American Express Membership Rewards - AMEX Purchase Protection

The other day I spilled some of my skin care stuff on a tee from A&F and consequently stained the shirt beyond what any amount of Shout could fix. I’ve used this service before and was really very impressed. So I called them and after providing a few details the guy said they would credit the account within a few days. I was wondering what kind of experience anyone else has had?

I bought a vacuum at Sears years ago. After a couple of years (but still within the Amex extended warranty period) a hose broke. Amex sent me a check for the entire cost of the vacuum.

My own story - bought a digital camera and related accessories valued at around $500. Within the 90 day protection period, I lost them. Sent in a claim form and receipts, and within a week was refunded the full amount.

Friend's story - bought some Bolle' sunglasses. Lost them within 2-3 days of purchase. Call to Amex - the CS identified the related charge and provided an immediate credit without him having to file any paperwork.

When Amex works, it really works.

I had a similar experience. I called a few days before the Amex warranty extension on a cordless phone exipired. They credited me with the full purchase price with no problem, receipt, hassle, or complaint. They found the purchase in my account history right away. I was quite surprised!

The other day I spilled some of my skin care stuff on a tee from A&F and consequently stained the shirt beyond what any amount of Shout could fix. I’ve used this service before and was really very impressed. So I called them and after providing a few details the guy said they would credit the account within a few days. I was wondering what kind of experience anyone else has had?


All you people who put in abbrevations and think that everyone will know what you are talking about.

A&F - abercrombie and finch or whatever? Spend a couple extra seconds and type out the full name.

All of us aren't as smart as you!

All you people who put in abbrevations and think that everyone will know what you are talking about.

A&F - abercrombie and finch or whatever? Spend a couple extra seconds and type out the full name.

All of us aren't as smart as you!

Flyertalk revolves around abbreviations. I am not trying to be rude....but you should learn the abbreviations and live by them when posting on Flyertalk.


Back on-topic...I have used it several times before for sunglasses I broke, things I ruined, and I actually just used it again last night for some grease stains that didn't come out of a new shirt I bought. I love this benefit and it definitely keeps my spending on my Amex when I am debating what card to use.

There are lots of abbreviations on FT, but be honest
A&F is NOT a common abbreviation here. :eek:
I'm glad someone figured it out. I didn't.

Back on topic - are you all saying amex will refund your money even if you are at fault for ruining something through your own negligence or accident, or just being forgetful and losing your camera and sunglasses ? Sounds too good to be true. How many times I've lost my cell-phone I cant count them.

I can see extending a warranty on a mechanical device as reasonable, the rest is a surprise to me. Since you all speak so highly of this benefit I'm going to give this card a try.

There are lots of abbreviations on FT, but be honest
A&F is NOT a common abbreviation here. :eek:
I'm glad someone figured it out. I didn't.

Back on topic - are you all saying amex will refund your money even if you are at fault for ruining something through your own negligence or accident, or just being forgetful and losing your camera and sunglasses ? Sounds too good to be true. How many times I've lost my cell-phone I cant count them.

I can see extending a warranty on a mechanical device as reasonable, the rest is a surprise to me. Since you all speak so highly of this benefit I'm going to give this card a try.

Most cards will not cover loss (Platinum and Centurion being the exceptions). There are two levels of Purchase Protection. Within 90 days, pretty much anything that happens to the item is covered. I've had a dog eat my brand new $800 GPS, and they cut me a check when all I did was fax in a receipt and mail in pictures of the mangled GPS. I've also had my dog eat a couple pairs of new shoes, and I received credit for them with no issue. Quite frankly, the benefit is incredible.

The other level is doubling the manufacturer warranty up to one year. That is called something else, and AMEX is also excellent about that benefit. I had a DirecTV HD-TiVo go belly up about 18-19 months in. I called DirecTV, and they said the only option was replacement. I called AMEX, they called DirecTV to confirm, and I soon received a check for $500 to get the receiver replaced.

These two benefits keep me buying my large ticket items on my AMEX Platinum.

Hmm... I paid the 1000$ deposit for the new Toyota RAV4 we bought this week with my SPG Amex ;)

Just kidding... they wouldn't allow me to charge more than 1000$ to the Amex. The rest I had to pay by cheque.

Hmm... I paid the 1000$ deposit for the new Toyota RAV4 we bought this week with my SPG Amex ;)

Just kidding... they wouldn't allow me to charge more than 1000$ to the Amex. The rest I had to pay by cheque.
About 12 years ago I bought my daughter a $14,000 car on my Plat AMEX. An hour later, I could't use the card to rent a motel. It took a call to AMEX and a promise to pay within a week, Since I always pay on time, this surprised me.

On another note, I was once a no show for the first night at a $400 room at the Regent in Hong Kong (my stupid mistake on crossing international dateline). The hotel charged me, but AMEX extended me the courtesy of paying for that night.

Jack

Back on topic - are you all saying amex will refund your money even if you are at fault for ruining something through your own negligence or accident, or just being forgetful and losing your camera and sunglasses ? Sounds too good to be true. How many times I've lost my cell-phone I cant count them.



Yup...for all cards the benefit covers damage (accidental incuded) and theft
. For plat/cent it also includes loss. THey actually advertise the accidental damage in their tv ads, like spilling coffee on a new shirt and they will credit your account. I have an open claim at the moment for a shirt with grease stains that the dry cleaner couldn't remove. I'm expecting either a quick approval or a request for me to mail the shirt to them.

Nothing but good things first hand and what I have heard a class outfit.

Most cards will not cover loss (Platinum and Centurion being the exceptions). There are two levels of Purchase Protection. Within 90 days, pretty much anything that happens to the item is covered. I've had a dog eat my brand new $800 GPS, and they cut me a check when all I did was fax in a receipt and mail in pictures of the mangled GPS. I've also had my dog eat a couple pairs of new shoes, and I received credit for them with no issue. Quite frankly, the benefit is incredible.

The other level is doubling the manufacturer warranty up to one year. That is called something else, and AMEX is also excellent about that benefit. I had a DirecTV HD-TiVo go belly up about 18-19 months in. I called DirecTV, and they said the only option was replacement. I called AMEX, they called DirecTV to confirm, and I soon received a check for $500 to get the receiver replaced.

These two benefits keep me buying my large ticket items on my AMEX Platinum.
As long as you have the dog(s), it certainly pays for you to use the AmEx card.

I've used it way too many times. (That and Premium Baggage).

3 cell phones (washer, washer, stolen), a digital camera (ocean), a digital photo frame (hammer), and I'm sure that there have been others as well. :o As a CENT they paid for the stolen phone after 6 months! ^

Oh, forgot my nano (was outside a year and Apple's a pain in the ...)!

I've used it way too many times. (That and Premium Baggage).

3 cell phones (washer, washer, stolen), a digital camera (ocean), a digital photo frame (hammer), and I'm sure that there have been others as well. :o As a CENT they paid for the stolen phone after 6 months! ^

Oh, forgot my nano (was outside a year and Apple's a pain in the ...)!

Hammer???? That's awesome!

Hammer???? That's awesome!

I have a series of photos taken by a hysterical friend...on the day I bought it. Long story.

I have a series of photos taken by a hysterical friend...on the day I bought it. Long story.

In my opinion, they would be worth posting.

In my opinion, they would be worth posting.

I went out and bought a brand new gas powered remote control monster truck lol

I thought it was the badest thing going 55MPH in a remote control truck... I live on 2 acres of land fun as hell...

So im tuning this baby up 2 days after I get it and the good ole school bus is passing by so i pull it into the driveway until it passes...

SMASH!!!! the throttle was not tuned right yet so it jumped about 30 feet in the street under the bus :( destroyed ofcourse made the bus jump in the air!

I didnt know my platinum card warrantied the item until a freind told me 2 days later and sure enough they refunded me $800 :)

I have pics to lol


Thats why I stilck with AMEX honestly

Post the pics!

I, too had an ocean incident with a digital camera... A 5-day-old Canon SLR digital camera. That was my second time filing a claim with Amex and was approved. Between the lense and camera it was nearly $3,000.

The coverage is the main reason I have the card, and that cheque alone takes care of years of wondering 'was the fee worth it!'




I've used it way too many times. (That and Premium Baggage).

3 cell phones (washer, washer, stolen), a digital camera (ocean), a digital photo frame (hammer), and I'm sure that there have been others as well. :o As a CENT they paid for the stolen phone after 6 months! ^

Oh, forgot my nano (was outside a year and Apple's a pain in the ...)!

platinumPizza, you are very lucky for getting that claim approved. The first time I initiated a Purchase Protection claim, it was denied. I was installing a BelTronics radar detector, and the mount came off my windshield, the unit slid down my dashboard, and fell onto my garage floor through my open car door damaging the front display. I thought, not a big deal it's only a $300 item, and accidentally damaged.

Amex said if it has anything to do with an engine/motorized vehicle, or attaching to anything with an engine/vehicle it does not qualify. I was disappointed to say the least. After reading the T&Cs I know more now about the limitations, and am very pleased with how they handled my lost-in-the-ocean digital camera. I only wish they mentioned the program's limitations in the card's welcome booklet instead of making it seem like 'your card is there for any occurence.'

I went out and bought a brand new gas powered remote control monster truck lol

I thought it was the badest thing going 55MPH in a remote control truck... I live on 2 acres of land fun as hell...

So im tuning this baby up 2 days after I get it and the good ole school bus is passing by so i pull it into the driveway until it passes...

SMASH!!!! the throttle was not tuned right yet so it jumped about 30 feet in the street under the bus :( destroyed ofcourse made the bus jump in the air!

I didnt know my platinum card warrantied the item until a freind told me 2 days later and sure enough they refunded me $800 :)

I have pics to lol


Thats why I stilck with AMEX honestly

Yes, for any of the credit card purchase protection features it will always act as secondary to your existing insurance. Anything having to do with your car is meant to be covered by your auto insurance.

Yes, for any of the credit card purchase protection features it will always act as secondary to your existing insurance. Anything having to do with your car is meant to be covered by your auto insurance.

Actually, AMEX is a primary coverage. They have changed it over a year ago, however they do have many exclusions and auto is one of them

Here is a link to a benefits T&C: https://www.onlineclaim.americanexpress.com/Controller?selBox=false&selVal=&command=PD.GetPrdPage&productId=06

Actually, AMEX is a primary coverage. They have changed it over a year ago, however they do have many exclusions and auto is one of them

Ah, interesting. Thanks.

In my opinion, they would be worth posting.

Post the pics!

i need to get them from my friend --- we'll see if he can dig them up.

Wow, I forgot about this. I just took a shirt out of the wash from Banana Republic that is now filled with ink stains since my son left the pen in his pocket. I can just file a claim with Amex?

Wow, I forgot about this. I just took a shirt out of the wash from Banana Republic that is now filled with ink stains since my son left the pen in his pocket. I can just file a claim with Amex?

Less than 3 months since you bought it?

This week this program just refunded the total amount less shipping of a laptop I paid for with the Amex, dropped it.

This week this program just refunded the total amount less shipping of a laptop I paid for with the Amex, dropped it.

Did you have to send a damaged laptop back?

This week this program just refunded the total amount less shipping of a laptop I paid for with the Amex, dropped it.

How much $, if you don't mind me asking?

yes, I did have to send it in, the process took about 30 days. After my 1st call, they email you a form to fill out and sign, simple, not complicated. They mention in this paperwork you “may have to send it in”. After a week or so, they informed me I did need to send it in. Finally after a couple more weeks they notified me that the full amount would be credited to my account. That’s it. About 1900.00

Here's what they say:Your waitress just spilled Beaujolais Nouveau down the front of your brand new sweater. Or you lost your brand new sunglasses - good thing you bought them with your Platinum Card®.

Protect Your Purchases — The Purchase Protection Plan1 protects eligible purchases made with the Card in the event they are accidentally damaged, or stolen or lost for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.

Worldwide Coverage — Purchases made worldwide with the Card are eligible, including gifts purchased for others.

Up to $10,000 Per Occurrence — Coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per Occurrence, up to $50,000 per Cardmember Account per policy year, and is in excess of other sources of indemnity.

Eligible Cards — This enhanced benefit is available to Platinum Card® and Centurion® Card members.

I'm reading that some are claiming things such as shirts and sweaters... And wondering if AMEX reports in the 'CLUE' database like automotive insurers and the like do; and I don't want to jeopardize my other insurance policies. Has anyone heard of AMEX dropping people due to filing too many claims, and/or "substantial" amounts?

Just wanted to report my first experience with Amex Purchase Protection for my Rewards Gold Card. $230 purchase of earrings damaged and reported on July 6 over the phone - CSR says most likely no need for paperwork to be faxed in, hold onto to earrings, but probably no need to send those in either. Credit to account for $230 (including S&H charges - which aren't covered) posted to my account today, July 17. Kudos and thanks to Amex! ^^

On a seperate note, 90th post - Coupon Connection, yeah!! :)

Is this just for Platinum card holders or all Amex cards?

Is this just for Platinum card holders or all Amex cards?

Purchase protection applies to most if not all, but with different exclusions and limitations. For example, loss, I believe, is only included on Plat and Cent.

thanks for the info!

Benefit pages:

GOLD
https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/cda/dynamic.jsp?name=PurchaseProtection_RewardsPlusGol d&type=intBenefitDetail

Plat:
https://www143.americanexpress.com/cards/platinum/benefit.do?benefitTemplate=template_b&benefitId=purchaseprotectionplan



Only difference i can see is 'Loss' for Platinum

Benefit pages:

GOLD
https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/cda/dynamic.jsp?name=PurchaseProtection_RewardsPlusGol d&type=intBenefitDetail

Plat:
https://www143.americanexpress.com/cards/platinum/benefit.do?benefitTemplate=template_b&benefitId=purchaseprotectionplan



Only difference i can see is 'Loss' for Platinum

If you follow this (click on the complete details) you can get the pdf T&C: https://www.onlineclaim.americanexpress.com/Controller?selBox=false&selVal=&command=PD.GetPrdPage&productId=06

From the T&C, Platinum & Centurion cover loss and have a $10,000 per-incident limit vs. $1,000 for gold. Also, plat/cent cover computers & their components, as well as one of a kind items (jewelry, watches, furs), but only up to $2500/occurrence.

Also note that this is secondary coverage and may require you to file a primary claim on your homeowners or other relevant policy. I would assume they'd end up covering the deductible.

I would like to correct myself regarding what I posted before. I have been reviewing T&C and is now specificly states :"Coverage under Purchase Protection is EXCESS; this means that if, at the time of Occurrence, you
have other valid and collectible insurance or indemnity - such as but not limited to homeowner's or renter's
insurance - Purchase Protection will cover that amount not covered by such other insurance or
indemnity, up to the limits of Purchase Protection"

I remember last year their claim form and T&C stated it was primary. Did they just recently changed it?

Now I have another question. Keeping in mind that Purchase Protection is an Excess coverage.

The new claim form requires you to put your Primary homeowners insurance info.

I accidentally damaged my new leather jacket. In this situation, should I include my homeowners insurance policy # when filing a claim or just mark no? (I do not have any primary homeowners insurance policy in this case)

Now I have another question. Keeping in mind that Purchase Protection is an Excess coverage.

The new claim form requires you to put your Primary homeowners insurance info.

I accidentally damaged my new leather jacket. In this situation, should I include my homeowners insurance policy # when filing a claim or just mark no? (I do not have any primary homeowners insurance policy in this case)

Amex said to ignore this on the form, I did, and it was fine.

Now I have another question. Keeping in mind that Purchase Protection is an Excess coverage.

The new claim form requires you to put your Primary homeowners insurance info.

I accidentally damaged my new leather jacket. In this situation, should I include my homeowners insurance policy # when filing a claim or just mark no? (I do not have any primary homeowners insurance policy in this case)

I just marked it no. Less hassle.

But how can one know if it should go through the Homeowners insurance first?

I would contact American Express first. If the value is above a certain threshold I expect they will inquire about the specifics of your insurance including your deductible amount.

I think this is a cow thats going to run out of milk.. I never used the purchase protection but I have friends who use it all the time... amazing what they can do with purchase protection :)

I would contact American Express first. If the value is above a certain threshold I expect they will inquire about the specifics of your insurance including your deductible amount.

Will they contact my insurance? I did file a claim and now they sent me a form to fill out.

As a general rule, these days, it is wise to have a relatively high deductible on your homeowner's insurance, say, $2,500 or so. This is because making little claims can cause you big hassles with the insurance companies which prefer to have policy holders who don't make claims (and because there are usually big savings on premiums as deductible goes up). In other words, save insurance for the big losses.

This is where the Amex stuff is golden (or platinum :(). It will cover the little losses.

I haven't had occasion to use the Amex coverage much, but, when I have, it has worked out pretty well. Certainly much less problematic than going through a low deductible homeowner's claim.

By the way, to comment on post 33 about does Amex put your claims into the insurance industry data base, I doubt it. I have never heard anything from any agent when I applied for a new policy over the years, although they are quick to mention claims against "real" insurance polcies. After all, this is something Amex is pushing as a customer service, not insurance.

I think this is a cow thats going to run out of milk.. I never used the purchase protection but I have friends who use it all the time... amazing what they can do with purchase protection :)

I hope Amex doesn't end this program due to abuse (not that I'm saying your friends abuse it, but I'm sure others do). THis is a great program and it has helped me out many times.

I've used it for everything from suitcases to phones. I was only denied once for a tuxedo that was ruined (apparently formal wear is not covered). They have twice made exceptions to the rules to pay me. I don't abuse the option, I use it as it was intended. My only problem is that they never publish a full detailed list of what is covered and what isn't.

...denied once for a tuxedo that was ruined (apparently formal wear is not covered)...

Tuxedo rented or purchased?

In any event there is information in the Claims Portal, mentioned in this mesage from the Useful Websites sticky...

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7840534&postcount=44

Tuxedo rented or purchased?

In any event there is information in the Claims Portal, mentioned in this mesage from the Useful Websites sticky...

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7840534&postcount=44

Purchased.

I've used it for everything from suitcases to phones. I was only denied once for a tuxedo that was ruined (apparently formal wear is not covered). They have twice made exceptions to the rules to pay me. I don't abuse the option, I use it as it was intended. My only problem is that they never publish a full detailed list of what is covered and what isn't.

I'm sure the majority of people who use this service (myself included) use it like it's supposed to be used. There's always a small majority out there who ruin it for all of us.

It is definitely smart of Amex to offer this program because anytime I purchase something that could be broken or ruined (think high value- electronics, clothes, sunglasses, etc...), I put th purchase on my Amex. They, in turn, get the merchant processing fees that probably would have gone to Chase/Visa had I not had purchase protection

I hope Amex doesn't end this program due to abuse (not that I'm saying your friends abuse it, but I'm sure others do). THis is a great program and it has helped me out many times.

Oh, I know people who abuse it, and people who use it legitimately. And people who all of a sudden become "careless" (or shall i say, carefree) shoppers? lol.

Just had another excellent experience with AmEx in regard to this benefit.

A pair of glasses I bought for my partner were lost within about a month of being new, and at first I assumed no coverage since it's only theft or damage. Later on down the line, I saw that for Platinum it includes loss, but I was not sure whether my Delta SkyMiles Platinum qualified (since it's not the traditional $395/yr Platinum card) and figured it wouldn't hurt to call and check.

The friendly agent, who the whole time was saying how sorry she was because she knows how frustrating it is to lose something (especially new), went on to explain that for my card loss is not covered, but since I'm a valued longtime Cardmember they would make an exception this time and re-credit the charge. ^

So, to those of you detail-oriented enough not to call because you know you're not covered, if you've not already used this benefit, it doesn't hurt to call and check once anyway. I'm not expecting I'd be covered if something like this happened again, but I am thinking about upgrading my card, and I'm very happy with how this single incident was handled. :)

After reading all of this, it appears that Fidelity's 529 Amex card (issued by FIA aka BoA) qualifies at a platinum card for the loss/theft prevention. Anyone know if the 529 card qualifies as a platinum for any of the other plat benefits?

How about when you lose something purchased with an AMEX card that has the Purchase Protection but have an additional (Platinum) card on a Platinum account? The rules state that you must be a Platinum cardholder to be reimbursed for lost items, but this seems like a grey area. Anyone have experience with such a situation?

How about when you lose something purchased with an AMEX card that has the Purchase Protection but have an additional (Platinum) card on a Platinum account? The rules state that you must be a Platinum cardholder to be reimbursed for lost items, but this seems like a grey area. Anyone have experience with such a situation?

I don't think that would work, but like many have said, Amex does make one-time exceptions, so it might be worth giving it a shot. Normaly when you file a claim they match the charge amount to your statement for the account.

How about when you lose something purchased with an AMEX card that has the Purchase Protection but have an additional (Platinum) card on a Platinum account? The rules state that you must be a Platinum cardholder to be reimbursed for lost items, but this seems like a grey area. Anyone have experience with such a situation?

From my experience, they consider additional Plat cardholders to be platinum cardholders as far as all benefits are concerned.

Husband dropped IPhone purchased 11/11/07 in the drink earlier today. Will let folks know what happens vis a vis coverage (also was sent form asking for homeowners' insurance, but I highly doubt Amica would cover something like loss of a cell phone under the personal property provision...so I'll probably just leave it blank as well...)

Am mildly worried about being asked to produce said IPhone for confirmation of "damage"...it's currently six or seven feet under the waters of the Cumberland River...hell, I'm a rescue diver, but even I wouldn't take on visibility that bad ;)

Husband dropped IPhone purchased 11/11/07 in the drink earlier today. Will let folks know what happens vis a vis coverage (also was sent form asking for homeowners' insurance, but I highly doubt Amica would cover something like loss of a cell phone under the personal property provision...so I'll probably just leave it blank as well...)

Am mildly worried about being asked to produce said IPhone for confirmation of "damage"...it's currently six or seven feet under the waters of the Cumberland River...hell, I'm a rescue diver, but even I wouldn't take on visibility that bad ;)

If purchased with a platinum or centurion card, you can file for loss protection as opposed to damage protection, the former only a benefit of the two premium cards. Then you don't have to worry about finding the actual unit

if people couldn't find the item lost and did not have that coverage on their card, i'm guessing gold card.... wouldn't they be able to claim it 'stolen'? (aside from the moral factor)

if people couldn't find the item lost and did not have that coverage on their card, i'm guessing gold card.... wouldn't they be able to claim it 'stolen'? (aside from the moral factor)

Stolen requires a police report. If one is comfortable filing a false police report (you get f*cked if you get caught), then yes, stolen coverage would apply. Obviously it would be very difficult to prove that you filed a false police report, but it's not an area I'm comfortable in getting into. YMMV though

Husband dropped IPhone purchased 11/11/07 in the drink earlier today. Will let folks know what happens vis a vis coverage (also was sent form asking for homeowners' insurance, but I highly doubt Amica would cover something like loss of a cell phone under the personal property provision...so I'll probably just leave it blank as well...)

Am mildly worried about being asked to produce said IPhone for confirmation of "damage"...it's currently six or seven feet under the waters of the Cumberland River...hell, I'm a rescue diver, but even I wouldn't take on visibility that bad ;)

I don't think you will have any problems with your claim. More likely it will be settled in 2-3 business days, unless they ant some extra documentation from you

Does anyone have any insight as to what would happen if my wife purchased (and then lost) something with her gold card, which is linked to my Platinum account? I know if the item was purchased with my Platinum card it'd be covered, but don't know about this situation.

I was wondering about purchase protection for a lost item and was reviewing the terms and conditions update I received in my Platinum statement dated 9/3/07, effective for purchases on/after 11/1/07. Please see item 16. below. Should we construe this as meaning loss is no longer covered under Platinum coverage?

I have never filed a claim and now it appears if I do so it may be declined (unless an exception is made.) This would be a great loss to what was a great program. I went to the site the previous poster referred to (The Amex Insurance/Claim site) and it still has the old coverage including theft/damage.

Exlusions:
Benefits are not payable if the loss for which coverage is sought was directly or indirectly, wholly or partially, contributed to or caused by:
16. purchases lost or misplaced.


For residents of Washington, the first paragraph of this section is removed and replaced with the following: We will not pay for loss caused by
any of the excluded events described below. Loss will be considered to have been caused by an excluded event if the occurrences of that
event directly and solely results in loss, or initiates a sequence of events that result in loss, regardless of the nature of any intermediate or final
event in that sequence. (????)

I'm a resident of California and don't see anything on this disclosure that indicates it is state specific - especially since the paragraph above applies to Washington state.

Just want to update my previous post. Everything I can find on the Amex website would still indicate that lost items are still covered. I just called the Purchase Protection department and filed a claim for a lost digital camera. The rep on the line stated that since the item was lost it IS covered and they will be emailing me a claim form to return with my receipt.

So if lost items continue to be covered, why did I receive an addendum to the Card Agreement indicating that they are not? Can someone else verify if they received this notice around September for changes effective 11/1/07 please?

LAX

This past Saturday night while we were out in the city, the gf lost a bracelet I had gotten for her for christmas. Yesterday I called Amex and spoke to a rep who took the information regarding when the purchase was, the amount and essentially what happened (out to a number of places - dinner, bars -- gone next morning). The tricky part however was that I was a Gold cardmember when I purchased the item, but in the interim month, have upgraded to Plat. The upgrade was for a number of different reasons and certainly not to be able to make a claim against a lost item (only Plat and Cent have coverage for lost items). The rep never mentioned the card status change, and neither did I. Today, barely 24 hours later, I received an email that they would be crediting my account for the charge, approx $250. Needless to say, this was most excellent customer service and I can't say enough good things about my new card (have already used it for lounge access and 241 domestic tickets as well). Nice work, Amex.

Just remembered to post a followup on the dunked IPhone. Seriously, folks don't believe it when I tell them how easy this was - called Amex, filed the claim, they emailed me the paperwork, I faxed it back (left the homeowners part blank, b/c I don't think my policy would cover this)...They literally credited the $400+ IPhone within a week.

I knew when I went PLAT it would pay for itself. What I didn't realize is that it would pay for itself several times over.

I got kind of boinked on a situation with a screwed up cell phone earlier this year - purchase protection in particular has a lot of exclusions - but overall I'm a very satisfied Amex customer. I can't quite believe they'll let you declare an expensive goodie "lost" with no documentation other than your say-so, and credit you the full amount.

(Called 'em a while ago for a fix to my credit report after they declared several opened and closed accounts from their issuing me new cards...they fixed that as well: now my credit rating is "excellent" since Amex lists me a cardmember from 1988...Thanks AMEX! I noticed they're now advertising their top rating from J.D. Power at americanexpress.com, they've certainly earned it.)

as long as you have purchased an item with the platinum card, do you need to hold on the receipt if you ever 'lose' the item. I'm not one to keep all my receipts but believe i prob should if needed to take advantage of the built in insurance.

how detailed are the claim forms? thanks

as long as you have purchased an item with the platinum card, do you need to hold on the receipt if you ever 'lose' the item. I'm not one to keep all my receipts but believe i prob should if needed to take advantage of the built in insurance.

how detailed are the claim forms? thanks

When I lost my item, I was not required to provide a receipt (or any documentation for that matter) or fill out any forms. The item was approx $200. In any case, YMMV.

I purchased a very nice pair of shoes at a reputable local retailer. I wore the shoes one night, happened to be through some snow, and the soles began to peel off from water damage the next day. I took the shoes back to the store the next day and they refused to exchange them due to the fact the snow was considered extensive wear and tear. Since they were almost $500, I called Amex who instructed me to leave the shoes with the store manager and walk out. I did so and found a $500 credit on my account the next week.

I've never been so pleased with a service!

nice i like how a store manager can tell you no and then you just own them because you have an amex.

Yeah, I've owned a few nasty businesspeople as well. "Well, you can make this as unpleasant as you'd like, but you should know I've charged this on an Amex, and they're not going to make me pay for it, should I contest it. Would you like to work out an alternative?"

Sweetens folks right up, usually.

My partner bought a shirt when we were on vacation for about $65 on her Blue card. A few weeks later it had developed a hole near the seam. I called the Plat Amex # and went through the whole process (where did you buy it, when , how much, taxes, etc.). Then the CSR said that a manufacturer's defect (like a bad seam) is not covered. I started to protest, then she says, "we are currently making exceptions for valued card members like you. Thank you for being a valued card member. The credit should post to your account in 2-4 days." Weird, but satisfactory.

Does anyone have any insight as to what would happen if my wife purchased (and then lost) something with her gold card, which is linked to my Platinum account? I know if the item was purchased with my Platinum card it'd be covered, but don't know about this situation.
I have the exact same question. Does anyone know?:cool:

I have the exact same question. Does anyone know?:cool:

Have you tried filing a claim? If you will, let us know what happened

I have the exact same question. Does anyone know?:cool:

Yes, I know. It's covered, no worries.

Bought a sportcoat at Brooks Bros. First time I wore it I was walking to a meeting in Manhattan and caught it on a nail sticking out of a barricade next to a construction site. Tore a hole in the right elbow that was beyond repair. Called AMEX, they said, "no problem". Just sent them the jacket and they credited my account for the full amount of the purchase. No muss, no fuss. I'm one very satisfied customer.

I have an interesting situation here. I just dropped a cell phone I purchased last month in the pool and I'd like to use Amex Purchase Protection to get reimbursement.
Here's the catch, I have not actually paid for the phone yet. The cell phone provider put it on my first monthly bill which has not arrived yet.

So if I pay my monthly bill with my AmEx Platinum, will the phone then be eligible for Purchase Protection?

The cell phone provider put it on my first monthly bill which has not arrived yet.

They might consider it an installment billing and might not cover. The problem is that you did not actually charge your cell phone to American Express card in full

Here is a link to benefits. Just FYI: it does not cost anything for you just to file a claim, they have been know to make exceptions.

https://www212.americanexpress.com/dsmlive/dsm/dom/us/en/phaseib/purchaseprotection_shareddetailsall.do?vgnextoid=f c1a4959f3156010VgnVCM100000cef4ad94RCRD&vgnextchannel=e2cb0db3915e7010VgnVCM10000084b3ad94 RCRD&name=purchaseprotection_shareddetailsall&type=intbenefitdetail

Friend had MacBook Pro stolen 2 days after he bought it from the apple store.
Amex cut the check a few weeks later.

I had an incident with my remote Control Copter and the my aunts Neighbors dog and Amex you def came through on that one

Just called in regarding the cell phone I mentioned above. They just asked for the cost and said they would credit my account. They did say to hold on to the phone, but that they probably wouldn't ever need it. That was so easy.

They didn't even ask for the receipt. My question is, this looks like it could easily be abused since they do not really ask for proof, how do they protect themselves against that?

Just called in regarding the cell phone I mentioned above. They just asked for the cost and said they would credit my account. They did say to hold on to the phone, but that they probably wouldn't ever need it. That was so easy.

They didn't even ask for the receipt. My question is, this looks like it could easily be abused since they do not really ask for proof, how do they protect themselves against that?

There certainly is a lot of potential for abuse (especially with the loss feature on Plat/Cent), though I'm hoping most of us are honest and don't abuse it. I'd hate to see this benefit go away like TailorMade.

However, IME they have been hit or miss with asking for proof -- they have asked for the receipt on a 50 dollar shirt, but at the same time they have not asked for any details on 300 dollar phone. I figure that's incentive to keep people honest because you don't quite know what to expect.

There is a yearly limit per cardmember.

BTW, are you suggesting TailorMade has gone away? Now that I look the link isn't working.

There is a yearly limit per cardmember.

BTW, are you suggesting TailorMade has gone away? Now that I look the link isn't working.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9551605&postcount=43
Today is the last day it is alive.

Agreed, it would be a shame if it were abused and subsequently take away. To that end, I know quite a few Plat holders that are not even aware of this benefit, so maybe the annual card fees net out quite well against the actual claims they reimburse in a year.

...asked for the receipt on a 50 dollar shirt, but at the same time they have not asked for any details on 300 dollar phone.

Perhaps this has to do with the details they can see when looking at the digital record of the transaction?

A story from a while ago, but I just stumbled onto this thread:

I'm a Gold card carrier, so I don't get the same degree of protection that Plat/Cent do. Last summer, about two weeks after getting my iPhone, I was going through security at LAS. A very irritating TSA agent found it necessary to pull my computer bag off of the x-ray line (I had taken the laptop out of the bag and it was in a separate bin, I don't know what he found so interesting, except maybe the iPhone itself?) In the process of very aggressively looking through the bag he sent the iPhone flying onto the tile. Long story short, it cracked the glass and I was pretty ticked.

Luckily I had purchased it on my AmEx, so I called to make a claim. I told them the whole story, very honest and complete, and expected that they'd need a receipt and maybe proof of my complaint against the TSA. After being on hold for about 4 minutes, the guy came back and said he had already talked to a supervisor and he couldn't approve the claim because the damage protection was only in place when the "item purchased is in [my] possession." :( It was right there buried in the T&C.

So anyway, the moral to the story is read the fine print. They had themselves covered in this instance and I wasn't going to make a stink about it. Fast forward 10 months, I'm still waiting to hear what the outcome of my damaged property claim will be with the TSA. Suffice it to say, I'm not holding my breath.

So had you been the one who dropped the phone it would have been covered? It technically would not be in anyone's possession as it's flying through the air.

That's my understanding of it. I thought about making that argument, but decided against it :)

IMHO, "in your possession" means you are around the item. Not that you are actually holding it.

The exclusion is more about if you leave it in storage and it disappears, etc.

I think Amex would have payed for your iPhone. Too bad you didn't apply.

So had you been the one who dropped the phone it would have been covered?

Yes. That is why it is important to read full policy before filing a claim.

Yes. That is why it is important to read full policy before filing a claim.

Or to have a Plat card.

I filed a claim on a shirt Ms. Boulderlaw bought that developed a small hole along the seam. CSR said it was a manufacturing defect, which is not covered, but they "were making exceptions for valued cardmembers like you." Note also that the shirt was bought with our Blue card, but I called the Plat CS line.

I filed a claim based on a purchase I made with my blue card but because I have a platinum card its benefits extended to my Blue card. This happened a few years ago so I am not sure if this benefit still applies. Every year when the annual fee pops up on my statement i debate long and hard about paying for it but it always pays off. I lost sunglasses this past year and those weren't cheap!