Amex Extended Warranty Review: (iPhones, Applecare) [2020]

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American Express cards can be some of the best cards to make your big purchases on because they provide you with great extended warranty coverage. But what exactly are the limits of this coverage and how does it work?

This article will walk you through all of the Amex extended warranty details so you’ll have an idea of what kind of coverage to expect when filing a claim. I’ll also cover some specific questions related to Applecare, iPhones, and refurbished items.

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What is the Amex extended warranty?

The Amex extended warranty can provide up to up to one additional year to the original U.S. manufacturer’s warranty when you use your Amex card to make a covered purchase.

This applies to warranties of 5 years or less and coverage is up to the original cost of the item or $10,000, whichever is less.

This is how it works.

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Warranty less than one year

If the the original manufacturer’s warranty is less than one year, then Amex will match that warranty. So for example, a six month manufacturer warranty will result in you getting matched to an additional six month warranty under Amex.

Warranty between two years and five years

If the original manufacturer’s warranty is between one and five years, then Amex will add on an additional one year to the warranty coverage. So, for example, if your warranty is for four years, then Amex will add on one year so that you’ll be covered for a total of five years.

Warranty exceeds five years

If the original manufacturer’s warranty exceeds five years, the product purchased is not eligible and no coverage applies.

Coverage limits

Amex will cover the amount charged to your account but not to exceed the original cost of the item or $10,000, whichever is less.

If you incur multiple losses for the same item, the aggregate payments too shall not exceed the lesser of the original cost of the item or $10,000, whichever is less.

You are also given a limit per calendar year not to exceed $50,000 for all losses.

What is excluded?

No coverage will be offered for a purchase which is/are:

1. covered by an unconditional satisfaction guarantee;
2. damaged through alteration or modification of any kind;
3. animals or living plants;
4. one-of-a-kind items including antique, artwork, furs, or previously owned and used items (except when refurbished by the original manufacturer);
5. purchases that have a limited life span like food, perfume, light bulbs, batteries, etc.;
6. credit cards, securities, documents and tickets, travelers checks and other negotiable instruments including gift certificates, gift cards, gift checks, food stamps, cash or its equivalent, notes, accounts, bills, currency, deeds, evidences of debt or intangible
   property, rare stamps or coins;
7. items that are rented, leased or borrowed;
8. Motorized Devices or Motorized Device Parts, except for Motorized Devices and Motorized Device Parts that are permanent residential or business fixtures that can be removed without damaging the structure;
9. permanent residential or business fixtures, additions or built-ins that can’t be removed without damaging the structure;
10. land or buildings;
11. more than one article in a pair or set. Coverage will be limited to no more than the value of any particular part or parts, unless the articles are unusable individually and cannot be replaced individually, regardless of any special value they may have had
    as part of a set or collection;
12. downloadable services, application programs, computer programs,
    operating software, firmware and other software of any kind;
13. items voluntarily or involuntarily discarded;
14. indirect or direct damages to any other item or property resulting from a Covered Event;
15. items purchased for use as resale (i.e., goods purchased as inventory for sale); or
16. items purchased for professional or commercial use including education, training or skills, or to be used in professional competition

There are additional exclusions in the terms and conditions.

Policy for Purchases made between 9/1/2017 and 12/31/2019

If you made your purchase between 9/1/2017 and 12/31/2019, the old terms apply which allow you to add an additional two years to your warranties that have two years to five years.

How to file a claim

Notice

You need to provide Amex with notice of your claim within 30 days of the loss.

You can do this by calling toll-free stateside 1-800-225-3750 or, if from overseas, by calling collect 1-303-273-6498. You may also write to Amex at Extended Warranty, PO Box 981553, El Paso TX 79998-9920.

(If you fail to file your claim within 30 days, you’ll need to show Amex that notice was provided as soon as reasonably possible.)

After you file your notice, Amex will provide you with the instructions and/or documents needed to complete your claim.

Proof of loss

You might need to show proof of loss at the request of Amex.

Written proof of loss, which includes the signed claim form and all other requested documentation, must be received within 60 days after Amex has provided you with instructions and/or a claim form

The proof of loss must be sent to: Extended Warranty Claims Unit, PO Box 981553, El Paso TX 79998-9920.

If the required proof of loss and other documentation is not received within sixty 60 days coverage may be denied.

Proof of Loss may require documentation consisting of, but not necessarily limited to, the following:

1. an Extended Warranty claim form;
2. the original itemized store receipt with applicable sales tax included;
3. a copy of the original manufacturer’s warranty and any additional retailer’s warranty and/or service contract, if applicable; and
4. a repair estimate for the product by an authorized retailer that has been approved by the manufacturer

So do your best to hold on to all of your documents that you think might be needed to process your claim.

Compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve

I always like to compare the benefits offered between top issuers like Amex and Chase.

The premium Chase Sapphire Reserve offers an extended warranty that extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by one additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less. 

The coverage limit of $10,000 is the same but you could potentially get much more coverage out of Amex. And that’s comparing basic Amex cards (with no annual fees) to the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Therefore, if you really want great warranty coverage, you’re better off going with Amex cards over Chase.

Amex extended warranty FAQ

Final word

Amex is known for its great extended warranty coverage and after they recently added an additional year of coverage to their plans, it really does stand out as some of the best warranty coverage offered by any credit cards. If you’re considering making a big purchase, you might want to heavily consider going with Amex.