Transfer Of Animal Friends Insurance Policies

jmj_3 · 5 July 2008 at 11:16AM

Are you as confused as I am?

I've had a letter from AFI saying they are transferring my pet insurance policy from E&L to Red Sands Insurance from 8/8/2008 unless I tell them to cancel my policy. Subsequently I've received a letter from E&L saying AFI can't transfer my policy without my consent & urging me to remain with E&L (obviously there is some acrimony between E&L & AFI!). As far as I see can see the AFI letter does give me the opportunity to opt out of having my policy transferred but I can't decide which firm I should choose or whether I would be better to choose a new insurer.(Moving policies might not be an option for other customers with older pets or a pre-existing condition.)

Having now accessed the AFI website, it seems AFI are posting customers a reassuring letter explaining what is happening - this can ve viewed on the website.

Further update 17.7.08

It now seems AFI have obtained a success injunction against E&L to stop them contacting & trying to 'poach' customers. ( i don't think this judgement is any indication of how reliable or financially secure AFI or Red Sands are as insurers.) The AFI website explains this and what will happen regarding direct debits. At the moment my inclination is to stay with AFI unless any information is forthcoming which suggests that it is risky to continue business with them or Red Sands. Fortunately my cat is quite young & has no pre-existing medical conditions so if I decide to swap insurers I can consider doing this before my policy is next due for renewal, however, it is likely to be expensive & difficult for anyone with older pets or those with existing illnesses to move to another insurer. I just hope I'm making the right decision! In AFI's favour I would like to say that when my cat went missing (fortunately he turned up after 12 days) they were very sympathetic & reassuring - it was nice to speak to company that seemed to understand my anxiety.

Penny_Watcher · 5 July 2008 at 11:36AM

I haven't a clue what's going on, but for heaven's sake read the small print.

If you change insurer then any pre-existing conditions won't be covered.

RedBern · 5 July 2008 at 11:38AM

had the same letter. E&L customer service is rubbish - although they did pay out on a claim eventually it took about 6 weeks and a lot of phone calls.

I've decided to stick with them because a) it was a large claim £1500 for root canal work and we need to get Floyd checked again in 6 months to make sure it is all ok so wouldn't be good idea to transfer just yet, and b) because they are offering 10% discount!

RedBern · 5 July 2008 at 11:41AM

I haven't a clue what's going on, but for heaven's sake read the small print.

If you change insurer then any pre-existing conditions won't be covered.

think that's a little harsh - E&L have sent letters out which suggest that there's a problem between underwriters that customers are being drawn in to. Letters were sent from Animal Friends saying we're transferring underwriters, doesn't affect your policy, don't worry etc. Now letters have come from E&L saying hang on, we're still covering you, stick with us. It is confusing.

orlao · 5 July 2008 at 12:19PM

Are you actually changing insurer for pre-existing conditions ????

Surely your insurer changing underwriter won't affect your policy?

I don't know anything about Red Sands but I'd jump at the chance of getting rid of E&L, there can't be much worse than them!

pboae · 5 July 2008 at 12:56PM

If the new policy will cover pre-existing conditons that have been claimed for under E&L then jump at the chance to change. As orlao says, the new underwrites have to be better than E&L.

madkitty · 7 July 2008 at 11:28AM

so far E&L have been great with my claims and over the last 5 years it has amounted to over £4k with both my cats and little pickles is in today for tooth op again. Im hoping the change over wont effect anything at all and it will be interesting to see what happens with this claim with the new insurers....I would hate for them not to pay out for something E&L have in the past.

I cant access the letter on the Animal Friends site as it is showing as page not found - does anyone know what it said?

madkitty · 7 July 2008 at 11:32AM

more interstingly does anyone know what will be happening about the direct debits as they are taken by E&L at the moment?

Penny_Watcher · 7 July 2008 at 3:40PM

RedBern wrote: »

think that's a little harsh - E&L have sent letters out which suggest that there's a problem between underwriters that customers are being drawn in to. Letters were sent from Animal Friends saying we're transferring underwriters, doesn't affect your policy, don't worry etc. Now letters have come from E&L saying hang on, we're still covering you, stick with us. It is confusing.

Fair enough, point taken.

I haven't read the letter so I haven't read the small print. Obviously it has been explained in detail.

But I do know someone who thought that cancelling their policy and then trying to take it out again in order to receive a new customer discount was a good idea and didn't realise they would loose their continuation of cover for pre-existing conditions. Not the same situation, but stressing the importance of continuation of cover.

malx7 · 7 July 2008 at 5:45PM

Just had an interesting chat with AFI. The lady claimed that although I now have a new policy with Red Sands starting on July 19, I will be covered for all pre-existing conditions. I have asked for written confirmation of this!!

She also said that they are taking legal advice regarding the letter e & l sent out to customers. She said if I want to stay with AFI I can simply ignore the letter from e & l.

madkitty · 7 July 2008 at 8:14PM

malx7 wrote: »

Just had an interesting chat with AFI. The lady claimed that although I now have a new policy with Red Sands starting on July 19, I will be covered for all pre-existing conditions. I have asked for written confirmation of this!!

She also said that they are taking legal advice regarding the letter e & l sent out to customers. She said if I want to stay with AFI I can simply ignore the letter from e & l.

I would expect this otherwise they would have a lot of angry policyholders on the warpath!

Transfer Of Animal Friends Insurance Policies

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