American Express Membership Rewards - Purchase Protection - Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack

So I'm embarrassed to admit that I backed into my wife's car yesterday. The hitch-mounted bike rack that was on my truck got sandwiched between the 2 cars, but prevented my truck from major damage. I guess I'm lucky it was there.

I called AMEX purchase protection today to see if i could potentially file a claim for the rack since I bought it less than 90 days ago. I was told that "motor vehicle accessories" are not covered. Would a bike rack be considered a motor vehicle accessory? I guess so, but wanted to see what other people thought.

Would a bike rack be considered a motor vehicle accessory? I guess so, but wanted to see what other people thought.
Well, it is designed to be attached to a motor vehicle, so I'd think yes.

I suppose you could call it a "bike rack" and claim it as sporting good equipment and try again, but I don't really know.

I suppose you could call it a "bike rack" and claim it as sporting good equipment and try again, but I don't really know.

I'd suggest doing exactly that. Schnell.

But then you get into the whole "what happened to cause the damage?" discussion to validate the claim and it reverts back to the fact that it was on a car.

But then you get into the whole "what happened to cause the damage?" discussion to validate the claim and it reverts back to the fact that it was on a car.
"It was hit by a car."

Not a lie, though questionably true. It probably isn't insurance fraud, but who knows.

"It was hit by a car."

Not a lie, though questionably true. It probably isn't insurance fraud, but who knows.

You can file a claim online, without ever talking to anybody. Go to https://www.onlineclaim.americanexpress.com/ and file your claim. Always tell the truth when filing a claim. Do not give more info then requested. In the question what happened, you can tell the truth, it got crashed by the car. If they will ask for more specifics, then you are out of luck.

PS Keep in mind that insurance fraud is punishable.

My personal experience with Amex insurance has been vey positive. I think they like to pay the claims. They sure paid mine. :D

By the way, I think a bike rack is a bike accessory designed to hold a bike. Some also fit onto cars.