Since its launch, the *capital one venture x* has quickly built a reputation as one of the best travel rewards credit cards on the market—and for good reason.
With an annual fee of just $395, it is drastically cheaper than its primary competitors, the *chase sapphire reserve* and *amex platinum*. And while it might get buried underneath the allure of its big sign-up bonus and flashy travel perks like lounge access, the Venture X Card’s travel insurance coverage is sneaky good.
From car rental insurance to lost luggage reimbursement and even trip delay coverage, no credit card provides better travel protections at a cheaper price point.
Read on for everything you need to know about the travel insurance protections provided by the Capital One Venture X Card.
Learn more about the *capital one venture x*
Car Rental Insurance
The insurance you get when charging your car rental to your Venture X is some of the best coverage you’ll find among top-tier credit cards. This allows you to skip costly additional policies from the car rental agency – or even your own personal policy – saving you from added fees each and every time you rent a car.
Here’s how it works:
- Use your Venture X card to pay for your rental car.
- Decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver. If you do not decline the car rental company’s collision damage waiver, the coverage provided by your card will be voided.
We’ve broken it down further to help you know exactly what you’re getting from Capital One Venture X’s auto insurance benefit.
Primary vs. Secondary Coverage
The Venture X isn’t the only card out there that offers insurance when renting a car, but most travel credit cards only offer secondary rental car coverage, while the Venture X provides primary rental car coverage.
What’s the difference?
If you get into an accident or your car is damaged with secondary coverage, you’d have to file a claim with your personal insurance policy before turning to your credit card company for help. That means you’ll have to pay your deductible – and your auto insurance premiums will likely go up, too.
With the Capital One Venture X card’s primary rental car coverage, you can skip your own policy and head straight to Capital One’s benefit administrator to file a claim. That puts the Venture X Card on par with both the *chase sapphire preferred* and the *chase sapphire reserve*, both of which offer primary rental car coverage as well.
Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
It’s time to get technical. The primary coverage from the Venture X replaces the typical “collision damage waivers” – or loss damage waivers – that car rental companies are required to offer.
This policy provides reimbursement for damage due to collision or theft on a rental car. So if you get into an accident, it will cover the costs of any damage up to the cash value of the vehicle. When you buy the rental companies collision damage waiver, it costs an extra $10 to $30 a day. That can add up fast.
The primary coverage that comes with the Venture X is valid in the U.S. and most international destinations as well. In fact, there are just four countries that don’t make the cut: Israel, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Jamaica.
Just note that this is not liability insurance. It will not cover medical bills, damage to another vehicle, or damage to property.
Read More: All About Capital One Venture X Rental Car Insurance Benefits
How to File a Claim
While your first urge might be to call Capital One to start your claim, you can skip this step and call Card Benefit Services at 1-800-825-4062 (or 1-804-965-8071 outside the U.S.) instead. For faster claims, you can begin the claims process online at eclaimsline.com.
If you have an accident or your vehicle gets stolen, you should report it as soon as possible or no later than 45 days from the date of the incident.
At the time of the incident – or when you return the vehicle – ask your rental car company for a copy of the initial rental agreement, repair estimate, and accident report. You may also need a copy of the police report and a demand letter, which indicates any costs you are responsible for.
Lost Luggage Reimbursement
Lost luggage reimbursement is something you typically don’t think about until you need it. Did an airline lose or damage your luggage – or did it get stolen?
- Get up to $3,000 to replace or repair the bag and its contents (or $2,000 per bag for New York residents) when you use your Venture X (or Capital One miles) to pay for your airfare.
- Coverage is provided for the main cardholder and all immediate family members.
- Coverage is supplemental to any other sources (i.e. reimbursement provided by the airline).
Just note: Some items aren’t covered. If you’ve got cash or event tickets in your luggage, that won’t qualify. Same with some other common items like contact lenses, eyeglasses, and hearing aids.
How to File a Claim
Card Benefit Services also handles claims for lost luggage reimbursement so the process is the same as above.
Be sure to file your claim within 90 days and have a copy of your credit statement from the period that you purchased your airfare, your ticket details (boarding pass), and a copy of any check, settlement, or denial provided by the airline.
Trip Delay Coverage
When your trip is delayed, it can often mean more than just lost time. While you’ll be on the hook to cover the extra costs upfront, you may be eligible for reimbursement of additional expenses like food and lodging if you used your Venture X to pay for your airfare.
- Get up to $500 (for each purchased ticket) if your trip is delayed by six or more hours – or forces an overnight stay.
- You, your spouse, and your dependent children under 22 years of age are automatically covered if they are traveling with you.
- You must be traveling outside of your home city.
Covered reasons for a trip delay include weather, strikes, aircraft maintenance issues, and even emergency situations.
Related reading: My Experience Using Trip Delay Insurance
How to File a Claim
Trip delay claims are also handled by Card Benefit Services with the same process above.
Be sure to file your claim no later than 30 days after a covered delay and provide a copy of your travel itinerary, your credit card statement, a statement from the common carrier (airline) explaining the reason for the delay, and itemized receipts for any reimbursable expenses over $50.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
If something goes seriously wrong on your trip like an accident, illness, or death that forces you to cancel or cut it short, you’re covered for up to $2,000 per person in unreimbursed expenses – and you, a spouse, and any dependent children are eligible.
The following situations qualify:
- The death, accidental bodily injury, disease, or physical illness of you or an immediate family member of the cardholder – must be verified by a physician and must prevent you from traveling on the trip.
- Default of the common carrier (airline, cruise, train, or bus company) resulting from financial insolvency.
Again, the kicker here is that the trip must have been paid for with the Capital One Venture X Card.
How to File a Claim
Filing a trip cancellation and delay claim isn’t quite as easy as the others we’ve outlined so far.
Again, this benefit doesn’t come directly from Capital One, so you can forget about calling the number on the back of your card. But instead of having an online submission (or even a phone number), you’ll have to report your claim by mail. Yes, I’m serious.
Within 20 days (or as soon as reasonably possible) of the trip cancellation or interruption, you’ll need to file a written claim by mail to the following address: cbsi Card Benefit Services; 550 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 309; Harrison, NY 10528
Once you initiate your claim by mail, the plan administrator will send you claim forms for providing proof of loss within 15 days. Be prepared to provide documentation like police reports, medical authorization forms, and death certificates, as well as your travel itinerary and credit card statement.
Once your claim is started, you can view the status and upload these documents online at myclaimsagent.com.
Cellular Telephone Insurance
As long as you pay your cell phone bill with your Capital One Venture X card, you can get reimbursed up to $800 for repair or replacement if your cell phone is stolen or damaged.
Here’s how it works:
- You must have used your card to pay the bill the month before the incident occurs.
- Coverage applies to all lines listed on the account.
- You will need to pay a $50 deductible for each claim and the benefit can be used twice every 12 months.
- Coverage is secondary to an insurance policy purchased through your carrier or the device manufacturer.
- If your device has been stolen, a police report must be filed within 48 hours of the event to be eligible for coverage.
Read More: My Experience With Cell Phone Insurance Protection From My Credit Card
How to File a Claim
If your phone gets lost, damaged, or stolen, you can file a claim by calling 1-844-288-2140 within 60 days of the date of incident. The benefits administrator will ask some preliminary questions and send you the appropriate claim forms which need to be completed and returned within 90 days of the incident.
Be prepared to provide a copy of your cell phone bill and credit card statement along with the completed claim form. If your phone was stolen, you’ll also need to have filed a police report within 48 hours of the theft. Depending on the details of the claim, you may also need a repair estimate and other documentation deemed necessary by the claims administrator.
For faster claim filing, or to learn more about the Venture X’s cellular telephone insurance, visit cardbenefitservices.com.
Bottom Line
The Capital One Venture X provides a handful of travel insurance benefits for added peace of mind. With an annual fee of just $395 per year, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another card with similar coverage at this price point.
Learn more about the *capital one venture x*
