Pet insurance - increase due to change of address - complain??

Riablo

I've had pet insurance with Halifax for 4 years. We have had a few claims, nothing major, but my dog does now have pre-existing conditions which mean that changing insurance company is not really an option as those conditions would not be covered.

Last year my premium was £229. This year it has gone up to £448. I thought this was a pretty steep increase so gave them a call. They assured me this was nothing to do with any previous claims but reflected a general increase in pet insurance premiums due to vets fees etc. I said ok and accepted the new premium.

I also asked them to change the policy to my new address having recently moved. They are now saying that moving 10 miles from a housing estate to a village is going to add £150 to my policy, taking it to £598.

I have asked them to justify the increase, they have said it is the underwriters fault and nothing they can do about it. they can't understand why the premium has increased so much. They even checked to make sure the system was working correctly. I asked to speak to a manager but was refused, as there was nothign they could do to decrease the premium or explain the increase.

Myself and my partner are in debt and trying to get our finances in order. We pay the insurance as we know we would struggle to pay a large unexpected bill, but this increase in premiums is quite possibly going to push us further into debt each month.

I guess we are stuck with it, but it seems very unjust as moving 10 miles up the road does not increase my dogs chances of a claim.

Halifax have suggested that I make a complaint but am I really likely to see my policy come down or am I just wasting my time.

So angry and upset, try to do the right thing by my pets and my wallet and don't seem to be helping either :-( Rant over.

WombleSW20_2

Sorry to hear about the increase. Why don't you just shop around and find an alternative policy? This increase sounds completely unreasonable but as a pet owner who has just claimed £2500 on their policy, I would strongly suggest you cover your pet. Vet bills are going uo all the time.

gregd_3

If Riablo changed insurer they would lose cover for pre existing medical conditions which would mean paying for the medical condition out of her own pocket.

I would complain, nothing to lose in my opinion other than the cost of a phone call or letter.

WombleSW20_2

Good point!

Riablo

Think I will complain and see where it gets me although I doubt they will change their price.

It really frustates me the way pet insurance companies have a hold on you through the pre-existing conditions clause. Leaves them at liberty to increase premiums drastically after you have had a few claims knowing that you can't leave.