Help choosing pet insurance

d5254396-79c9-4b3f-9c7a-b0ffdac3cbc2

Editor's Picks
What should you look for when choosing pet insurance?
  • Limits on the maximum amount for any one condition.
  • Check that dental problems are covered.Look at the amount of excess you will have to pay, and particularly watch out for policies that have 'co-excesses' where you pay a percentage of any claim. Some treatments can cost more than £1,000 so if you agree to pay 10 per cent of any claim as an excess you might find yourself paying a large amount towards your pet's treatment.
  • Ensure that the policy includes cover for the loss of your pet by theft or straying.
  • Limits on the total amount to be claimed in any one year.
Factors that can affect your pet insurance premiums
  • Pet's age - most insurers will not accept puppies aged less then eight weeks of age or dogs more than twelve years old. If a company does accept older pets then they are likely to charge a higher premium and the owner will have to pay more in excess.
  • Pedigree status - some breeds are genetically more prone to certain conditions than others.
  • Care - dogs that have been neutered and microchipped often have a lower premium because a microchipped pet is more likely to be returned if he gets lost and insurers regard this as a sign of a caring owner.
  • Owner's details - surprisingly, the cost may vary depending on the gender, age and marital status of the dog's owner.
  • Postcode - premiums can vary depending on where you live because vets fees are more expensive in some areas than others. (Inner city compared to a rural area, for example).
Third party liability dog insurance

Third party liability is a key part of any quality dog insurance policy. A reputable insurance company will provide a policy that will help cover costs if your dog causes damage to property or serious injury to a person.

Content continues after advertisements