M&S Pet Insurance

[leelapops]

More a warning than a question. We have insured Jack, our 2 and a half year old BC, with M&S (not just insurance...lol) for the past year. We found them to be by far the best, their cover was very comprehensive and for a few pence more we could get a "no excess" policy. Perfect. And all for �10.64/month.
This month, they tried to take �14.46 out of the bank, leaving me with a �34 charge (I am claiming back, don't worry!) Well, anyway, they claim to have sent me renewal reminder and a notification of increased costs last month. I didn't receive it, and having never had insurance for anything before in my life, assumed that the policy would "run on", as most contractual things do. I know for next time...

Anyway, apparently a 45% increase in premiums for a policy I have NEVER claimed on is reasonable (vet's fees, age-YOUNG!, the fact he's a male [??] ).
I am pretty disappointed, and will be ceasing to recommend M&S, as I am appalled that they can hike the premium up so much, when for any other kind of insurance, your premium would fall for not claiming.

Well, rant over! Just googling for new pet insurers.

Lisa x

[kita1]

Pet insurance is a minefield!!!

From what I have read elsewhere M&S is one of the better ones.

There are so many 'get out' clauses.

Some people put the amount they would have paid into a building society account and use that for vet fees.

I worked out that for my 11 year old dog I would have something in the region of 1,000 pounds now. He has been insured all his life and I have never claimed!

Another case I know of was a six month old GSD, started being sick one evening, the on call vet refused to see him unless they had 90 pounds cash up front, and would not treat him (eg operate) unless they could pay then and there(did not make any difference if he was insured or not). The dog actually died in the early hours of the morning.

My friend has a Lab and has claimed hundreds of pounds in the first two years as he has had very bad skin problems and has been referred to specialist vets.

Hard to know what to do really!

[CheekyChops]

Pet insurance always increases every year, it never decreases if you don't make a claim. 45% does sound a bit steep though.

[leelapops]

Thanks for your responses. It just astounds me (shocked but not surprised, unfortunately!) that they could make so much money by preying on responsible pet owner's minds, hearts and wallets. Would I be as well not bothering? I don't have an awful lot of money as it is, and I certainly couldn't magic up �1000 for him to have his leg pinned if he was hurt, for example. So insurance seems the best way, but you are just penalised for caring.

Kita, you probably read my recommendation a while ago-I would like to retract it! *lol*
Isn't that awful about the GSD-I have heard a number of similar cases. I checked with my vet that they wouldn't expect large sums upfront, and they got fairly snotty. I told he is insured, and I have all the relevant documents, and the whole point of insurance is that it covers for big sums that you can't otherwise afford. They said that would have to do, but frankly, they weren't happy, and the veterinary business has very little to do with animal care, and a lot to do with money now.

Cheekychops, yes it is a ludicrous price hike.

It's a shame that they are one of the best insurers out there, otherwise I would tell them where to shove it! But as I said, no excess (good, given that most excesses are around �50, and most minor vet visits come to more than that!) and wide-ranging cover for "extras" that other policies wouldn't cover.

Lisa x

[wiggal]

I dont know how good it is in comparison to others, but i will only insure my pets with Animal Friends Insurance, infact in about 20 minutes i will be phoning them to set up insurance for my 7 little moggies, my Samoyed is also insured with them.

Why the name "Animal Friends"?

Quite simply because we are the only business to donate 100% of its net profits to animal welfare charities worldwide.

Thats good enough for me!
ANd also for the top cover for my dog it costs me �22 a month which is less then i found elsewhere :)

[leelapops]

wiggal-that's spooky, I just found Animal Friends, and they looked really great (and ethical too!) Their top cover for Jack was even less than that (I guess his breed is fairly sturdy). Does anyone else have any experience of them? Have you ever claimed with them, wiggal?

Lisa x

[wiggal]

Im on the phone to them now Lisa, they are very very friendly to talk to and extremely helpfull!
I have the Platinum Super for my dog, and just about to insure my 7 cats with the Silver Super cover :)
Also if you recommend them to a friend, and they sign up, �5 goes to an animal charity of your choice!

[wiggal]

I have never had to claim with them no, (luckily!)

[wiggal]

Im all done now!
Spoke to a lovely lady Caroline who passed me through to Hayley who was equally as lovely to speak to who took my details and the animals details!
Lisa, I would definitely recomend using them!
When they send you info through about using them, they send a pack also detailing and letting you know about the charities and work they do!

[leelapops]

Thanks wiggal, that's great to here!

I will definitely look into them. :)

Woof! Lisa x

[leelapops]

Oh my goodness, spelling crime :S

good to HEAR, sorry wiggal!

Lisa x

[wiggal]

Im even more impressed!
I phoned yesterday to ask afi about my cat insurance, and the women said she would get some one to call back in my lunch hour, after my lunch hour and no call, i realised she hadnt asked for my number as we had been happily chatting away.
I get home this evening and she has sent me a letter of apology for not getting my number and not being able to contact me back! Now i think that is good service :)

[denisegordon]

A lot of insurers do this - give you a cheap premium in the first year then hike it up in the hope you can't be bothered changing insurers. My car insurance (Elephant) was the same.

[leelapops]

I think because people sort of ignore their finances after the initial good deal, then you're definitely right, denisegordon! I wouldn't go with Elephant on the basis of their advert alone! Much the same as other insurers. As I said before, the only problem is that M & S are one of the most comprehensive and high value policies. Otherwise I would be more than happy to leave!

wiggal, that is quality! It's so rare to get good service any more. When I phoned the bank regarding this failed Direct Debit (from M&S), I had to quote the Direct Debit Guarantee to them-what's that all about?!

Lisa x