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We all hope that our hard-earned and carefully planned trips go to plan. However, not everything is in our control, so sometimes, events like medical scares, transport strikes or inclement weather can cause us to cancel or change our trips.

Fortunately, many top credit cards offer complimentary trip protection as a benefit when you use your eligible credit card to book another trip component, such as transportation, lodging, or a rental car.

Eligible Chase cardholders are covered for certain events, and we’ve got news that the issuer will switch benefits administrators — the business that takes care of your claims — and launch a new insurance portal in October.

Here’s what we know so far.

New Benefits Administrator and Portal

Starting October 1, cardholders will be directed to a new Chase-branded website — chasecardbenefits.com – To avail their benefits and file new claims.

So far, cardholders have dealt with eClaimsline. As we’ve reported, some TPG readers have had issues with this benefits manager, including running on the phone, waiting for long periods of time, and being asked to upload the same documents over and over again. However, others have had more positive experiences, such as receiving more than $1,500 to cover a trip canceled due to a sick child.

From October, the benefits administrator will switch to Assurant. It remains to be seen whether this will result in increased cardholder satisfaction with the claims process.

New and updated benefits

Some Chase cards are getting additional and improved protection benefits. By mid-August you should hear from Chase via mail or email about the changes to your particular card.

Here are some examples of what will change:

• Auto rental coverage will cover more vehicles and cardholders will receive up to $60,000 in coverage for eligible vehicles valued at $125,000 or less.
• Emergency transportation for qualifying events will be arranged by the service provider, meaning cardholders will no longer need to pay upfront and file a claim later.
• The extended warranty protection limit will be increased from $50,000 for the life of the account to an equal amount per year on select products.
• Travel accident insurance will be doubled from $250,000 to $500,000 on select products.
• Travel and emergency assistance, and lost baggage reimbursement will be added to more cards.

Also make sure you have one of those Top cards for travel insurance in your wallet to make sure you’re covered on your next trip.