Chicken bald back

[Space Chick]

I have had Pet Insurance for Henry my terrier since he was about a year old ie. for about 13 years. I changed insurer about 7 years ago to Halifax.

 

2 years ago my premium was £13 a month, unlimited cover and a £50 excess. I made no claims (in fact had a claim for dental work refused as "wear and tear" )

 

Last year my premium was £21 a month, max £6000 cover and a £60 excess. I have made one claim £80 was paid out. This has been my one and only claim since I took out the insurance.

 

Today I have had the renewal through. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it. They want a monthly premium of £59.61 so nearly 3 times as much as this year, maximum cover has stayed at £6000 and they are increasing the excess to £100 so not far short of doubling it!!!

 

I phoned them up as I was sure it was a mistake, however the very helpful Lisa informed me that the details were correct. When I asked why it had gone up so considerably I was told "Well Henry is an old dog now, so you will be more likely to claim", I asked if my loyalty meant nothing. Apparently it doesn't

 

So for the past 7 years, I have paid my premiums loyally every month, have only made 1 small claim in comparison to the premiums I paid, and now I get hit with this insane increase. To add insult to injury, I can't get insurance elsewhere as no-where seems to take on new pets of his age.

 

I can't afford to lose £60 a month in premiums which is more than my house and car insurance combined!!, so after careful consideration I have cancelled my policy, and will transfer £60 a month into a vets savings account (which I already save into anyway for annual jabs, wormers, frontline etc etc for the pets).

 

I just find it upsetting that I have been a good customer for years and now I feel like I have been tossed aside now they have made a handsome profit off me. Working it out, they have probably made about £900-£1000 over the years.

 

Sorry for the rant, had to get it off my chest

[Cooks]

I had a similar experience a few years back hence I do not have either of my dogs insured now but choose to save the premiums I would have paid in in my savings and then use them if and when needed.

 

The excess and premiums were so high (even though I hadn't claimed at that point) and so I chose to not bother, my dogs will never suffer because of it as my savings will cover it and if they didn't I would re mortgage the house..

 

That does seem very very high though matey, I would ring around if insurance is for you. Petplan are the best so I have heard.

[docsquid]

We've had our cats insured with Direct Line and they don't put the premiums up as they get older. I have made a couple of claims, one quite large one when Sprocket died a few years ago from cancer, and the other when Cyndi died earlier this year from a car accident. They settled very quickly. We have two quite elderly cats (12 and 14) and they don't charge more for them than the younger cat, Ozzy, who is only 2.

 

Might be worth checking out, except I think they don't take on animals after the age of 7.

[The Dogmother]

The hoooond is with M&S, it's just £8.95/month.

[Redwing]

M&S here too - about £12 a month

 

Trouble is its a bit of a racket, they know you arent going to get insurance elsewhere so are a captive audience!

 

I have done the same and cancelled my 20 year old cat's insurance as the premiums were about £28 a month

[The Dogmother]

Neither of my cats are insured, but then they aren't members of the League of Dangerous Sports like the hooond is!

[Reikiranf]

I've never had any of my cats insured, had I paid monthly premiums for 15, 17 and 19 years I would have wasted a fortune I have been incredibly lucky with my cats and apart from Lily who had a thyroid problem my cats only went to the vets a few times in their lives.