Claiming INsurance for Puppy Damage

edsjad

I'm not sure if this is the right forum....My adolescent pupply tore up the lino in my kitchen yesterday when I left her there for half an hour. Grrrr..... I know I will have to take her to training and it's me that needs trainign etc - but that's another issue/topic.
I have decided to claim from my insurance under accidental damage - haven't phoned yet because i started thinking about how much damage she has done to my house and am wondering about claiming for some of it (I have my home and contents insurance as a package with same firm and haven't claimed from them except for freezer loss in about 10 years). Anyway - this is just a few things...
- scratches and chewing from woodwork and paintwork and plaster and skirting board in the porch
- broken wires - computer to monitor, speakers, house alarm, fridge. (I have mended most of these, but very Heath Robinson), computer lead for laptop runined.
- chewed up carpet in hall
- also ruined carpets and rugs where she has pood/peed on them - despite my valiant attempts at cleaning them
- Various items of clothing ruined - mainly socks, knickersbras, but also woollen jumpers, especially where she jumps up and the wool comes loose
- Table leg chewed and chairs
- Duvet and eiderdown peed on so need cleaning or replaceing
- edges of books, folders, hundreds of pens,
etc
- charger for cordless grinding tool

It does sound a lot and it wasn't all at once - I've had her for six months. I want to get my kitchen lino replaced and would like the porch put right. Do you think it is worth claiming for these or anything else? Has anyone claimed for animal damage? I would be interested to hear from anyone (apart from advice on looking after my dog - I promise I will go to dog training - and I also assure you that I am not leaving her for hours, I only have to turn my back for few minutes and she's picked somethign up...) and what you think I should/shouldn't claim for. Thank you in advance

Airwolf1

Your premiums would shoot up, and insurers would need to know straight away of any claim, as all these would be individual claims. You will probably end up having a lot of claims and will have to pay huge premiums in the future if you proceed - plus your excess too.

Bear in mind also, as an example...your kitchen lino, they may only offer so much towards a new one, depending on the age/wear and tear sceanrio.

TomsMom

I think you will have to check your policy carefully or contact your insurance company. I think many or most of them do not cover for damage by pets.

We owned dogs for 25 years and know what puppies can be like and now my son has a manic puppy :rolleyes: . You can get something called a "kong" which you stuff treats into and it keeps them occupied for quite a while. Sorry if you already know this.

debbie42

I agree with TomsMum: I'd be surprised if your insurance covered you for damage by pets. Halifax home contents insurance certainly doesn't.

maninthestreet

Have you thought about putting a muzzle on this dog? He's slowly destroying your house.

edsjad

mmmm - i certainly have - or giving her away!!!

Peartree

It doesn't matter whether it is animal damage or any other damage, think VERY carefully before you make a claim or even call them to talk about the possibility. Your premiums will shoot up. It also becomes a problem for the next few years when you shop around as, legally, you'll have to declare it even if you don't ultimately claim. Also, it becomes difficult if you try to buy online - you tend to get bumped over to a telephone enquiry and any benefits through, say, Quidco (in my experience) disappear. If you even ASK your insurance company about it, and then don't claim, it goes on your record as an 'incident' - you have to declare 'incidents' as well as claims if you are trying to get new insurance.

I made one small claim in 20 years of having house insurance. Next time it came for renewal it went up more than the cost of the claim. I did get a decent quote elsewhere but it was a complete fag and a lot of explaining and discussion. In your position, I wouldn't bother. A puppy is a lifestyle choice. Keep your insurance costs down and use it when you really, really need it.

andrew-b

Debbie42, Halifax home contents insurance but with accidental cover does actually now cover you for pet damage - maybe it's a new thing i'm not sure. I know as we have a pup and so that was one of the things that particularly appealed to us with that insurance policy - though we've not claimed on it. Most insurance policies won't cover you though.

Comparing the damage from edsjad's pup it looks like we have got off likely with our mad pup! Our pup did start pulling carpet up near the front and back doors but fortunately he grew out of it. It sounds to me like edsjad's pup is attention seeking and just wants company. I know first hand how demanding for attention a pup can be and the ways in which they try to persuade you to give them attention!

Give your pup things to keep him occupied when your not there. The kong is one option ...though knowing how heavy it is and having seen it thrown across the room by OH's parents dog it could end up doing more damage! We have a small plastic ball that you fill with treats that used to keep our pup out of mischief. Our pup also loves his bones...we buy bags of big beef bones from the pet shop .. though you do need to keep a close eye on them as once bits break off you need to bin them before they start splintering. Lots of playtime at set times is a good idea too as well and walks help burn off excess energy.

Our pup will be one year's old next week but does have the ability to drive us totally insane at times (usually when we want to sleep!)...but on the other hand he can be the most loyal loving dog ever. His got a cold at moment and off his food so getting lots of attention and cuddles. His latest naughty thing is drinking cups of tea or standing on the coffee table to look out the window (difficult to keep a straight face telling him off for it!).

So persevere with it and try to give your pup more attention. Don't use his name when he does bad and make sure you give lots of praise when he does good. Also you may want to try clicker training which is what we have used on our pup and it works amazingly well.

Andy

kazwookie

I damaged my kitchen lino floor moving the freezer, (I know I sohuld have got a man to do it!!)

Local carpet shop replaced the lino for £250, inc all labour.

To me is was not worth claiming off the insurance.

Get a quote for a new floor covering first.

debbie42

andrew-b wrote: »

Debbie42, Halifax home contents insurance but with accidental cover does actually now cover you for pet damage - maybe it's a new thing i'm not sure.

Hi,
I just checked their online policy (dated 10/08) and chap 12, p17 does say
"Loss or damage caused by domestic pets" isn't covered

It references this in p 21 of their accidental damage cover, unless I'm reading it wrong?

Luckily I haven't needed to claim either. My dog is amazingly good, considering!

andrew-b

debbie42 wrote: »

Hi,
I just checked their online policy (dated 10/08) and chap 12, p17 does say
"Loss or damage caused by domestic pets" isn't covered

It references this in p 21 of their accidental damage cover, unless I'm reading it wrong?

Luckily I haven't needed to claim either. My dog is amazingly good, considering!

It looks like they've changed the policy wording and it no longer makes it clear about cover for damage by pets.

In the copy of the policy booklet (dated 02/08) i was sent when i took out the policy in August 2008 the equivalent paragraph number 12 you refer to says against what is not covered: "loss or damage caused by domestic pets unless your Policy Schedule shows that contents accidental damage, point 24 of section 2 is applicable" Point 24 relates to the additional accidental cover that i have.

If you look on their website here: http://www.halifax.co.uk/insurance/help_accdamage.asp it says that if you have additional accidental damage contents cover then you are covered.

So the terms you link to are somewhat misleading. Whether i'm covered though i'm not sure...let's hope we don't have to find out!

Andy