Chase Purchase Protection: What to Know

When planning an upcoming vacation, sometimes you need to make a few purchases. Whether it’s a suitcase, hiking boots for a long trek or a new camera to better capture the scenery, you might end up spending a good amount of money. So what happens if your suitcase handle breaks or your camera is stolen? Are you just out of luck?

Not if you have a credit card with purchase protection. This benefit can help you repair, replace or receive reimbursement for an eligible item if it’s damaged, stolen or left behind — as long as you’ve paid for it with your card. Purchase protection comes with all Chase credit cards, including travel credit cards.

Here's what you need to know about Chase purchase protection and how it can help when things go awry at home or abroad.

This coverage protects cardholders against theft or damage of items purchased with a Chase credit card within the past 120 days.

Additionally, you may also be covered if you accidentally leave an item behind somewhere. If you forget your Kindle in a hotel room in Budapest and you’re now back home, you may be able to recoup your costs as long as it’s a recent purchase. Purchase protection will cover "unintended separation from personal items," which is when you know the item's location, but getting it back is impractical. However, if you lose an item on a trip and you have no idea where it is, Chase's purchase protection policy won't cover it.

While all Chase cards have purchase protection, the reimbursement amount varies depending on your card. Each card offers a maximum benefit amount per claim as well as a maximum benefit amount per year or account.

» Learn more: Does my Chase credit card have travel insurance?

You're covered if you have a Chase card that was issued in the U.S. and you charge all or a portion of the cost of the eligible item to that card. You’re also eligible if you pay for the item using Chase Ultimate Rewards® points associated with your account.

Additionally, if you purchase a gift for someone using your card, the recipient is also covered in case the item is damaged or stolen.

There are many types of purchases that are eligible for purchase protection benefits, but it’s important to be aware of what’s covered — and what’s not — before you assume something is protected.

Personal purchases made with your Chase credit card or rewards program are covered, no matter if you’re in the U.S. or elsewhere in the world. Likewise, purchases made as gifts for friends or family are also covered under the protection plan.

Chase also will cover the outstanding deductible you owe after first filing a claim for your item with another insurance provider.

» Learn more: Best Chase credit card offers for travelers

Unfortunately, Chase purchase protection doesn’t cover all purchases, and there is a long list of exclusions. It’s always important to look through your benefits plan before starting your trip to find out what might not be covered.

The following are some examples of items that typically aren’t covered:

• Tickets, including train, bus or plane tickets.

• Traveler’s checks.

• Antiques and collectibles.

• Computer software.

• Motorized vehicles or accessories, such as motorbikes or RVs.

• Perishable or consumable items, such as perfume, alcohol or cosmetics.

• Items confiscated by authorities or customs agents.

• Theft or damage due to war, rebellion or terrorist activities.

Additionally, items that are under the control of a common carrier, such as an airplane, train or bus, aren't protected. This includes checked baggage and any other items that aren't under your direct supervision.

This is only a partial list of items that aren't covered by Chase’s purchase protection plan. For a complete list, refer to your card’s benefits information.

All Chase credit cards include purchase protection; however, coverage limits vary depending on the card. Below are the coverage limits for some of Chase’s travel credit cards.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® purchase protection

Here's a closer look at Chase Sapphire Reserve® purchase protection. This card has a $50,000 limit for total claims per year — the same limit for all Chase travel cards — but it also includes a per claim limit of $10,000, which is much higher than what most cards offer. This can be useful if you plan to make one or more expensive purchases before or during your trip.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card purchase protection

If you can’t stomach the Chase Sapphire Reserve®’s $550 annual fee, consider the card’s mid-tier sibling, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This card has a $500 per claim limit, which could be sufficient for most purchases.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

If an item you’ve purchased in the last 120 days is damaged or stolen and you think it’s eligible for purchase protection, you’ll need to file a claim. This can be done through the Chase benefits website at eclaimsline.com or by calling 877-445-4153.

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to make a claim:

1. Notify the benefit administrator within 90 days of the damage, theft or incident.

2. Answer questions related to the situation to receive a claim form.

3. Complete the claim form, sign it and include the necessary documentation.

4. Return the signed claim form and documentation to the benefit administrator within 120 days of the damage, theft or incident.

After submitting your claim, the benefit administrator will decide whether to reimburse you, send you a replacement item or offer a repair.

Keep in mind that if the item has been stolen, you must file a police report within 48 hours of the occurrence. You’ll also need to provide a copy of the police report when submitting your claim to Chase.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

Using a credit card with purchase protection can protect you financially in the event that things don’t go as planned. Incidents like theft and leaving items behind seem to occur more frequently when in a new environment, making this benefit even more useful for those who travel.

If you’re a Chase credit card holder or are considering getting one, remember to use it when paying for eligible purchases to help protect your property.