Fair enough. I've just gotten so used to the Amex coverage I almost forgot about the lapse in coverage after the year. It just struck me that when most people explain their decision to purchase AC+, it's for the broken screen coverage.
Just did a little research, it looks like certain cards from the three other major card companies also offer free warranty extension. It baffles me why anyone wouldn't apply for a no annual fee Amex card and just use it for electronic purchases. Even if you don't qualify for a no fee card, a card with a small fee would still be an absolute steal if you buy multiple expensive gadgets a year!
You're also not really comparing 'like for like' I don't think.
Your Amex card may offer you an extra year's warranty for your iPhone, but what happens if you drop it in water and killed it stone dead?
Even if they cover the
financial cost of that, how long will it take?
With AC+, you could get it replaced, on the spot, in an Apple store.
Could you do the same with your Amex cover?
These free "benefits" that come with credit cards and banks accounts are invariably laced with clauses to discourage you from actually making a claim.
Everyone I know (in the UK) that has tried to claim for phone replacement on these free policies from either their bank or credit card, has decided not to proceed as the process simply takes too long ("approx 10 working days"), so they go and buy a new phone.
With AC+, that issue could be solved (same day) by visiting an Apple store and paying $99/£79.
See the difference?
IMO, AC+ is a classic example of getting what you pay for.
Want to rely on your free Amex policy getting you up and running quickly? Go ahead, that's your choice.
I'll stick to AC+, knowing I can give my phone a bath Sunday afternoon, go to an Apple store, have it replaced and be home for dinner time with a new replacement.