Avoid Marks and Spencer Pet Insurance

Duncan76

Avoid like the plague
I took out Marks and Spence pet insurance a couple of years ago now and can honestly say they are a waste of time and would recommend everyone one to go elsewhere.
Fortunately I did not need to make a claim so I can’t comment on that side of the insurance which isn’t much help as it’s crucial to understand how Insurance companies deal with claims as this is when they are most needed.
The problem with M&S is they get you to sign up with a competitive price and the apparent reassurance that it’s a good honest brand but then just continue to increase your premiums.
The most dramatic increase to my surprise was a 100% increase without any explanation. As a example my two dogs were covered for approximately £20 per month at the start and the final premiums for both dogs was around £60+
My advice to everyone is not make sure you use an insurance company that won’t rip you off like M&S. Take out a policy that will not increase with your pets age.
In general I thought I had chosen a reputable brand with M&S but was clearly wrong. Not only did they up the premiums with time but they also continuously watered down the policy so it was almost worthless.
The biggest problem I face now is that I need to find insurance and my dogs are older so it is going to be more difficult and expensive as whichever company I choose will have no benefit from previous premiums.
Hope this helps you make a decision when you are looking for pet insurance.
All I will Say is don't pick M&S :mad:

Mikeyorks

Duncan76 wrote: »

The most dramatic increase to my surprise was a 100% increase without any explanation.

Most of us would ask! And vote with our paws in the event of an explanation / reduction that didn't suit.

Year 1 you had an introductory offer of at least 10% - so that puts the price up automatically in Year 2. And if you had the Premier policy - I'm not surprised it was expensive, everything in there bar the kitchen sink. If you're watching the pennies - you opt for the Standard cover (same on their house policies etc)

Incidentally it may be badged as M&S - but it's Royal Sun Alliance who provide the cover / administration.

melissa'smoney

I agree.

I think there pretty poor too! I got a competitive price last year with no excess. I've used them alot in the last year as my dog's had gum diseas but they took 6 months to pay out... :mad:
I've just had my renewal through and surprise surprise the NO EXCESS is not £70 a time! :mad: the renewal cost is also £70 higher so it's their way of getting their money back.

I thought i was pretty stumped as holly now has an 'exsiting' condition but i couldnt cliam anyway for her meds now as it would be under £70 so im looking elsewhere..

just done a QUIDCO search and the RSPCA offer £15 cashback through this....done a quote and its only £142pr for the gold premium with 6k of vet treatement! :T :T

I won't be reccomending M&S

annca

I'm another disillusioned M & S customer. Or, ex-customer. I shall no longer shop there for anything.

Not only have premiums rocketed, excess gone from 0 to £70, but so much of what made this a good policy at first has gone. I don't think they care about the pets, only about money. So, anyone's pet insured with M & S will have to choose between a very inferior and expensive policy, or, if the pet has needed vets treatment whilst with M & S, the chance of reduced cover. I feel taken advantage of because I trusted the M & S brand.

So, this is not just pet insurance, but M & S Pet Insurance. (Don't think we'll see this on the telly.)

caffenero

petplan petplan petplan ! all the vets recommend them, they pay out for an illness for as long as the pet has it not for a given period. ive had cat insurance with them for 7 years, it has gone up less then 2 pounds in over 7 years not bad really. i dont know if they are the cheapest but the cover is the best - the one thing i can't skimp on is my little kitty paws :-)

epsilondraconis

I'm with caffenero on this one. Our petplan premiums for our cat insurance haven't increased significantly over the 5 years we've had it. We've never had to make a claim, and hopefully will never have too. I guess we've never had to make a claim because the cat never does anything that would cause any injury - the lazy so 'n so seems to spend most of her time asleep on one of the beds.

Jamespearce

Marks and Sparks price increases are Dreadfull !

If your looking for a good insurance you should go for somebody that doesnt sell food products ( a specialist if you like )

Pet plan offer a great level of cover and are used by most of the vets!
they are exspensive but the price only goes up by about 50p a month at the end of the year ! GREAT !

They will also cover ongoing condidtions for the rest of my dogs life !!!
With other insurances i found they will either pay up tp a certain amount or stop after 12 months???!!!

If in doubt speek to your vets they wont lie about it ! its in there interest !

zzzLazyDaisy

M&S changed their underwriter this year. It is the new underwriter that is imposing new terms and conditions.

I agree, it stinks. I took out an M&S policy last year for my cat - reeled in by the promise of lifetime insurance should he develop an on going condition (similar to petplan) This year the premiums have rocketted but more importantly claims are no longer fully covered. Fortunately for me, my cat has had no claims so I have insured him with AXA this year (who were M&S original underwriters) on the same T&C's and premium that I had with M&S.

See this thread http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=800263

Anneski

I had all 3 of my dogs with M&S, but as two policies went up to silly amounts. However, Sam will stay with them as he developed a heart condition and is now on medication for life. At least I can claim those costs back and they are more than the premium per month currently. My other two dogs will be going with AXA I think!

Incidentally I have never had any problems with the claims, they've always been paid promptly and with no hassles, and I have made quite a few. So that's one good point.

Umski

Holy thread resurrection guys - glad I'm not the only one who thinks M&S are screwing their customers. Reeled me in 3 yrs ago with a £56 premium with no XS, then it has steadily increased - it is now 3 times that for this year plus £50 XS! Only problem is that the cat had a big claim a couple of years ago for a ruptured diaphragm which they paid for promptly, but it's now used as ransom to keep you :mad: Think I'll take my chances with another insurer

*onlyme*

I changed from M&S to Petplan well over a year ago due to their huge increases and the zero excess falling away.

M&S also took a very long time to settle a claim, whereas my vet claims direct from PetPlan and I just pay the excess.