---
title: "What is Primary coverage? | Benefit Systems"
description: "Primary coverage means a card's insurance pays first in a claim; secondary coverage only pays what another policy has not already covered."
source: "aus dem gebauten HTML abgeleitet"
---
# What is Primary coverage?

Primary coverage means a card’s insurance pays first in a claim; secondary coverage only pays what another policy has not already covered.

Also called: Secondary coverage.

## How it works #

The distinction decides how useful the protection really is. With secondary coverage the loss must be reported to your own insurer first, which can cost a no-claims discount and lengthen the process. Primary coverage skips that step entirely. Which applies is written in the card’s insurance terms, not in the marketing material for the card.

## Not to be confused with #

Primary coverage is not the same as full coverage: even a primary policy has exclusions, caps and deductibles.

## In German #

The German term is Primäre Deckung. [German version of this term](/de/glossar/primaere-deckung)

## Related terms #

- [Collision damage waiver](/en/glossary/collision-damage-waiver): A collision damage waiver is the rental company’s promise not to pursue the renter for damage to the vehicle, usually subject to a deductible.
- [Deductible](/en/glossary/deductible): A deductible is the amount the insured person pays on every claim before the insurer covers the remainder.
- [Trip delay insurance](/en/glossary/trip-delay-insurance): Trip delay insurance is a card benefit that reimburses necessary extra costs during a long delay or an interrupted trip, such as hotels and meals.

## Articles that use this term #

- [Are you actually covered for a rental car by your credit card?](/en/knowledge/rental-car-coverage)
- [What does your card’s travel insurance actually cover?](/en/knowledge/card-travel-insurance)
- [Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?](/en/knowledge/pre-existing-conditions)