Dog insurance... not my fault?

[Prima123]

Hello,
I was informed by my dogs insurance company last month that due to a 'unforeseen error' they hadn't taken my monthly payments for almost a year and that I owe them £280. This took me by surprise as I hadn't heard anything from them previously (granted I should of checked my banking)
They have now said I need to pay the amount in full by the start of November otherwise they will be cancelling the policy. I responded originally and said I couldn't pay it up front but could I pay instalments to which they replied no (nearly a month later) just unsure what to do as it isn't an error on my behalf?

You didn't check so I'd say you're equally as responsible as they are, to be honest.

They're not going to cover you while you pay in arrears - that's not how insurance works. If you can't pay upfront then just cancel the policy and take out a new one with monthly instalments.

Well that year is over nearly so why in gods name would you pay for something that you can't (and didn't) use??

Ignore and take out a new policy.

OP might not be able to just take out a new policy though as even if not made any claims anything thats previously mentioned in dogs vet history will be excluded as prexisting condition and they usually group rather than specific thing so more is actually excluded like All bowel conditions, lumps, urinary tract etc.

Was it complaints department you spoke to and how did the error occur? It maybe something you can take up with the insurance ombadsmen. Though people often have more luck contacting companies via their social media accounts than usual methods. There's Resolver company heard on money saving expert but not sure if type of complaint they deal with.

They probably can't add debt onto current years premiums with system but they could accept you paying it off in installments.
When gets passed to debt collectors they'd get less back and you'd likely give bad reviews given their error so should be in their interests to resolve and keep your custom