American Express Membership Rewards - SPG Amex Warranty Extension Program

Hey all--

I have an Apple MacBook Pro whose 1 year warranty is about to expire. I'm trying to decide whether I should trust the SPG Amex extended warranty or to just spring for AppleCare.

Does anyone have any experience with making a warranty claim on a notebook? I have a friend who said that Amex told him to go out and buy a new macbook when his died under the extended warranty. Is this really how it works?

Thanks for the info and recommendations.

Hey all--

I have an Apple MacBook Pro whose 1 year warranty is about to expire. I'm trying to decide whether I should trust the SPG Amex extended warranty or to just spring for AppleCare.

Does anyone have any experience with making a warranty claim on a notebook? I have a friend who said that Amex told him to go out and buy a new macbook when his died under the extended warranty. Is this really how it works?

Thanks for the info and recommendations.

The details (from the Amex site): https://www.onlineclaim.americanexpress.com/pdf/EW-DOC-CCSG1-02-07.pdf

I've taken advantage of this a couple of times on items purchased with a Platinum card. Most recently using the online claim submission, I was able to enter the date and amount of the charge, item and description of the problem. I received a statement credit about 3 days later. The purchase amount was less than $100. About a year ago I did this for a failed wireless router - about $140 iirc. Sent in a chat log from linksys indicating that the unit needed repair and was out of warranty. Noted the original purchase transaction. I was told that I'd be asked to return the defective unit in exchange for the refund of the purchase price, however after I received the credit they never asked for the return.

I would expect that with a more expensive item (laptop) you are likely to be asked to return the defective unit. They may also choose to pay for a repair - perhaps after you return the unit to them.

I've taken advantage of this program to replace a $30 dvd player. It was really easy - just called up and they didn't ask for documentation or anything (probably because it was only $30) and the credit showed up a few days later.

Keep in mind that AMEX only extends the warranty for one year, while the AppleCare would extend it for 2 years, and includes phone tech support (IIRC).

I've taken advantage of this program to replace a $30 dvd player. It was really easy - just called up and they didn't ask for documentation or anything (probably because it was only $30) and the credit showed up a few days later.

Keep in mind that AMEX only extends the warranty for one year, while the AppleCare would extend it for 2 years, and includes phone tech support (IIRC).

Yes - but the Amex would add an additional year after Applecare.

Thanks for the replies.

I've got some thinking to do. AppleCare's warranty is pretty strict when it comes to non-functioning compenents, but it's the devil I know.

Is the SPG warranty extension the same as the platinum warranty extension benefit?

Is the SPG warranty extension the same as the platinum warranty extension benefit?

According to the website, yes. It links a pdf for Centurion, and one for, "all other cards."

I just had my laptop repaired using the extended warranty benefit on my SPG amex.

They requested the following:

Serial number from Laptop
A copy of the warrnaty
A purchase receipt
A repair estimate indicating the repair price or a statement indicating the item was not repairable.

Luckily, I had all of these items. They can usually proceed without some of the documents like the warranty, nut it takes them longer if they have to verify something.

My repair was $252 and given as a statement credit. There was very little hassle once I provided the required documentation. I would say that you can rely on the AMEX waranty.

I don't purchase AppleCare Protection Plan b/c of AMEX extended warranty.

AMEX extended warranty is isn't as good as AppleCare. Much more of a hassle. Also unlike Apple Care, you won't get on-site repair or tech support like you do with Apple Care.

But AMEX always honors my claims. When you have a claim, it works like this:

1) Amex insurance company puts you in touch with "computer specialist" claims adjuster.
2) Computer specialist asks you to get a repair quote from a local shop of your choice. Also requires you to send them the original purchase receipt.
3) You fax in the repair quote and the original purchase receipt.
4) They determine if you have a valid claim.
5) If yes, they then decide whether to credit your account for the repair amount, or your full purchase price (their choice). If they give you a full refund, they will require you to mail them the equipment.

The process usually takes me a couple weeks.

The credit they apply to your account effectively reduces your SPG or MR just like any other credit would.

I don't purchase AppleCare Protection Plan b/c of AMEX extended warranty.

AMEX extended warranty is isn't as good as AppleCare. Much more of a hassle. Also unlike Apple Care, you won't get on-site repair or tech support like you do with Apple Care.



As mbreuer stated above, American Express warranty will extend coverage by one year, even though you bought Apple Care. So if the standard warranty is 1 year, amex will cover for an additional year. If a standard warranty is 1 year and you purchase a 2 year apple care, amex will cover for one additional year, for a total warranty coverage of 3 years.

I've repaired an HP laptop with the SPG AMEX extended warranty benefit. Video Card had a malfunction, causing screen to fail as well.

AMEX gave me local certified repair shop for them, they gave estimate to me and AMEX, AMEX approved it, COMPUSA fixed it, I paid for it with the SPG AMEX, faxed the paperwork to AMEX and they gave me a statement credit (on the same statement on which the charge appeared) for the full amount of the repair.

Other than not having the laptop for a few days, it was all very smooth.

They paid for a Thinkpad $500 repair by IBM without much issue once I submitted the documentation on the purchase, warranty and repair bill.

I haven't done this for a laptop, but have used the protection for a $800 water heater (required documentation) and a $80 external hard drive (claim processed with no documentation). It works great!