Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

red-boxer

Isn't it odd how 2 labs of the same age can have different premiums. I was told i would get a 5% discount as ours is microchipped. I must admit this is our first dog and i didn't realise the premiums would cost so much. I wanted the best cover available after reading up on what labs get up to, ours is fearless ,and will eat anything and everything.

pboae

Aside from breed and age, the next big factor in insurance premiums is where you live. Just like car and house insurance, the premium is weighted according to your address. The basis for this is mainly the average price of a vet in the area, it costs a lot more to get a dog treated in London than it does in Yorkshire. But there are probably other weightings in there according to how likely it is that someone in one area is likely to claim, compared with someone in another area.

zavarony

Hi red boxer,

Similar situation really - 1st dog, very exitable and adventurous, he is also chipped and he hasnt been castrated either - I dont know if that makes a huge difference or not.

Anyway - hope you get it sorted soon...

Our dog

Bromley86

BC

1. Depends how you evaluate risk but, given my experience with our first puppy, "Yes". In just under one year we've racked up hundreds (as in £700+) and we've got probable operations @ £5-10k (split over 2 years, thankfully!). And that's with a pup from a proper breeder.

2. Any discount you negotiate in your first year is going to be lost in future years. Given that you can't change once you've claimed, that's a problem.

Hairybikes

M&S seem to have changed their terms with the change of 'real' insurer to Royal Sun Alliance. You have to sign up for 12 months with an interest free loan for the full amount, but paying in 12 months equal instalments. If you stop paying or try to cancel you owe the rest of the annual fee. Don't know it this is the norm?

Bromley86

Pretty sure it's the same with all of them - i.e. the policy is annual, regardless of whether you choose to pay in one go or in instalments.

speedy_gonzalez

I received my M&S renewal and it's gone up by nearly £8 a month and the no excess policy that I had has gone. Never claimed so I'm annoyed by what it's gone up by. I'm also concerned that next year he's considered an old guy so not only is it £70 excess it's another 20% of the vets bill.
Any suggestions of who to go to for vet insurance that covers older dogs with just an excess and none of this percentage rubbish? Lifelong cover would be good as well.

pboae

How old is your dog, and have you ever been to the vets for any illnesses or injuries (whether you made an insurance claim or not)?

speedy_gonzalez

Eight this year and just a couple of eye infections nothing major.

pboae

Is he 7 now or has he turned 8? And what breed is he?