Recovering vet fees

Soundgirlrocks

Hi All,

Looking for a little bit of advice on which way to go.

My dog was attacked last week by another dog, resulting in sever injury and a expensive trip to the vets (He's thankfully now receiving well) It was completely unprovoked my dog was on the lead when this dog charged at us from across the park. The police are investigating as it is possibly a dangerously out of control dog. I'm going to the station tonight to push for a criminal case, mainly because I'm concerned that dog could attack a child.

I have pet insurance which will cover the vet fees provided I claim within 90 days, it has an excess of £150 on the policy. I also have legal cover on my home insurance. The other owner does not have any insurance.

What would be the best corse of action? I believe I can take her to court to reclaim the costs. I'm concerned if I don't claim on my pet policy and rely on the court process I'll be forever chasing the money from her ( in total we are looking at around £1k). Would I be best to claim on the pet policy and then pursue her in small claims for her to reimburse me the excess and my insurer the rest? Or should I accept my insurance will pay the bulk and just try and get the excess back? And should I involve my home policies legal cover?

Right now I'm aware I'm angry possibly not using my best judgement. I think the other owner should pay all of the vet fees but having already had one confrontation with her I don't believe she will or has the funds to do so. However I don't think its right that my insurance covers her negligence.

With regards to her details I have her address and first name, I'm hoping the police will be able to give me her full details so I can give that to my insurance company / and or the small claims court.

indesisiv

Why can't you claim on your policy and then let your insurance company recover their costs from her.

Soundgirlrocks

indesisiv wrote: »

Why can't you claim on your policy and then let your insurance company recover their costs from her.

I'd still be left paying the excess, and I didn't get the impression the pet insurance is set up for reclaiming costs from 3rd parties. I will check with them though.

Quentin

If you want to be sure you get everything paid (except your excess) then obviously claim on your insurance.


Then see if your legal cover will pursue the third party for your excess. (If they won't then you can try yourself - but bear in mind you need to prove their negligence, and no good chasing this through court if they can't pay if you win (meaning you lose all the court fees too which you pay upfront, and only get back if you win and are able to enforce the judgement)

indesisiv

Soundgirlrocks wrote: »

I'd still be left paying the excess, and I didn't get the impression the pet insurance is set up for reclaiming costs from 3rd parties. I will check with them though.

I think I would rather be chasing for the £150 than for £1k though either way.

Soundgirlrocks

Soundgirlrocks wrote: »

I'd still be left paying the excess, and I didn't get the impression the pet insurance is set up for reclaiming costs from 3rd parties. I will check with them though.

Ok so having checked with the insurance company they wouldn't attempt to reclaim the costs from the third party. :mad:

So I think I need to claim on my policy, small claims for the cost for the excess, resign myself to paying an increase in premiums and accept that the third party gets off not paying the full cost for the damage their dog has caused.

stator

Yes, claim on your policy and attempt to reclaim the excess in small claims.
Your premium might not go up, some pet insurers don't do that when you claim. The price is based on the age you start the insurance usually and as long as you keep the insurance premiums paid it will only go up a bit every year.

I think you stand a greater chance of getting your £150 than you would if you tried to claim the whole amount. She may not even file a defense.