From porch pirates to Murphy's law, a lot can go awry between the time you buy an item and make use of that purchase. Thankfully, many credit cards offer so-called "purchase protection" that covers theft, damage and loss within a set time after purchase. For example, if you have an American Express card, the chances are that card provides AmEx purchase protection.

However, not all purchases and losses are covered by AmEx purchase protection. Let's look at how Amex purchase protection works, which AmEx cards feature it and the limitations and exclusions of this coverage.

How does AmEx purchase protection work?

AmEx purchase protection covers lost, stolen or damaged items within the first 90 days after purchase.

This coverage is complimentary on most AmEx cards — including some debit, prepaid and reloadable AmEx cards. All you need to do to get this coverage is to use your eligible AmEx card to make a covered purchase of a tangible item.

If that item is lost, stolen or damaged within the first 90 days, file a Notice of Claim within 30 days to start the claims process. Here, you'll need to provide a copy of the purchase receipt and proof of loss.

That proof of loss depends on the circumstances.

If a loss is due to theft, you may need to provide a copy of the police report.

In the case of a damage claim, you may need to send in the broken item.

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BROWSE CARDS

Which cards have AmEx purchase protection?

Dozens of AmEx cards offer purchase protection benefits.

Personal cards with purchase protections from AmEx include:

AmEx personal cards with purchase protection

The Platinum Card® from American Express.

American Express® Gold Card.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card.

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express.

Hilton Honors American Express Card.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.

Terms apply.

Meanwhile, here's the list of small business cards from AmEx with this benefit:

AmEx small business cards with purchase protection

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

American Express® Business Gold Card.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

Business Green Rewards Card from American Express.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.

Terms apply.

However, the purchase protection coverage amounts and limitations vary between AmEx cards. Plus, AmEx can change the coverage at any time. So, checking the terms for your AmEx card when you need coverage is essential. Terms apply.

Limitations and exclusions on AmEx cards

As with any insurance or coverage product, AmEx purchase protection comes with limitations and exclusions. Let's take a look at the current coverage on The Platinum Card® from American Express as an example. Terms apply.

At the time of writing, The Platinum Card® from American Express holders are covered for up to 90 days from the date of a covered purchase of an eligible item. Big spenders should note that the purchase protection on The Platinum Card® from American Express only covers up to $10,000 per covered purchase. Each eligible AmEx card is covered for up to $50,000 in claims per year. Terms apply.

Unfortunately, if you're affected by a natural disaster, AmEx purchase protection only covers a maximum of $500 in claims per event.

AmEx purchase protection excludes a long list of types of purchases, including:

Animals or living plants.

Antiques, artwork and previously used items.

Cash and cash-like items — including gift certificates, stamps and coins.

Intangible items — such as software.

Land, buildings, or permanent fixtures.

Medical or dental devices.

Motorized vehicles.

Terms apply.

Plus, not all damage and losses are covered. For example, AmEx won't approve a claim for damage to an item "purchased for play." So, you can't claim purchase protection if your baseball bat or hockey stick breaks. AmEx purchase protection also doesn't cover losses when the item isn't "reasonably safeguarded" — such as leaving it in an unlocked car or publicly unattended. Terms apply.

How to file an AmEx purchase protection claim

AmEx makes it easy to file a purchase protection claim on its website. To start the process, log into your AmEx account and go to the claims center page.

Click "file a claim" and select the card for which you're filing a claim, enter your date of purchase and click "continue."

Select "purchase protection" on the next page and continue the process.

Frequently asked questionsDoes the Gold card have purchase protection?

Yes, cardmembers of the American Express® Gold Card are covered by AmEx's purchase protection coverage. However, this card is so packed with benefits that this coverage doesn't make the card's highlights on the AmEx website. Instead, check the benefits guide to see the card's purchase protection coverage.

In short, covered purchases are covered for up to 90 days from the date of purchase for up to $10,000 per covered purchase and up to $50,000 per eligible card per calendar year. Terms apply.

Does AmEx purchase protection cover lost items?

In addition to stolen and damaged items, AmEx purchase protection also covers items lost within the coverage period. Just make sure to file a notice of claim within 30 days of the loss. Also, note that some losses are excluded — such as if you left the item in an unlocked car.

Can I file an AmEx purchase protection claim if I redeemed points?

Eligible AmEx cardmembers can still file a purchase protection claim for a covered loss even if you've redeemed Membership Rewards points for all or part of that purchase — including Pay With Points redemptions.

Does the Gold card have purchase protection?

Yes, cardmembers of the

American Express® Gold Card

are covered by AmEx's purchase protection coverage. However, this card is so packed with benefits that this coverage doesn't make the card's highlights on the AmEx website. Instead, check the benefits guide to see the card's purchase protection coverage.

In short, covered purchases are covered for up to 90 days from the date of purchase for up to $10,000 per covered purchase and up to $50,000 per eligible card per calendar year. Terms apply.

Does AmEx purchase protection cover lost items?

In addition to stolen and damaged items, AmEx purchase protection also covers items lost within the coverage period. Just make sure to file a notice of claim within 30 days of the loss. Also, note that some losses are excluded — such as if you left the item in an unlocked car.

Can I file an AmEx purchase protection claim if I redeemed points?

Eligible AmEx cardmembers can still file a purchase protection claim for a covered loss even if you've redeemed Membership Rewards points for all or part of that purchase — including Pay With Points redemptions.

AmEx purchase protection review

AmEx purchase protection is complimentary coverage provided on most AmEx cards that covers theft, loss and damage to eligible items within the first 90 days of purchase. Terms apply.

Like insurance, purchase protection is one of those things that you hope you never have to use. Check the details of your card's coverage to see if your incident is covered. Remember you need to provide a copy of the purchase receipt and file a Notice of Claim within 30 days of the loss or damage. Terms apply.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet . Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

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