Who is covered? AmEx's rental car insurance protects more than the cardholder. As defined in the guide to benefits, an eligible renter for collision insurance is a card member with an eligible card, their spouse or partner and any authorized drivers.

Yes, American Express provides rental car insurance that can cover additional drivers, but the specifics depend on whether you are using their standard "Secondary" coverage or the "Premium" paid protection. Under the standard Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance (which comes with most Amex cards), coverage is typically extended to Authorized Drivers who are listed on the rental agreement at the time of pickup. This usually includes the primary cardholder's spouse or domestic partner, and sometimes other family members, provided they are permitted to drive by the rental company. However, for the coverage to be active, the "Entire Rental" must be charged to the eligible Amex card and the cardholder must decline the rental company's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). If you opt for the Amex Premium Car Rental Protection (a flat-fee service per rental period), the coverage is more robust and explicitly includes "Authorized Drivers" listed on the contract. In 2026, it is always a "best practice" to ensure every person intended to drive is named on the rental agreement at the counter, as failing to do so can void the insurance entirely in the event of an accident or theft.