, they can get rental car insurance through the rental car company or a rental car insurance company. They may be able to get coverage through their personal auto insurance or credit card.
Exploring Costco’s Rental Car Insurance Options
Costco offers several avenues for securing rental car insurance, primarily through the benefits of its credit cards and membership. If you’re using the Costco Citi card for car rental insurance, it’s essential to understand its role as either primary or secondary coverage. The Costco Citi card rental car insurance provides significant benefits, often acting as primary coverage if you decline the rental company’s insurance.
This means it could cover damages before your auto insurance kicks in, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. The Costco Citi card rental car insurance is designed to offer up to $50,000 in coverage for eligible rentals, which is a substantial advantage for Costco members.
When evaluating the Costco card rental car insurance, it’s worth noting that it includes collision damage and theft protection. However, it does not extend to liability coverage, which means you’ll need to ensure you have appropriate coverage for any potential third-party damages.
For those considering Costco visa rental car insurance, similar coverage applies, but always check the specific terms associated with the card you hold. Whether you’re exploring Costco car rental in Florida or any other location, understanding the scope of your Costco credit card benefits for rental cars can be pivotal.
For a comprehensive view, Zurich rental car insurance with Costco and other similar providers often provides detailed policy comparisons. If you’re planning a trip with Costco car rentals with Enterprise or any other affiliated agency, it’s beneficial to review the Costco car rental benefits thoroughly.
These benefits typically include discounted rates and added conveniences such as free additional drivers. However, be aware that while Costco car rental insurance coverage may be beneficial, the actual coverage limits and exclusions can vary based on the location and specific rental terms.
Lastly, while the Costco membership rental car benefits are appealing, especially with discounts and perks, the insurance coverage provided directly through Costco’s services is limited. Costco executive membership car rental offers enhanced perks, but members should consider additional insurance options if required.
Always review Costco car insurance reviews and Costco rental car for travelling insurance details to ensure you’re getting the best protection for your needs. For comprehensive coverage, exploring Costco rental car reviews and Costco credit card coverage for car rental insurance can provide insights into the best options available for your next rental.
Does a Costco executive membership offer rental car insurance?
While standard and executive Costco memberships offer a Costco rental car deal, rental car insurance is not included or provided via Costco Travel. Instead, the company recommends that individuals consider purchasing rental car insurance through the rental company.
Additionally, the Costco Travel website notes that personal insurance policies and certain credit card companies include rental car insurance in their coverage. So individuals can check with both sources to see whether they would have access to rental car insurance in those ways.
How much is a rental car with Costco Travel?
There is no set price for rental cars with Costco, but many experts agree that a Costco car rental deal can help members save a lot of money. While the average cost to rent a car in the U.S. is around $82 daily, the average with Costco is often much lower.
If you want to rent a car, keep in mind that Costco only rents cars with Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. To take advantage of Costco Enterprise car rentals, or rentals with the other available companies, Costco members can visit the Costco Travel website to get started.
While Costco rental cars with Enterprise may not be available in all locations, the company website should offer additional options to members. Additionally, Costco Travel allows members to rent in seven countries outside the U.S., including:
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Spain
- United Kingdom
Read more: Costco CONNECT Auto Insurance Review: Should you buy?
Costco members can book rental cars by visiting the Costco Travel website, and in most cases, members don’t need to book too far in advance. Additionally, rentals via Costco Travel allow you to add a driver to the rental agreement for free. Adding a driver this way can help you save anywhere from $10 to $25 per day, depending on the rental company.
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How can I get rental insurance on a Costco rental car?
If you get a rental car through Costco Travel, there are a few ways you can find proper rental car insurance.
First, contact your insurance company to see whether your personal insurance policy will cover your rental car. Many personal auto insurance policies allow coverage to extend to rental cars. So if you own a vehicle and have proper coverage, that insurance may automatically cover any car you rent, as long as you are listed as a driver.
One downside to using your personal insurance is if you have relatively low coverage. For example, if you have a liability-only policy and rent a car, you will only have liability car insurance coverage with the rental. So if something happens and the rental car is damaged, you may have to pay for repairs out of pocket.
If your personal auto insurance coverage doesn’t cover your rental car, you may have a credit card that offers rental car insurance up to a specific limit. For example, the Costco Anywhere Visa By Citi offers worldwide rental car insurance.
The Costco card covers you and anyone else listed as a driver on the rental car. Additionally, insurance through the card covers up to $50,000 in damage, as long as the damage is due to:
- A car accident
- A natural disaster
- Vandalism
- Theft
If you do not have a Costco credit card, you may have another account that offers coverage. Some of the most common credit card companies to offer rental car insurance include Chase, Capital One, Ink, United, and American Express. (For more information, read our “Capital One Rental Car Insurance Review: How good is the coverage“)
All you have to do is rent the car using your credit card, and the rental car insurance will be included automatically.
Should I buy rental car insurance through the rental company?
If you do not have an option for rental car insurance elsewhere, you can purchase rental car insurance through the rental company. However, the costs for rental car insurance are most expensive through rental companies. So if you can find coverage elsewhere, it’s best to do so.
Some rental companies offer options for insurance, while others only have one bundled option for coverage. Most rental car companies will include the following options for rental car insurance:
- Property damage. This insurance will cover damage to another person’s property during a car accident, but it will not cover your rental car.
- Damage to vehicles. This policy covers damage to any vehicles in a collision you caused.
- Theft. This option will cover most items stolen from your rental vehicle.
You can speak to a representative with the rental company ahead of time to determine whether the rental car insurance is something you need and to find out how much the coverage will cost. Most rental car companies charge around $30 a day for rental insurance, which could make the cost of renting a car well over $100 daily. (For more information, read our “Buying Rental Car Insurance: What You Need To Know“)
What are the perks of a Costco executive membership?
All Costco members can take advantage of certain perks, like the lower price of bulk items sold in-store and online and certain travel benefits offered via Costco Travel. But Costco executive membership benefits offer a lot more.
With a Costco executive membership, you may be eligible to receive a 2% reward on eligible purchases with Costco, Costco.com, and Costco Travel. Additionally, executive members can save money on the following:
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Costco auto program
- Bottled water delivery
- Pet insurance
- Identity protection
If you’re interested in renting a car with Costco Travel, you may be pleasantly surprised by the cost. But you’ll need to consider a different avenue regarding Costco auto rental insurance.
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Costco Executive Memberships and Rental Car Insurance: The Bottom Line
While members can get rental car deals with Costco Travel, they do not have the direct option of purchasing insurance through Costco. Instead, they should count on their personal policies, coverage through a credit card, or coverage through the rental company itself.
Because rental car insurance through a rental company is often the most expensive option, Costco members should consider looking elsewhere for coverage. For example, the Costco Anywhere Visa is an excellent option for up to $50,000 in rental car insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco executive membership provide rental car insurance coverage?
Yes, Costco Executive Membership includes rental car insurance coverage as one of its benefits. The coverage is known as the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi rental car insurance.
What does the Costco executive membership rental car insurance coverage include?
The Costco Executive Membership rental car insurance coverage provides primary collision and damage coverage for eligible rental vehicles. It may cover costs associated with theft, damage, and towing charges, up to specified limits.
Is the rental car insurance coverage provided by Costco executive membership primary or secondary?
The rental car insurance coverage provided by Costco Executive Membership is primary coverage. This means that it will be the first insurance to respond in the event of a covered loss, potentially saving you from filing a claim with your personal auto insurance.
What are the coverage limits for the Costco executive membership rental car insurance?
The specific coverage limits for the Costco Executive Membership rental car insurance may vary, and it’s important to review the terms and conditions of the coverage. The coverage may have a maximum limit per occurrence and may also have limitations on specific types of vehicles or exclusions for certain countries.
Are there any requirements to activate the rental car insurance coverage?
To activate the rental car insurance coverage provided by Costco Executive Membership, you need to pay for the rental car using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW) or similar coverage.
Does the Costco executive membership rental car insurance cover liability?
No, the rental car insurance coverage provided by Costco Executive Membership does not include liability coverage. It primarily focuses on collision and damage coverage for the rented vehicle itself.
Does the Costco executive membership rental car insurance cover all types of rental vehicles?
The coverage provided by Costco Executive Membership rental car insurance may have limitations on specific types of vehicles, such as luxury or exotic cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs), and commercial vehicles. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of the coverage to understand any limitations.
Does Costco Citi card cover car rental insurance?
Yes, the Costco Citi card does cover car rental insurance. The coverage typically acts as primary insurance, which means it can cover damages before your auto insurance comes into play. The Costco Citi card rental car insurance usually provides up to $50,000 in coverage for collision damage and theft. However, it does not include liability coverage, so you will need to ensure you have additional liability protection.
Does Costco rental car include insurance?
No, Costco rental cars do not include insurance as part of the rental deal. While Costco Travel offers discounted rental rates, insurance coverage is not provided through Costco Travel. Members must arrange rental car insurance through their personal auto insurance, credit cards, or directly from the rental car company.
Is Costco car insurance good?
Costco car insurance, available through various providers partnered with Costco, generally offers competitive rates and benefits. However, its quality depends on the specific insurance provider and policy details. For comprehensive protection, members should compare Costco auto insurance options with other available insurance policies to ensure they meet their coverage needs.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.