There are many different ways to express patriotism, from hanging up a flag or attending a parade to voting, joining the military or actively working to improve conditions for your fellow Americans. Being a patriot means loving your country and its people while also recognizing its flaws and striving to make it the best it can be. And there’s no better time to get into the spirit of patriotism than July 4th, the most patriotic day of the year.

In order to determine where Americans have the most red, white and blue pride on Independence Day and during the rest of the year, WalletHub compared the states across 13 key indicators of patriotism. Our data set ranges from the state’s military enlistees and veterans to the share of adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election to AmeriCorps volunteers per capita.

Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

1. Main Findings
2. In-Depth Look at the Most Patriotic States
3. Blue States vs. Red States
4. Ask the Experts
5. Methodology

Note: With the exception of “Total Score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of that state, where a rank of 1 represents the best conditions for that metric category.

[edu-info-graphic metrics="[edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172846/metric-1.png' header='Average Number of Military Enlistees' left='Highest | 1. Georgia | 2. Hawaii | 3. Texas | 4. Alaska | 5. South Carolina' footer='Best State vs. Worst State: 3x Difference | Georgia vs. North Dakota' right='Lowest | 46. Rhode Island | 47. Massachusetts | 48. Minnesota | 49. Vermont | 50. North Dakota'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172847/metric-2.png' header='Veterans per Capita' left='Most | 1. Alaska | 2. Virginia | 3. Wyoming | 4. Hawaii | 5. Montana' footer='Best State vs. Worst State: 3x Difference | Alaska vs. New York' right='Fewest | 46. Connecticut | 47. California | 48. Massachusetts | 49. New Jersey | 50. New York'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172848/metric-3.png' header='Peace Corps Volunteers per Capita' left='Most | 1. Vermont | 2. New Hampshire | 3. Oregon | 4. Colorado | 5. Virginia' right='Fewest | 46. Alabama | 47. Louisiana | 48. West Virginia | 49. Mississippi | 50. North Dakota'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172849/metric-4.png' header='% of Adults Who Voted in 2024 Presidential Election' left='Highest % | 1. Minnesota | 2. Oregon | 3. Virginia | 4. New Jersey | 5. Michigan' right='Lowest % | 46. Alabama | 47. Hawaii | 48. Louisiana | 49. Texas | 50. Arkansas'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172850/metric-5.png' header='Volunteer Rate' left='Highest | 1. Utah | 2. Vermont | T-3. Minnesota | T-3. Nebraska | 5. Kansas' footer='Best State vs. Worst State: 3x Difference | Utah vs. Rhode Island' right='Lowest | 46. Florida | 47. New Mexico | 48. Alabama | 49. Nevada | 50. Rhode Island']"]

Virginia is 2026’s most patriotic state. For every 100,000 civilians in Virginia, there are nearly 1,761 active-duty military personnel, the third-most in the country. And for every 1,000 civilians, there are nearly 103 veterans, the second-most in the country.

Old Dominion is also patriotic on the civic side. It has a high voter turnout rate, with 72.9% of residents having voted in the 2024 presidential election, compared to the national average of 66%. To top things off, Virginia has the fifth-highest number of peace corps volunteers per capita, and it is one of the many states that require standalone course in civics for high school graduation.

Montana is the second-most patriotic state, in part because it has a relatively large voter turnout. 69.2% of the state’s voting population turned out for the 2024 presidential election, and nearly 46% voted in the 2020 primary election (the highest primary turnout in the country).

Montana ranks second in the nation for jury service, a result of its notably high participation rate , it also has the second-highest number of Americorps volunteers, and over 37% of residents volunteer for some sort of organization in general. For comparison, in only 10 states, the volunteer rate is above 35%.

In addition, Montana has nearly 101 veterans for every 1,000 civilians, the fifth-highest number in the country.

Vermont is the third-most patriotic state, with the second-highest volunteer rate, showing residents who volunteered for organizations in general and the highest Peace Corps volunteers per capita. Additionally, the Green Mountain State has the eighth-highest share of military reserves. Together, these rankings highlight Vermont’s strong commitment to civic engagement and community service.

Many Vermonters have also fulfilled their patriotic duty of jury service, with the state having the highest number of people per capita who served as jurors over the past year. In addition, Vermont has the highest Americorps volunteers per capita, so plenty of residents show their patriotism by serving others in need.

Patriotism can be a complex subject, depending on who’s involved in the discussion. For insight, we asked a panel of experts to share their thoughts on the following key questions:

1. What are the characteristics of a good patriot?
2. What are the best ways for an individual to show patriotism?
3. What is the relative influence of economic incentives versus patriotic intentions when deciding whether or not to join the military? Has this changed over time?
4. Should we be raising our children as global citizens first or as Americans first?
5. What measures should schools and local authorities undertake in order to promote patriotism among citizens?

< >

• Andrew Burnstine Ph.D. – Associate Professor, College of Business and Management - Lynn University
• Dr. Timothy W. Kneeland Professor & Director, Museums, Archives & Public History; Director, Center for Public History, Nazareth University
• Rob Weiner Popular Culture Librarian Texas Tech University and editor of Captain America and the Struggle of the Superhero
• Stephen C. Finley Inaugural Chair, Professor, Department of African & African American Studies - Louisiana State University
• Glenn Altschuler Thomas and Dorothy Litwin Professor of American Studies Emeritus – Cornell University
• E. Fletcher McClellan Ph.D. – Distinguished Professor and Professor of Political Science Emeritus, School of Public Service – Elizabethtown College

In order to determine the most patriotic states, WalletHub compared the 50 states across two key dimensions, “Military Engagement” and “Civic Engagement.”

We evaluated those dimensions using 13 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest level of patriotism.

Finally, we determined each state’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order the states.

• Average Military Enlistees per 1,000 Civilian Adults Between 2017 & 2022 (No Prior Service): Double Weight (~8.33 Points)
• Veterans per 1,000 Civilian Adults: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
• Active-Duty Military Personnel per 100,000 Civilian Adults: Double Weight (~8.33 Points)
• Share of Civilian Adult Population in Military Reserves: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)

• Share of Adults Who Voted in 2024 Presidential Election: Triple Weight (~25.00 Points)
• Share of Adults Who Voted in 2020 Primary Elections: Full Weight (~8.33 Points)
• Volunteer Rate: Half Weight (~4.17 Points)
• Volunteer Hours per Resident: Half Weight (~4.17 Points)
• AmeriCorps Volunteers per Capita: Half Weight (~4.17 Points)
• Peace Corps Volunteers per Capita: Half Weight (~4.17 Points)
• Trial- & Grand-Jury Participation per Civilian Adult Population: Full Weight (~8.33 Points)
• Share of Residents Who Participate in Any Groups, Organizations or Associations in the Past Year (Civic Life): Full Weight (~8.33 Points)
• Civics Education Requirement: Full Weight (~8.33 Points)

Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected as of May 18, 2026 from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Manpower Data Center, Peace Corps, Military OneSource, United States Elections Project, Administrative Office of the United States Courts, AmeriCorps and iCivics.

• YouTube (for web embedding)
• YouTube - Virginia (for web embedding)
• Raw video files (for editing into clips)

You should consider an extended warranty when the manufacturer’s warranty on your car is nearing expiration or has recently expired. Manufacturer warranties typically last for 3 years or 36,000 miles.

• The average cost of an extended car warranty is $1,500, but the price can be as high as $3,000.
• Extended car warranties are only worth it if your car is unreliable and are unable to pay for mechanical repairs.
• You cannot use an extended car warranty until the original manufacturer’s warranty expires.
• Extended car warranties do not cover regular maintenance or damage caused by normal wear and tear or by a lack of maintenance.
• Extended warranty providers often offer multiple levels of coverage, some of which may include benefits such as towing services, rental car coverage, and travel insurance.

[car_insurance_widget]

1. What Does an Extended Car Warranty Cover?
2. How Does an Extended Car Warranty Work?
3. Types of Extended Car Warranties
4. Extended Car Warranty Cost
5. Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It?
6. Video: Extended Car Warranty
7. Extended Car Warranties FAQ

An extended car warranty acts like an insurance policy for your car’s major components. If something breaks down and needs to be repaired, your warranty provider will cover the costs. You will only be responsible for paying a predetermined deductible. 

Exactly what an extended warranty covers depends on the type of warranty that you choose. But in general, extended warranties cover the critical mechanical parts of your vehicle, including the engine, transmission, axles, and gaskets.

• Routine Maintenance such as oil change, wheel alignment
• Weather-related damage
• Damage from modification or alteration
• Damage from accidents
• Damage from reckless or negligent driving
• Damage from lack of maintenance or proper care

An extended car warranty works by covering major mechanical repairs for a car once its original warranty is up. With an extended warranty, you can take your vehicle to an authorized repair shop and your repairs will be covered. There are typically many stipulations to an extended warranty contract, however, including where you can take your car to get repaired and what parts of the vehicle are covered.

Let’s go through the process of purchasing and using an extended warranty to give you a better idea of what to expect.

1. Compare prices. Before deciding on a policy, compare prices from several different extended warranty companies. You can start by checking out our picks for the best extended car warranties.
2. Consider the amount of coverage. Before you purchase an extended warranty, check how much coverage the warranty provides and where you can get your vehicle repaired. Some companies may offer a very cheap policy, but then offer very little coverage or have a limited number of authorized mechanics.
3. Check the reviews. It’s important to know if customers have had a good experience with a company in general. You can check how other customers have rated a company by visiting their profile on WalletHub. You can also look at how each company is rated for their financial strength and business practices by consumer watchdog groups like AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
4. Read the fine print. Make sure to read the entire extended car warranty contract so that you’re aware of stipulations to your coverage. For instance, companies that offer extended warranties won’t cover a part of your vehicle that you’ve made modifications to.
5. Don’t wait until your original warranty has expired. You should try to purchase your extended warranty before your original factory warranty has expired. You can still purchase an extended warranty after your original warranty has expired, but it will be more expensive. 
6. Purchase your extended warranty. To purchase an extended warranty, you can call the extended warranty company of your choice and provide them with the necessary information about yourself and your vehicle, then provide your payment information. When you purchase your extended warranty, you can choose to either pay for the whole warranty up front or spread out the cost over many smaller payments. Additionally, most extended warranty companies will require a down payment before your coverage begins.

Once you have purchased an extended warranty and your vehicle needs repairs, call your extended warranty provider and determine the best auto repair facility to go to.

The repair facility will then run diagnostics on your vehicle to find any issues. The mechanic will likely ask for your policy information and will then provide your insurer with the claim information.

If your contract includes a deductible, you will typically pay the deductible when you pick up your car after it has been repaired.

The claim process varies depending on the extended warranty company you choose. Most companies allow you to file a claim by calling customer service or by using their website to file your claim online.

If your car needs immediate repair, most companies allow you to take your vehicle directly to an authorized mechanic. Typically, the service manager at the repair facility can receive approval from your insurance company using your policy information. Once the repair shop has received authorization from your insurer, they can begin making repairs.

A bumper-to-bumper warranty is usually the most comprehensive extended warranty that you can purchase. It’s umbrella coverage for all of a vehicle’s parts and systems, excluding routine maintenance and damage from wear and tear.

Powertrain warranties cover everything that moves the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and any power components that travel to the wheels of the car.

A drivetrain warranty is similar to a powertrain warranty, except it excludes the car’s engine.

A wrap warranty supplements a powertrain warranty, applying to the rest of the car. This effectively gives you bumper-to-bumper coverage.

A corrosion warranty can help pay for the damage if your car starts to rust.

The average cost of an extended car warranty is $1,500, and prices typically range between $1,000 and $3,000. There are several factors that affect how much an extended car warranty is going to cost, from the warranty’s provider and length to the type of car. For example, certain makes and models of cars cost more to cover, as do older, high-mileage cars that are more likely to break down.

Note: Rates are an approximation based on a 2020 Toyota Camry with 15,000 miles.

Learn more about the cost of an extended car warranty.

Extended car warranties generally aren’t worth it, purely from a financial standpoint. Most people who purchase an extended warranty save less on repairs than they pay for the contract, according to a survey by Consumer Reports.

If you drive a reliable car and maintain sufficient savings to pay for an auto repair emergency, then an extended car warranty probably isn’t worth what you would have to pay. Similarly, you might not need an extended warranty if you already have a trustworthy mechanic or carry insurance that offers similar perks.

But purchasing an extended warranty isn’t always a purely monetary decision. For some people, the peace of mind can be worth the price. If your car isn’t the most dependable, you might be more comfortable buying an extended warranty than going without. Just make sure that you’re clear on your vehicle history as well as your own priorities.

Learn more about when extended car warranties are worth it.

About the author

Candace Baker

Candace Baker was a car insurance writer for WalletHub. Her WalletHub work focused on researching car insurance topics, producing educational content and answering car insurance questions from consumers.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Baker graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Political Science. While in college, she was the culture editor and managing editor of an on-campus political review. She has also written for Study Breaks and Austin Monthly Magazines.

Email Full Bio

1. State Requirements
2. Age
3. Car Make and Model
4. High-Risk Violations
5. Yearly Mileage
6. Credit History
7. Driving Record
8. Zip Code
9. Marital Status
10. Gender

Some of the factors that affect car insurance rates are within your control, such as your credit history and whether you’ve ever been convicted of drunk driving. Other factors are at least largely out of your control, like your city’s population density and your age.

[car_insurance_widget]

Your state of residence is one of the factors that affect car insurance rates the most, as premiums for state-minimum coverage vary by up to 318%. Each state has its own laws about car insurance, with different minimums and different categories of required coverage. The more coverage you’re required to buy, the more expensive your policy is likely to be.

Car insurance rates can vary by up to 367% based on age. Young drivers pay more for car insurance, since they are considered to be less experienced and more likely to get into an accident. After age 25, a driver’s insurance rates start to decrease.

On the other end of the spectrum, senior drivers are often charged more after they pass the age of 65. Not only are older drivers more likely to get into a car accident than younger adults, but they’re also more likely to be injured in a collision.

Some vehicles are cheaper to insure than others. For example, a truck is 3% cheaper to insure than a sedan, on average.

Car insurance companies prefer to insure safe vehicles, as they’re less likely to lead to expensive claims. So a car with high safety ratings can get you a bit of a discount. On the other hand, some vehicles are statistically more likely to be stolen, including the Honda Accord and any full-size Ford pickup. They tend to be more expensive to insure as a result.

Traffic violations and car accidents are factors that can increase the cost of car insurance coverage by anywhere from  20% to 200%, compared to what you were originally paying. The amount that your costs increase depends on a couple things: the severity of your violation and whether you’ve been convicted in the past. Multiple infractions make you a high-risk customer for your insurance company. Some companies use traffic violations as a factor in car insurance pricing for only three years, while others keep them on your record for longer. It’s worth shopping around again three years after your latest incident, in case you can get a better deal somewhere else.

Your annual mileage is a factor that can influence your car insurance rates because the more you’re on the road, the more likely it is that you’ll be in an accident. As a result, car insurance companies charge you more if you have a long daily commute. If you only drive for leisure, you’re likely to pay less.

Your credit history is an important factor insurers use when calculating premiums in most states, considering that drivers with a poor credit score pay an average of 71% more than drivers with good credit. But if you live in California, Massachusetts, or Hawaii, you’re in luck; they don’t allow car insurance companies to take your credit score into account. On the other hand, if you have great credit, you can save a little money on car insurance in the other 47 states.

Your driving record is a factor that influences your insurance costs, for better or worse. If you have a clean record, you might end up paying 40% less than drivers with a poor record, thanks in part to the availability of safe-driver discounts.

But you’re likely to be charged more if you make a lot of insurance claims, whether or not the accidents are your fault. Even your first accident might raise your rates for the next 3-5 years.

The number of years you’ve been on the road matters, too. For example, new drivers over the age of 25 tend to pay more than their peers who’ve been behind the wheel for years.

The area you live in is an important factor for insurers to consider because it affects the likelihood of your vehicle being damaged. For example, your zip code can cause your insurance rates to fluctuate by up to 91% in California.

Depending on where you work and park your car at night, you might get a small discount (or upcharge) for your street address. Big cities tend to have higher crime rates as well as crowded roads where accidents are commonplace. Rural roads are less congested, and rural areas have less property crime.

Your marital status is an important factor when it comes to your car insurance premiums because married drivers are statistically the least risky drivers to insure, with up to 50% fewer accidents compared to all other drivers. Let your car insurance company know if you get married, so your wallet can benefit from the positive statistics.

Gender is a factor that can influence car insurance rates in some states. Men around the age of 45 pay an average of 6% less for car insurance than their female counterparts, for example. On the other hand, teenage male drivers tend to pay the most for car insurance overall. Although, the gender gap evens out for drivers in their 30’s.

Car insurance rates tend to rise over time, due to factors such as population growth, increasing healthcare costs, and technological advancements that makes vehicles more expensive to repair. For example, the cost of the average car insurance policy has gone up by about 59% from 2009 to 2019.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

• Shop around for a new policy
• Lower your coverage
• Raise your deductible
• Check for discounts
• Reduce your mileage

These are some of the quickest and most efficient ways to lower your rate if you’re struggling to afford your coverage. As a long-term solution, you can try to fix other factors like the type of car you drive, your credit score, or your driving record. To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide on how to lower your car insurance premium.

• Non-owner policies provide the minimum coverage required by the state, as well as some optional add-ons.
• Non-owner car insurance costs between $200 and $1,400 per year.
• Most major insurers offer non-owner car insurance.
• Consider getting non-owner car insurance if you don’t own a car but plan to frequently rent or borrow one.

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1. How Does Non-Owner Car Insurance Work?
2. What Does Non-Owner Car Insurance Cover?
3. How Much Is Non-Owner Car Insurance?
4. Best Non-Owner Car Insurance Companies
5. Other Companies That Offer Non-Owner Car Insurance
6. Non-Owner Car Insurance for Businesses
7. When to Consider Non-Owner Car Insurance
8. When Not to Use Non-Owner Insurance
9. How to Get Non-Owner Car Insurance
10. Non-Owner Car Insurance FAQ

Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage to people who don’t own a car. Like standard liability insurance, it covers car damage and injuries to other people when you are at fault, but it will not cover your own injuries or damage that occurs to the vehicle you are driving.

Non-owner insurance policies include any state-mandated types of coverage and usually allow drivers to add optional types of coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist and personal injury protection (PIP). Since non-owner insurance policies don’t cover a specific vehicle, they do not include collision or comprehensive coverage.

Learn more about how non-owner car insurance works.

Non-owner car insurance usually provides the same level of protection as a standard car insurance policy. A non-owner insurance policy will cover you for:

• Injuries to other drivers in accidents that you cause
• Property damage, excluding damage to the vehicle you’re driving
• Accidents caused by uninsured/underinsured motorists
• Medical bills resulting from accidents

Learn more about what non-owner car insurance covers.

Non-owner car insurance costs between $200 and $1,400 annually, depending on the insurance company, with the average cost being about $750 per year. Since drivers with non-owner insurance aren’t on the road as much as the average policyholder, they’re less likely to file a claim, and they pay less for coverage as a result.

The amount of coverage you choose, your driving history, your location, and your driving frequency will help determine the exact cost of your policy. Non-owner insurance policies do not have a deductible.

Learn more about how much non-owner car insurance costs.

Geico is the best non-owner car insurance company overall, according to WalletHub’s analysis, though there are several other good options as well. The best non-owner car insurance companies have affordable premiums, good customer reviews, and high ratings from consumer watchdog groups, such as the Better Business Bureau. All of these companies are also on WalletHub’s list of the best car insurance companies for a standard car insurance policy.

*USAA is only available to military service members and their families

Most national insurance companies offer non-owner car insurance policies. However, they will generally only provide quotes over the phone, and Progressive only offers non-owner car insurance to existing customers.

For more options, check out our list of the best cheap non-owner car insurance companies.

• Nationwide
• State Farm
• Allstate
• Liberty Mutual
• Farmers
• American Family
• Mercury
• Acceptance Insurance
• Dairyland
• Direct Auto
• The General

A business can’t purchase a typical non-owner car insurance policy because it is a special type of car insurance meant specifically for personal use by individuals who do not own vehicles. If you are looking to purchase non-owner car insurance because your business rents vehicles, there are alternatives available. Alternate forms of non-owner insurance are also available to protect you from any resulting damages when your employees use their personal cars for work-related reasons.

1. Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA). Hired and non-owned auto insurance protects the business when employees use personal vehicles for work-related reasons or when an employee rents a vehicle for company use. HNOA provides liability coverage for any injuries or property damage caused by the employee while driving a rented or personal vehicle for work purposes.

2. Commercial umbrella insurance. Commercial umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of the primary insurance policy. It can be added to commercial auto insurance or hired and non-owned auto insurance to increase the coverage limit.

3. Rental car insurance. If your business is renting a vehicle and does not wish to purchase HNOA, a good way to protect your business against any incidents involving the rental vehicle is to purchase rental car insurance. You can get rental car insurance using a business credit card, your commercial auto insurance, or from the rental car company itself.

4. Personal auto policy with a business-use endorsement. With a business-use endorsement, your personal auto insurance may provide coverage when the vehicle is used for business purposes. For example, Farmers may allow you to use your personal car insurance for things like business errands and travel if you have a business-use endorsement. However, it’s important to review your policy to determine if it covers business use and the extent of the coverage.

If your license is suspended after you are convicted of a DUI or other serious traffic offense, state laws will require you to file an SR-22 or an FR-44 to get your license reinstated. As part of this process, you will have to certify that you have purchased car insurance. If you do not own a car, purchasing a non-owner insurance policy will meet state requirements. Non-owner car insurance is typically cheaper than traditional car insurance.

Most states require car rental companies to provide the state minimum levels of liability insurance as part of the basic rental fee. But in many cases those state minimums cover very little, and some states like California do not require rental companies to provide liability protection.

You can buy additional liability insurance at the rental counter, but this coverage will cost you $10-16/day. So if you rent cars more than a few times a year and you want more than the minimum level of liability coverage, your own non-owner policy may be the most affordable option.

Paying with a credit card provides you with coverage for damage to the rental car, but bank cards provide no liability insurance protection.

Car sharing companies include some level of liability coverage as part of the rental fee. Zipcar, for example, provides members who joined after July 2018 with the minimum amount of coverage required by their state. But you’re responsible for a $2,500 “damage fee” before this coverage kicks in.

Car sharing services generally offer extra coverage or reduced deductibles for an additional annual fee – Zipcar’s “damage fee waiver” is $79/year, for example. With a non-owner insurance policy, however, you’re automatically covered when you drive any vehicle, including those rented through car sharing services.

When you drive someone else’s car, expenses from an accident will generally be covered under the owner’s insurance policy. But then the car’s owner is choosing the level of coverage, not you. And if there are problems with claims, you’re not the insurance company’s customer. Under your own policy, you can be certain you have adequate liability coverage. 

If you’re car-free in the near term but plan to buy a car soon, a non-owner insurance policy is an inexpensive way to maintain continuous coverage and long-term customer status. It will also provide you coverage as you are test-driving vehicles. When you do buy a car, you will need to inform your insurer immediately and switch to an owner’s policy.

Non-owner car insurance is not right for people who: 

• Live with someone who owns a car, as most companies will not allow you to purchase a non-owner policy in this situation.
• Use public transit or ridesharing services instead of driving.
• Only drive when using rental cars a handful of times per year, in which case rental car insurance would be a better plan.
• Do not plan to ever own a car.

Learn more about who should not get non-owner insurance.

1. Compare quotes from different companies. You should compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies before purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy to ensure that you are getting the best rate possible. You can start by comparing quotes from our picks for the best non-owner car insurance companies. You will likely have to call each company to get a quote, since most insurers do not offer online quotes for non-owner insurance.

2. Prepare the necessary information. When you go to purchase a non-owner car insurance policy, the insurance representative will likely ask for your name, date of birth, phone number, address, and occupation. They will also ask for details about your previous insurance coverage.

3. Choose how to pay your premium. When you officially purchase your policy, you can choose how often to pay your premium and how often to renew your policy. Typically, drivers purchase six months or a year’s worth of coverage, but they can opt to pay in monthly installments. However, it may be cheaper to pay for your policy in full up front since many insurance companies offer a pay-in-full discount.

Learn more about how to get non-owner car insurance.

To gain more insight about non-owner car insurance, WalletHub posed the following questions to a panel of experts. Click on the experts below to view their bios and answers.

1. What kind of drivers should consider non-owner car insurance? 2. What kind of drivers should not consider non-owner car insurance? 3. What is the biggest advantage of a non-owner car insurance policy?

< >

• Farnoush Reshadi – Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Marketing, The Business School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Andrew Burnstine Ph.D. – Associate Professor, College of Business and Management – Lynn University
• Nick Toadvine CFP®, Adjunct Faculty, Florida Southern College, Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise
• Sean Spence Adjunct Professor of Finance, School of Business, George Mason University
• J. Sebastian Leguizamon Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics, Gordon Ford College of Business, Western Kentucky University
• Dr. Chip Roper Adjunct Professor of Business, The King's College

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With Sapphire Preferred, the average person would earn over $2,000 in net rewards value over the first two years of use. That’s with the card’s annual fee factored in, too.

Chase Sapphire Preferred is worth it if you spend $5,000 during the first 3 months your account is open, as you’ll qualify for an initial bonus of 100,000 points. Those bonus points are worth $1,000 when redeemed for cash, gift cards, and travel, which can cover the cost of the card’s membership fees for years.

Without the initial bonus, you’ll need to spend $770 to $9,500 per year for Chase Sapphire Preferred to be worth it, depending on what you purchase and how you redeem your points.

I got the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card a few years ago for its initial bonus, which was one of the biggest on the market at the time, just like it is today. I qualified for the bonus with no issue and used it to pay for a flight. Things went exactly as planned.

The ongoing rewards haven’t been as good, but I’ve still kept the card open for purchases in the bonus categories and because I have a fairly high credit limit. The card looks and feels very impressive, too. I feel like a big shot when I pull out my metal card.

I also get to enjoy extra savings from popular retailers via Chase Offers. Plus, my online account tells me that I’m already approved for Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex if I want them. Having Chase Sapphire Preferred and paying the bill on time every month sure has its benefits.

Spending at least $5,000 during the first 3 months your account is open scores you 100,000 bonus points, worth $1,000 when redeemed for cash, gift cards, and travel.

If you’re going to spend enough to qualify anyway, that’s a pretty sweet deal. For example, when I got my Sapphire Preferred sign-up bonus, I used the points to book airfare for a golf trip with friends.

This is a key feature for travel rewards cards, enabling consumers to visit other countries without giving a second thought to their credit card or coming home to a bill affixed with a 2% to 4% international usage charge. Even if you don’t plan on leaving the country, this could come in handy if you ever buy something whose purchase price is expressed in a foreign currency or from an internationally based merchant.

Sapphire Preferred offers 5 points per $1 spent on travel booked through Chase Travel and 2 points per $1 spent on all other travel (see below for specifics). You will also earn 3 points per $1 on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), select streaming services, vacation homes, gas & EV charging, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).

Chase considers transactions made with the following types of providers to be travel-related:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card enables you to choose your preferred redemption method without having to worry about your points losing much value in the process. Points are worth one cent each, on average, when redeemed for cash, gift cards, and travel.

The key is not to sacrifice value for convenience. I personally ignore the Amazon option and redeem for travel when I can.

If you can’t find the travel accommodations that you want through Chase, you can transfer your points to one of its 14 rewards partners at a 1:1 ratio. For instance, one Sapphire Preferred point can be converted to one United Airlines mile.

Just make sure you get your money’s worth from whichever travel provider you transfer your points to. For a point of reference, 1,000 points end up being worth around $9 on average when transferred to and redeemed with Chase’s hotel partners.

This is purely a flourish. Having a metal credit card instead of a standard plastic one provides no real benefit other than it being harder to damage. It certainly doesn’t hurt – Sapphire Preferred is a cool-looking card – but a credit card’s material or design should never be a prominent factor in your credit card choice.

That said, Chase Sapphire Preferred is the most impressive-looking card in my wallet, and it really does have a classy feel to it. That’s not why I got the card, but I probably do use it more than I would otherwise.

You will get 1 point per $1 spent on most purchases, as Sapphire Preferred’s bonus points offer only applies to a few categories.

Many of the best rewards credit cards charge annual fees. The problem is, some of Sapphire Preferred’s chief competitors charge less.

This certainly isn’t the highest regular APR among credit cards for people with excellent credit, but it’s still above-average.  So, while not paying your bill in full a given month won’t cost you too much, you shouldn’t be lulled into the comfort of consistently carrying a revolving balance.  There are better cards for that.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.5WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.5 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 5.0 User Reviews 3.9 Market Comparison 4.5 fees: 2.9 rewards: 4.3 cost: 5.0 Other Features: 5.0	3.3WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 3.3 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Travel Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 4.4 User Reviews 3.2 Market Comparison 3.2 fees: 1.3 rewards: 4.1 cost: 3.1 Other Features: 5.0	4.5WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.5 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 5.0 User Reviews 3.8 Market Comparison 4.4 fees: 2.9 rewards: 4.8 cost: 5.0 Other Features: 0.0
(3,577)	(341)	(2,758)
annual fee$95	annual fee$795	annual fee$95
rewards rate Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases 1 - 5 points / $1	rewards rate Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases 1 - 8 points / $1	rewards rate Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2 - 5 miles / $1
bonus offer Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 100,000 points	bonus offer Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 100,000 points	bonus offer Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel 75,000 miles
Purchase Intro APRN/A	Purchase Intro APRN/A	Purchase Intro APRN/A
transfer intro aprN/A	transfer intro aprN/A	transfer intro aprN/A
Regular APR19.24% - 27.49% (V)	Regular APR19.49% - 27.99% (V)	Regular APR19.49% - 28.49% (V)
SponsoredApply Now Rates & Fees SponsoredApply Now Rates & Fees  Learn More	SponsoredApply Now Rates & Fees SponsoredApply Now Rates & Fees  Learn More	SponsoredApply Now Rates & Fees SponsoredApply Now Rates & Fees  Learn More

The top tier of the rewards credit card market is extremely competitive. You really can't go wrong with any of these top-shelf offers, but it's a good idea to compare their varying features to make sure you get the best deal.

For more information, you can also check out these in-depth comparisons:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Capital One Venture

[edu-tiles firstvalue="1,500+" firstlabel="Credit Cards Scored" secondvalue="100" secondlabel="Point Rating System" thirdvalue="26" thirdlabel="User Needs Considered" fourthvalue="75,000" fourthlabel="Data Points Tracked"]

This Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review is based on WalletHub’s proprietary 100-point credit card rating system. By using a consistent methodology to evaluate the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and all other cards, WalletHub’s credit card experts make it easy for people to compare their options and find the best credit cards for their needs.

The WalletHub rating system uses 16 key metrics grouped into seven categories: Fees, Rewards, Two-year Cost, Interest Rates, Approval Requirements, Special Features, and Reviews. Each metric has a maximum number of points allocated to it, based on the metric’s importance as determined by our editors. The points are added up to create an overall rating for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card out of a maximum of 100 points, which is then converted to a 5-point scale.

Ratings for each category reflect how close Chase Sapphire Preferred is to WalletHub’s definition of a 5-star credit card, which is based on market conditions and what we believe are reasonable terms. We compare Chase Sapphire Preferred to that standard to give a numerical approximation of how reasonable and competitive its terms are compared to other cards.

To learn more about how WalletHub rates credit card offers, check out our full credit card review methodology.

About the Author

John S Kiernan

John Kiernan has covered the credit card industry for more than 15 years as a writer and editor for WalletHub. His work has been featured by major media outlets such as The Washington Post, Fox News and The New York Times and has been cited by industry regulators such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

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To gain more insight about Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review, WalletHub posed the following questions to a panel of experts. Click on the experts below to view their bios and answers.

1. Do you expect initial rewards bonuses on travel rewards credit cards to get better or worse in the next 12 months? 2. How much do people need to travel for a travel rewards credit card that charges an annual fee to be worthwhile? 3. What should consumers watch out for when booking airfare, hotel reservations and other travel accommodations through a credit card company’s rewards portal?

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• Ira L. Rosen MA, CFEE, CED, Associate Professor of Event and Entertainment Management – Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Dr. David Miles Executive in Residence (Retired), Northern Arizona University; Chairman of the Miles LeHane Companies, Inc. and Author of ServSafe Food safety
• Jack Samuels Doctor of Education and MBA, Professor, Hospitality and Tourism, Feliciano School of Business – Montclair State University
• Maggie Daniels Ph.D., Professor, Tourism and Events Management – College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University
• Kevin A. Nelson Ph.D., Associate Dean, Western Colorado University Business School
• Liping Cai Ph.D., Professor & Director, Purdue Tourism & Hospitality Research Center - Purdue University

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1. How Does Collision Insurance Work?
2. Do I Need Collision Insurance?
3. How Much Does Collision Insurance Cost?
4. Collision Insurance Deductibles
5. Do I Need Comprehensive and Collision Coverage?
6. Best Collision Insurance Companies
7. Collision Coverage Bottom Line
8. Video: Collision Coverage Basics
9. Ask the Experts
10. Collision Insurance FAQ

Collision insurance works by covering damage to your vehicle after a collision in return for regular premium payments. Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle up to your car’s actual cash value (ACV), or the amount your car was worth immediately before the damage occurred.

If you are at fault for an accident and your vehicle is damaged, you can file a collision insurance claim with your insurance company. Your insurer will assess the damage to your vehicle and determine the cost of repairs. Depending on your state’s laws and the estimated cost of repairs, your insurance company will either pay for the repairs or will declare your vehicle a total loss and offer you a settlement based on the value of your vehicle.

If your car is repairable, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs, minus your deductible. You will pay your collision insurance deductible to the auto body shop performing the repairs. If your car was declared a totaled loss, your insurance company will subtract your deductible from the total payout.

You need collision insurance if your car is not fully paid off and your lender or lessor requires it. If you fail to purchase collision coverage, your lender or lessor will purchase force-placed insurance for you. That costs significantly more and provides less coverage.

Collision car insurance isn’t needed unless a lender or lessor requires it, but you may still want to purchase it if:

• You cannot afford to replace your car in the event of an accident.
• You want to avoid wiping out your savings on a new car or repairs if an accident occurs.
• You drive often or in heavy-traffic areas where the likelihood of an accident is higher.
• You have a history of at-fault accidents (you need collision insurance to get repairs/replacement covered).

On the other hand, you do not need collision insurance if your annual premium for collision and comprehensive insurance combined equals at least 10% of your car’s value. Similarly, if your vehicle is worth less than a few thousand dollars, collision insurance may not be worth it, since your insurance payments would likely be too close to your car’s value.

In addition, if you rarely use your car or if you could easily pay for damage to your car out of pocket, then it might be worth saving the money instead of paying for collision insurance.

Learn more about when you need collision insurance.

Collision insurance costs $382 per year, on average, and that is added on top of the cost of the other types of insurance that your state requires. The three major factors affecting the price of collision insurance are your driving history, the value of your vehicle, and the size of your deductible.

• Being a high-risk driver or having a history of accidents will lead to more expensive collision insurance premiums.
• A driver’s gender, location, education, profession, and marital status are all factors that affect collision insurance costs in most states.
• Expensive vehicles, like luxury vehicles, electric vehicles and sports cars, cause higher collision coverage costs.

Collision policies will typically set the actual cash value of your vehicle as the policy limit. In the event of total loss, collision insurance will pay for the actual cash value of your vehicle, minus your deductible.

Learn more about the cost of collision coverage.

A collision insurance deductible is the amount of money you will pay for car repairs before your insurance coverage is applied, and it typically ranges from $100 to $1,000. If repairs cost more than the deductible, your insurance will pay the difference, up to the policy’s limit.

The lower the deductible, the less you will pay out of pocket to repair a damaged car. However, a smaller deductible will also mean that your monthly premiums will be larger, as will your insurance company’s maximum payout. The opposite would be true if you chose a higher deductible.

* Premium figures assume comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible, bodily injury liability policy with a limit of $50,000 per injured person and a maximum payout of $100,000 per accident, as well as a property damage liability limit of $50,000.

Learn more about collision insurance deductibles.

If a driver wishes to purchase collision coverage, many insurance companies will require the driver to purchase comprehensive coverage as well. But the opposite is not true: many insurance providers will allow a driver to purchase only comprehensive coverage and drop collision coverage. Remember, insurance packages vary across providers. An insurance agent can provide you with more specific details and cost information.

Learn more about the differences between comprehensive and collision coverage.

1. GEICO
2. Progressive
3. Esurance
4. USAA
5. Mercury

Learn more about the best collision insurance companies.

Unless you have had many accidents in the past, collision coverage may be a relatively inexpensive way to obtain broad protection of your car and finances.

A general guideline to follow is that if three to five years’ worth of collision coverage premiums would exceed the value of your car, dropping collision coverage might be a smart move, as long as you have savings that you don’t mind using to repair or replace your vehicle. You can put this money toward more productive uses instead.

Take the time to compare collision car insurance quotes and evaluate how much it would cost to fix or replace your car in order to decide whether—and how much—collision insurance to buy.

To gain more insight about collision insurance, WalletHub posed the following questions to a panel of experts. Click on the experts below to view their bios and answers.

1. What drivers should purchase collision insurance? 2. How should drivers pick their collision insurance coverage levels? 3. How should drivers pick their collision insurance deductible? 4. When should drivers drop collision insurance?

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• Connor Harrison Teaching Instructor, Department of Finance and Insurance, College of Business, East Carolina University
• Allen Seward Ph.D., Director, Baylor Business Fellows, Hankamer School of Business, Baylor University
• Daniel Brown CPCU, Lecturer of Risk Management and Insurance, Terry College of Business, University of Georgia
• Ellen Robb JD, MBA, Director of Career Services, Mississippi College School of Law
• Kerry L. Myers Associate Professor of Instruction in Law/Forensic Accounting, Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy/Cyber Florida, Muma College of Business, University of South Florida
• Jeffrey Zheng Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Risk, Fox School of Business - Temple University

• The most common types of rental car insurance are liability, collision damage waiver, personal accident, and personal effects.
• Rental car insurance costs $61 per day, on average, but it depends on how much coverage you purchase and where you’re renting the car.
• Your personal car insurance, health insurance, and credit card benefits will usually provide coverage when you rent a car.
• Other alternatives to rental car insurance are non-owner car insurance, temporary car insurance, and travel insurance.

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1. Is Rental Car Insurance Worth It?
2. How Does Rental Car Insurance Work?
3. Types of Rental Car Insurance
4. How to Get Rental Car Insurance
5. Cost of Rental Car Coverage by Company
6. Rental Car Insurance You May Already Have
7. When to Buy Rental Car Insurance
8. Video: Rental Car Insurance Basics
9. Ask The Experts
10. Rental Car Insurance FAQ

Rental car insurance is rarely worth it if your personal vehicle is insured and you pay for your rental car with a credit card. You may not have to purchase rental car insurance if you are traveling for business, either.

• In most cases, your personal auto insurance will cover you as if you were driving your own car.

• Major credit cards generally include some level of collision insurance when you reserve and pay for the entire rental with that card.

• If you are traveling for business, you are likely covered by a company insurance policy. Check with your employer to be sure you know what coverage they provide.

Learn more about whether you need rental car insurance.

The types of insurance available for purchase from rental car companies are meant to supplement the liability insurance that rental car companies automatically include in almost every state. Insurance from the rental car company can also supplement your personal auto policy since most personal car insurance policies extend coverage to rental cars.

For instance, if you carry state-minimum liability coverage on your personal car insurance policy, it will usually apply when you are driving a rental car, but you can purchase supplemental rental car liability insurance to get higher coverage limits or purchase a collision damage waiver, which will cover damage to the rental car itself.

• If the accident was your fault (even partially), your liability insurance will cover medical expenses and vehicle damage for the other drivers involved, up to your preset policy limits. If you carry liability insurance on your personal policy, this will likely be primary to any liability insurance through the rental car company.

• If there is damage to your rental car or you and your passengers are injured in a car accident during your rental period, you will need to complete a vehicle incident/accident report for your rental car company.

• If the rental car is damaged during your rental period but you purchased a CDW or LDW, you will not be responsible for compensating your rental car company for whatever portion of the damage the CDW or the LDW covers.

• If you purchased a CDW or an LDW but the amount you purchased is not enough to cover all accident-related expenses, you may be responsible for the remainder of the costs, depending on your rental car company. You can use your personal collision or comprehensive insurance to cover the remaining damage to the rental car. If you do not have these types of coverage, the rental car company will typically add the excess amount to the total cost of your rental car.

• If you get into an accident and you have rental car insurance through your credit card company, you will need to report the incident to your credit card company’s benefit administrator and file a claim with them. They will likely ask you for documents such as a copy of the accident report, the rental agreement, and the repair estimate. Keep in mind that if you were renting for personal reasons, your personal auto policy will need to be exhausted before the rental coverage from your credit card kicks in.

It’s important to note that under most rental car contracts, your rental car insurance will be voided if an accident occurs while the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while a non-authorized driver is operating the vehicle, or while you are using the car to transport property or people for a fee. Coverage would also be voided if you used false information when reserving the rental car.

Learn more about how rental car insurance works.

The most common types of insurance offered by rental car companies along with the type of personal auto insurance serve the same purpose are as follows:

A collision damage waiver, often referred to as a loss damage waiver, will cover repairs if you cause any damage to your rental car. Coverage may exclude certain parts of the car, such as tires or the windshield, as well as certain causes of damage such as weather or damage while on private property. 

• Average cost: $10-30 per day
• Comparable to: Collision and comprehensive insurance

Learn more about collision damage waivers.

Liability insurance covers damage to other vehicles, property and people as a result of accidents you cause when driving your rental car. Note that this does not cover you, your passengers or the rental vehicle itself.

The state minimum levels of liability insurance are included as part of the basic rental fee in almost every state. In these cases, any additional insurance you purchase will at most give you higher coverage limits. There are some exceptions, most notably in California, where rental companies are not required by law to include liability insurance. 

• Average cost: $10-16 per day
• Comparable to: Bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance 

Personal accident insurance covers the medical costs for injuries to anyone in your rental vehicle during an accident. Many rental companies in the U.S. include “personal effects” coverage within personal accident insurance. 

• Average cost: $3-9 per day
• Comparable to: Personal injury protection and medical payments insurance

Personal items – such as clothing and luggage – stolen from the rental vehicle, or lost when a rental vehicle is stolen, are covered by this option. Expensive electronics (especially cameras) may be subject to limits and exclusions. 

• Average cost: $1-6 per day
• Comparable to: Homeowners and renters insurance

Purchase rental car insurance directly from the rental car company. This is usually the easiest and most convenient option, but it is more expensive than purchasing coverage from a third-party company or using the rental coverage that may be provided by your personal auto policy or your credit card company. You can add rental car insurance to your reservation when you book your rental car, or you can add it at the counter when you pick up your rental.

Purchase a full coverage policy from your personal car insurance provider. Full coverage car insurance policies include collision and comprehensive coverage, which generally extends to cover damage to a rental vehicle. There are some exceptions, however, like if you are traveling outside the U.S. or if you are renting for business reasons.

Purchase rental car insurance through a third-party provider. If your existing coverage for your personal vehicle does not extend to a rental car, you can consider purchasing stand-alone rental car insurance from another insurer. There are many third-party insurance companies that offer rental car insurance, like Allianz and Bonzah, so you can compare different policies to find the one that best meets your needs.

Use a credit card that provides rental car insurance. Some credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit if you book the reservation with your card. Check first with your current credit card issuer to see if you already have this benefit. If not, check out WalletHub’s picks for the best credit cards with rental car insurance.

Note: Rates are based on a mid-sized sedan. Actual rates will vary. In addition, the coverage offered under personal accident and effects varies by company. You may not receive coverage for both medical expenses and the loss of personal belongings for the same price listed in the table.

*Sure’s family plan includes coverage for rental car damage and loss of personal property.

Learn more about rental car insurance costs.

Before purchasing additional insurance, begin with an inventory of the coverage you might already be paying for.

Most personal auto insurance policies will cover you when you are driving a rental car. If you’re not sure about what your policy covers, check with your insurer or agent.

Keep in mind that getting the same coverage doesn’t mean you’ll get extra coverage when driving a rental. For example, if you don’t carry collision insurance on your personal policy, you won’t have any coverage for damage you cause to the rental car. If you have both collision and comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy, don’t forget that you’re probably also responsible for a deductible.

Also be aware that auto insurance typically only covers personal (non-business) use of cars. While traveling for business however, you may be covered by your employer’s insurance.

While making decisions at the rental counter, don’t overlook your health insurance policy, if you have one. Most health insurance plans will cover any health care you need while traveling in the U.S. – and sometimes in many other countries. Make sure you understand your policy's terms, especially for traveling outside the U.S.

As with your auto policy, remember that if you’re relying on your health insurance and you need medical treatment after an accident, you will be responsible for the health policy’s deductibles and copays.

By reserving and paying for your rental car with a major credit card, you generally will get coverage for theft or damage to that vehicle, among other benefits.

Here’s how this protection works:

• The collision protection from a credit card is usually secondary to other forms of insurance. That means it will only kick in after other forms of insurance are exhausted. This secondary coverage becomes primary if there is no other coverage from another source.

• Most credit card policies require you to decline the damage waiver offered by the car rental company. Make sure to not accidentally cancel your credit card’s solid coverage with a less comprehensive damage waiver.

• Credit card coverage only applies to short-term rentals, and sometimes the limit is as short as 15 days.

• Coverage applies when you travel outside of the U.S., but certain countries are excluded.

• Certain vehicles, such as trucks or vans, are often excluded from coverage.

• Some car rental companies seek compensation for rental fees they could have charged if the car had to be sent in for repairs at a shop. Many credit cards will pay these “loss of use” fees, but others will not. If this fee is not covered by your credit card (or your auto insurance), you will be responsible for this cost.

For details on each major card network’s rental car coverage, take a look at WalletHub’s picks for the best credit card rental car insurance.  

Homeowner’s and renters policies usually cover personal possessions when they are outside of the home, including items stolen from a rental car. Though there are often limitations with high-end electronic equipment and cameras, this insurance is usually better than the daily rate coverage the rental company offers. Coverage may be denied if the rental or trip is for business purposes.

If you are already purchasing travel insurance, this may provide you sufficient medical and personal effects coverage. Make sure not to get duplicate rental car insurance.

People who don’t own a car can still get car insurance of their own, by purchasing a non-owner policy. For people who frequently rent cars, this can be far more affordable than buying the rental company’s policy for each rental.

With all of the alternatives available, is there any reason to purchase insurance from the rental agency? There are a few worth considering:

• No car insurance of your own. For people who don’t already have car insurance, it may be most convenient to purchase insurance from the rental company.

• Paying with a debit card or with cash. Debit cards usually don’t include the collision protection that credit cards do.

• Want to avoid paying a high deductible. Your own car and health insurance policies may carry high deductibles that you do not want to pay out of pocket in the event of an accident.

• Potential costs not covered by alternatives. Certain charges, such as administrative and towing fees, or “loss of use” costs when the rental car is being repaired, may not be covered by other forms of insurance.

• Traveling internationally. Your insurance and credit card benefits may not provide the same coverage abroad as they do in the United States.

• Don’t want to tie up available credit. When you turn in a damaged car at the rental counter, some rental car companies will put a hold on your credit card for all or part of the anticipated costs of repair unless you have purchased a damage waiver from them.

• Business trips. If you are traveling on business your personal coverage may not apply. If your employer doesn’t provide insurance, you may need additional coverage.

• Long-term rentals. If you're depending on your credit card to provide collision protection, remember that your coverage is limited to up to 15 days. Using, or scheduling, the rental for a longer period of time may void insurance for the full rental period, not just for the excess days.

To gain more insight about Rental Car Insurance, WalletHub posed the following questions to a panel of experts. Click on the experts below to view their bios and answers.

1. When does it make sense to buy insurance from a rental car company?
2. What are the biggest mistakes that people make with rental car insurance?
3. What is the most cost-effective way to get reliable rental car insurance coverage?

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• Dr. Martin (Marty) Sabo School Faculty - University of Colorado Denver, Business School
• Tilan (Kelly) Tang Ph.D., Associate Professor of Finance, Nunnenkamp-Cinelli Faculty Fellow, School of Business - Wake Forest University
• Cindy Baroway CPCU, M.Ed., AIC, Executive Director, Risk Management & Insurance (RMI) Program - University of Colorado Denver | Business School
• Jonathan Ernest Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics, Weatherhead School of Management - Case Western Reserve University
• Aleksandra Kovacheva Ph.D., Associate Professor of Marketing, Massry School of Business - University at Albany, SUNY
• Catharine Curran Ph,D., Associate Professor / Director of Global Engagement, Management & Marketing - University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The average credit card interest rate is 22.17% for new offers and 21% for existing accounts, according to WalletHub’s Credit Card Landscape Report. The average interest rate among new credit card offers has increased by five percentage points since 2010.

2026's Best Credit Card Rates

1. Average Credit Card Interest Rates by Category
2. Average Credit Card APRs Over Time
3. Average Credit Card Interest Rates by Major Issuers
4. Average Intro Rates, Penalty Rate & Cash Advance Rate
5. Average 0% Intro APR Length Over Time
6. Average Cash Advance and Penalty APRs
7. 4 Tips for Getting a Better Credit Card APR

The main takeaway from this list is that the better your credit score is, the lower you can expect your credit card interest rate to be. And the vast majority of us have some room for credit improvement. You also get a sense for how average credit card interest rates fluctuate over time.

Below, you can take an even closer look at how APRs for existing accounts and new offers have changed in recent years. On that note, it’s important to point out that we will use “interest rate” and “APR” interchangeably in this article. APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, technically describes how much interest a balance will accrue over the course of a year. But interest is assessed daily, so a credit card’s interest rate is its APR divided by 365 (days in a year).

The average rates discussed above are so-called regular APRs. They apply to purchases and balance transfers under normal circumstances. But there are several other kinds of interest rates you should be aware of.

Here are the other average credit card interest rates:

• Purchase Intro APR: 0% for 11.59 months – Usually 0%, this promotional rate lasts for a limited amount of time before the regular APR kicks in.
• Balance Transfer Intro APR: 0% for 13 months – Usually 0% and sometimes offered for the same length of time as the purchase intro APR, this promo rate applies to balances transferred from another credit card or loan.
• Penalty APR: 27.44% – You’ll only see this interest rate if you fail to make your minimum payments.
• Cash Advance APR: 24.48% – You can use your credit card like a debit card to get money from an ATM. But interest will start accruing immediately, and you’ll be hit with a hefty fee.

1. Improve your credit. A better credit score can lead to much lower interest rates as well as higher odds of approval for 0% credit cards. WalletHub’s personalized credit analysis will tell you exactly what you need to do.
2. Comparison shop. It’s very easy to compare credit cards based on their regular and introductory interest rates, among other things. And if you know what your credit score is, you’ll have a sense of what rate you deserve.
3. Take advantage of 0% offers. Applying for a 0% credit card before making a big purchase that will take you months to pay off can save you a bundle. The same is true of transferring a balance with a high rate to a 0% balance transfer credit card. You just have to make a plan for repaying what you owe by the end of the 0% period. A credit card calculator can help with that.
4. Separate debt from everyday spending. Trying to use one credit card for everything isn’t the best idea. Don’t make purchases you can afford to pay in full by the due date with a credit card that you’re also using to carry a balance from month to month. That’s because those everyday purchases will accrue interest right along with your ongoing balance. But if you get another credit card solely for such everyday spending, interest won’t apply to it, as long as you pay your bill in full every month.

In conclusion, average credit card interest rates are a good tool to use when considering your credit card options. But it’s important to remember that the best credit card APR is one you never need to worry about. And you can get such a worry-free rate by always paying your bill in full. If you do that, your card’s APR won’t be a factor and you can focus on minimizing fees as well as maximizing rewards when picking a card.

If you’d like some even more in-depth statistical data about average credit card interest rates, WalletHub’s Credit Card Landscape Report has everything you’re looking for.

Interest Rates:

• The average interest rate for new credit card offers is 22.11%, as of Q1 2026, down from 22.59% in Q1 2025.
• The average interest rate for existing accounts being assessed finance charges is 21.52%, as of Q1 2026, down from 21.91% in Q1 2025.
• Interest rates on credit cards for people with excellent credit have decreased the most, down by 2.89% in the past year.

Initial Perks (0% APRs & Rewards Bonuses):

• The average cash back credit card’s initial rewards bonus increased by 2.88% in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025.
• The average initial bonus awarded in terms of miles/points increased by 6.12% in Q1 2026 compared to the same period last year.
• Credit card companies are emphasizing balance transfers over new-purchase financing, offering 0% intro rates on balance transfers for 12.6% longer.

Fees:

• The average credit card annual fee is $28.25 (18.95% higher vs. Q1 2025).
• The average balance transfer fee is 2.96% (2.78% higher vs. Q1 2025).
• The average foreign transaction fee on a credit card is 1.58% (0.64% higher vs. Q1 2025).
• The average cash advance fee on a credit card is 4.03% (1.51%% higher vs. Q1 2025).

Complaints & Satisfaction:

• 1.86% more credit card complaints were filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau during Q1 2026 than the same quarter in 2025.
• The CFPB complaints for “Billing” increased to 23.28% in Q1 2026, up from 13.34% in Q1 2025.
• Discover had the most-satisfied credit card customers during the first quarter of 2026, earning a WalletHub Satisfaction Score of 89.19. Synchrony Bank cardholders were the least pleased, with the issuer earning a score of just 53.37.

Debt:

• Total credit card debt in April 2026 was 9% below the all-time record for the month and showed barely any difference compared to last year, after adjusting for inflation.
• Outstanding credit card debt as of Q1 2026 was actually 14% below the all-time record, after adjusting for inflation.

1. Interest Rates
2. Rewards
3. Fees
4. Credit Card Complaints & Satisfaction
5. Debt
6. Methodology

Sources: All the above metrics are based on WalletHub internal data of more than 1,500 credit card offers with the exception of the interest rates for accounts with finance charges where Federal Reserve data was used.

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: Federal Reserve

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Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

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Cash Back

Source: WalletHub

Miles or Points

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

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Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

For more information, check out WalletHub's in-depth studies on credit card debt and total household debt.

Information for this report was collected from the websites of each institution which we then use to update our internal database of 1,500+ credit cards. Quarterly averages used for this report corresponds to the last Friday business day of each quarter. "Latest" column from the tables is updated each Monday.

For the "customer satisfaction with large issuers" section, WalletHub evaluated consumer satisfaction for 15 of the largest credit card issuers based on total outstanding balances. Each issuer was scored on a 100-point scale according to the following criteria:

1. CFPB Complaints Per $1 Billion Outstanding (maximum of 60 points)
   • 60 Points: No complaints
   • 0 Points: 135+ complaints
2. Satisfactory Response Rate To CFPB Complaints (maximum of 20 points)
   • 20 Points: 100%
   • 0 Points: 50%
3. Average WalletHub Reviews (maximum of 20 points)
   • 20 Points: 5 stars
   • 0 Points: 2 stars or below

For statistics on store credit cards in particular, check out our latest Store Card Landscape Report.

Currently, credit card interest rates range from 5.75% to 36% for new applicants. The average interest rate among credit card offers is 22.17%, as of June 2026 which is the same as prior month.

The interest rates on existing credit card accounts are a bit lower. For example, people with credit card debt currently pay interest at a 21.52% average annual rate. Below, you can learn more about current credit card interest rates, including how they vary by credit level.

1. Current Rates for New Offers
2. Current Rates for Existing Accounts
3. Credit Cards With the Best Rates

(Source: WalletHub)

See data for previous years’ credit card interest rates. (Sources: Federal Reserve, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, WalletHub.com)

For more information, check out WalletHub’s complete review of the best credit card rates.