home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
The 640 MEG Shareware Studio 2
/
The 640 Meg Shareware Studio CD-ROM Volume II (Data Express)(1993).ISO
/
wp
/
ccsii.zip
/
24.CCS
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1992-12-25
|
4KB
|
66 lines
CREDIT CARD PRODUCT WARRANTIES
The first product warranty program was offered in 1986 by
American Express. Since then, many card issuers, in an
effort to remain competitive, have followed. Still, it would
appear consumers don't take advantage of this valuable
service. In a November-December article in Consumer's
Digest, Kurt Peters of Credit Card News was quoted as
saying, "The claims rate [on credit card product warranties]
is less than one-half of 1 percent, which says to me that
people may be attracted to the card because of the [product
warranty feature], but they don't take advantage of it."
In general, credit card warranty plans kick in after your
homeowner's plan coverage has been exhausted. If you don't
have a homeowner's plan, or, if your plan doesn't cover the
loss, the product warranty plan will.
There are, however, some exceptions; they are: motor-driven
vehicles such as boats, cars, airplanes, motorcycles, etc.,
as well as their parts. Other items include cash, traveler's
checks or cash equivalents (so if you say you lost $100
cash, forget it!), living things, such as plants or animals,
items such as airplane, bus or concert tickets, rare and
precious coins. Last but not least, items stolen from your
car are excluded from coverage. Each plan varies, so, you
should carefully read the fine print of your particular
plan.
Filing a claim is a simple but tiring process; this is
probably why consumers don't take advantage of it. Some
plans require you to make a claim by calling or writing
within 45 to 90 days (depending on your plan) of the item
being lost, damaged, stolen or broken. By the way, these
terms are fairly liberally defined in the consumer's favor.
If you buy a vase and drop it, it will be covered. If you
buy your wife a necklace and leave it on the plane, it will
be covered subject to the limitations of your particular
plan.
The card company will then ask about your insurance
coverage, if any. You may be asked to provide a copy of your
policy. You will have to describe what happened to the item
and the details of the loss, theft, or damage. Then, some
paperwork will be sent to you, which you will have to
complete and return with any requested documents, sales
receipts, insurance policies, police reports, repair bills,
etc. Generally, you will be reimbursed within two weeks
after your paperwork is received by the credit card company.
Remember, the credit card company can exercise several
options when honoring a warranty claim. They may choose to
issue a credit to your account, or, repair or replace the
item. Also, if they issue you a credit or refund, be
prepared to be asked to return the defective item to the
card company. As you can see, the process is a bit lengthy.
But, it can be worth it. In closing, carefully read your
credit card company's policy on product warranties. Know
your rights before you have to exercise them. Doing so will
insure you receive the benefits to which you are
entitled.
* * * End of CREDIT CARD PRODUCT WARRANTIES * * *