Pet insurance query

[pigsinmud]

Our dog is just over one and we took out pet insurance as we didn't with our cat and had to pay a fortune in vet's bills!

Last year it was about £16 a month. We made a couple of claims during the year - once when she hurt her leg and the vet took loads of x-rays and another time when she had severe d & v.

Anyway we just had a letter saying this year we're paying £22 a month. Is that what happens? If you make a claim do they just put your monthly payments up? I was probably being a little naive as I assumed they'd stay at £16.

Yes - like all insurance if you make a claim they put the premiums up the next year I'm afraid. If your policy's nearly up for renewal there's nothing to stop you switching to another company though (as long as you declare your claims on the quote form).

Yes I thought I was being naive! I don't think we've ever made any claim on any other type of insurance.

you don't have to wait to the end of the policy to change companies.

My insurance was really high and getting higher so i swapped to a different company with higher limits etc and i saved myself £29 per month in premiums.

If you change companies they are likely to put exclusions in place against claims for related leg problems and tummy upsets. Even if you don't tell them your vet has to declare these on any future claims so think carefully before you do change.