Problems with Animal Friends Pet Insurance

MichAm

Hi, I need some advice please?

I am having issues with a company called Animal Friends who are refusing to pay out on a policy.

We mistakenly used dog flea treatment on our cat instead of cat flea treatment . He didn't survive as the treatment poisoned him. The vet bill came to nearly £2K.

Even though we are covered for 'unintended events' including poisoning, Animal Friends have declined the claim, saying it was a standard flea treatment recommended by a vet. The vet didn't recommend it and would never recommend giving a treatment suitable only for a dog to a cat.

I have now involved the Financial Ombudsman and have been in touch with the legal assistance that comes with my home insurance who believe I have a case, but is there anything else I should be doing?

Any constructive advice welcome.

Many thanks

chris_n_tj

Didnt want to read and run. Firstly I am sorry for the loss of your kitty, x.
As for Animal Friends, well I am sorry to have to say this, but the only things I have heard about this company have all bee the same. Trouble with a capital T. I wish you good luck with your fight, and I do hope it goes in your favour.xx

clayderwoman

have you spoken to your vet? could they right a letter to the company stating they didn't recommend the treatment?

con1888

Sorry to hear that

I would ask vet to write a letter saying they didn't recommend that and that it was a genuine mistake on your part

spacey2012

To be honest if you clear this hurdle they will place another.
If you think the policy covers you, look at issuing for a county court judgement.
The judge wont consider any arguments not clearly printed on the contract.

MichAm

clayderwoman wrote: »

have you spoken to your vet? could they right a letter to the company stating they didn't recommend the treatment?

Hi there,

Both of the vets that treated him have agreed to write a letter.

thanks again

Michelle

MichAm

con1888 wrote: »

Sorry to hear that

I would ask vet to write a letter saying they didn't recommend that and that it was a genuine mistake on your part

Thanks for this. I have done and the vets have written. Still waiting to hear from Animal Friends though...

MichAm

spacey2012 wrote: »

To be honest if you clear this hurdle they will place another.
If you think the policy covers you, look at issuing for a county court judgement.
The judge wont consider any arguments not clearly printed on the contract.

Thanks for your reply. Great idea - I have spoken to a friend who is a lawyer and he thinks we may have to take it to the small claims court.

gettingready

Really sorry to hear about your cat... poor baby

Re Animal Friends - they have a lot of online reviews:

excellent ones from people who praise their customer service etc - those are from people who never had to claim

terrible ones from people who put claims in and those were denied

Out of curiosity - what brand was the flea treatment? I realise you say it was one meant for dogs but what brand was it? Not Bob Martin by any chance?

hethmar

The only problem I can see is that they will say it was your actions that caused the poor cat's death and may be able to wriggle out of it that way.

krlyr

hethmar wrote: »

The only problem I can see is that they will say it was your actions that caused the poor cat's death and may be able to wriggle out of it that way.

OP has said that the insurance would cover accidental poisoning though (the insurance company are trying to argue that it wasn't accidental, that it was a vet-recommended product presumably with a fluke fatality)