Just a heads-up for everyone. If you are using an American Express card to charge your rental car and are relying on their insurance to cover your rental liability and collision they do not cover pick-up trucks or SUVs. I learned this the hard way when I backed into a pole with my toyota pick up rented from Budget. My US car insurance did cover it with a $500.00 deductible however.

If you buy the premium AMEX insurance, available to Platinum card holders for $17.95 for each rental up to a 60 day period each incident, it does cover trucks and SUV's with zero deductable (I just had the experience of using it.). You have to enroll once and then it is invoked every time you rent a car or truck or SUV.

Sorry this happened to you, puts a damper on things! Hope you enjoyed everything else.

I am an AMEX card holder as well. However, my card is just the regular "Blue" card and I also have the Premium car rental protection. The difference is my cost is more like $25 per rental and I think it may only be good for 40 days, not sure. It's still well worth the cost.

(Message edited by sparty on August 8, 2010)

I have the Blue card and for $19.95 I am covered. I have collected 2 times with this insurance... Ron

PS it also covers personal property up to $2500.00 all with no deductable.

Gold card here - it does cover it. Must be the Premium insurance, enrolled once, is automatic from then on. I pay $19.95 per rental. I think it covers it up to 45 days, but would have to double check on that.

Have we got all of the cards covered? Oh wait...isn't there a red card now?

Thanks, now I know. I have the platinum AX. How do you apply for the premium insurance? Didn't ruin my trip, we have just bought a house on Bonaire and after paying all the deposits for utilities, internet, telephone etc what was another $500.

I am very jealous of you right now Larry.......... Enjoy your house!!

Larry, you just have to call AMEX and tell them you want the insurance, they bill it to your card when you use it and oila!
Congratulations on your new home!

Larry..Congrats to you on your new purchase on Bonaire. I'm sure you'll have many fond memories in the times to come.
Regarding the AMEX, as others have stated it does indeed cover truck damage provided you have the additional insurance with them. Call AMEX to discuss your particular situation.

Following this thread, I have tried to get the suggested insurance. Here is what I came-up with:

The web-site is:
https://www295.americanexpress.com/premium/car-rental-insurance-coverage/home.do?intlink=premiumprotecthub_hero_multiple_pcrp#01

Talked to them and found out it is offered to all levels of Amex as long as it is a card issued DIRECTLY by Amex. Mine is an American Airlines, Citibank Amex and they will NOT offer these benefits to such cards. Hope this info helps.

Ah yes, good point Yuval, but the citi platinum cards offer a similar type of insurance.

do all the car companies on bonaire take amex, total truck rental, etc?

Good question does anyone know if total and the others take AMEX?

AB car rental accepts AMEX

I believe Telerin accepts Amex and its insurance as well.
Here is link to ask.
telerin@bonairelive.com <telerin@bonairelive.com>

Poppy does except American Express, and their insurance as well... Ron

We use our Amex card and their insurance option as well. Costs apx$24 and covers up to 42 or 45 days. The insurance kicks in whenever you use the card at a car rental agency, otherwise I believe you would be charged the insurance fee. I use my Visa or MC if I have to put down a deposit and just make sure the rental company know this. I think AB required a deposit, not sure if Telerin did.

I've used the AMEX card extensively in the past but now understand that it doesn't include coverge for the other diver - if you injure another motorist and its your fault you pay everything out of pocket.