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Cocker Specific Discussion => Health => Insurance => Topic started by: Jeeves on September 19, 2006, 09:35:18 PM

Title: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 19, 2006, 09:35:18 PM
A word of warning folks - avoid Tesco insurance like the plague.

I submitted a claim for Parkers recent trials and tribulations and the claim was for in excess of £1,500 with the op and before and aftercare, and then I get a phone call from some irritating little pen pusher this afternoon to say they wont pay up.  We had to pay in advance for all this and simply don't have that kind of money, so we are really strapped now.

Whatever you do, avoid Tesco at all costs - PLEASE!
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Rhona W on September 19, 2006, 09:37:00 PM
That's terrible.  >:( What reason did they give for not paying up?
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: happydog on September 19, 2006, 09:39:44 PM
I'm with Tescos (for the moment -but I shall be dropping them when it runs out next month for reasons connected with their inhumane treatment of animals in China - see this thread 

http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=20904.0 )

They have always paid up for me though. What reasons did they give?
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Joules on September 19, 2006, 09:40:18 PM
That is terrible - what was their explanation?   :huh:   I am with Tesco's too but I will have problems changing to another provider as Coco has had a few problems in her first year so if I move none of those things will be covered.  I have not been too impressed with them so far - I think I will deffo review things when I renew the policy.   >:(  My main problem with them is that they only cover each condition for up to 12 months - some other co's have no time limit.   :shades:
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 19, 2006, 09:40:30 PM
Back in February Parker had a sore neck which the vet put down to him jarring it jumping out the back of the car. He had some tablets and he was fine in a few days - all sorted.  Needless to say, I did not claim for it (I had the dogs insured with the NFU then).

Tesco now say that his present problem was related to that and therefore it is a pre-existing complaint and ergo - no payment.

It MAY be related but the chances are it is not.  

I simply cannot believe this. I pay £20 per month for what?????

I am absolutely incandescent
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Elisa on September 19, 2006, 09:41:40 PM
Blimey  :-\  Sorry to hear that.

Hope you can get something sorted.  There must be some kind of appeal you can do  :huh:  Good luck.

I really detest insurance policies - you never know what you are insured for until put in a claim and it gets refused  >:(
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Joules on September 19, 2006, 09:42:29 PM
That is a real bummer.  Can you get your vet to write to them?
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: happydog on September 19, 2006, 09:44:05 PM
Get the vet to write a letter telling them that it is not related. Fight it!!!!!
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 19, 2006, 09:44:57 PM
It infuriates me. Tesco make billions of pounds every year. Why the hell can't they pay out for a ligitimate claim for an operation which has, in all probability, saved a little dog's life.

The woman who rang was SO bloody matter of fact - I tried to point out that my overdraft has an overdraft now and I was absolutlely desperate for the money - but hey, they have money coming out their ears, why should they care about the poor b******s who pay their premiums each month for total fresh air?
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: happydog on September 19, 2006, 09:45:13 PM
(Joules, shall we just take it in turns to reply to this thread?  :005: )
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: debbie321 on September 19, 2006, 09:45:53 PM
Go for them big time!  You've paid your insurance for just this sort of thing.  I'd tell the 'pen pusher to push his pen where the sun don't shine and insist on speaking to the 'boss'.  You could also post on every doggy forum you could find and write to a local rag that could print your story?  They will hate the bad press - which is well justified from what I've read.

Argue your case and don't give in  ;)

OK - I'm back of my soap box now :shades:
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 19, 2006, 09:46:22 PM
Yes folks - I will not take this lying down. Parker has to go back to the specialist tomorrow and will hopefully get signed off (hoorah!!)

When we get back I'll go and see my own vet (they are marvellous) and see what can be done.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: happydog on September 19, 2006, 09:47:52 PM
Don't just accept this. Insurance companies always try to get out of paying if they think there is a chance they can wriggle out of it they will. Stand up to them and insist it was not a pre-existing condition, get your vet to back it up unequivocably with a letter in plain and simple terms. It can work.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: cazza on September 19, 2006, 09:49:54 PM
Good luck with sorting this out.

keep us up to date on how things go
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 19, 2006, 09:50:18 PM
I've also got another claim in for Parker for some tummy trouble he had prior to this (another £400 or so!!) So god help them if they refuse that claim too!

I really wont take this lying down. Insurance companies ride roughshod over us and it is just plain wrong. Once we've got Parker home tomorrow, I'll get to my vet for a chat then take Tesco on. They will wish they'd never got out of bed in the morning!
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Joules on September 19, 2006, 09:51:15 PM
(Joules, shall we just take it in turns to reply to this thread?  :005: )

Fine with me.  ;)

I think you should fight it.  Get your vet involved - if they say it was not pre-existing, Tesco can hardly dispute it.  You have nothing to lose - except your overdraft!   :-\

I agree, insurance co's always seem to try and get out of paying up.  Unfortunately, I think it is the large number of people who put in fake claims that mess it up for the rest of us and make the ins co's so bloomin difficult!!  >:(
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Cob-Web on September 19, 2006, 09:53:54 PM
It MAY be related but the chances are it is not.

If your vet has said this, then Tesco's are within their rights to refuse to pay; did your vet know the situation when he completed the forms?

I appreciate your frustration, as others have said, get your vet onside, and appeal  ;) Although Insurance Companies employ advisors to find flaws in claims; if there are no flaws then they have to pay (and in my experience they do so willingly - but as Joules has said there are a lot of fraudulent claims  >:()- so assuming that the claim is within the T & C's, then it is just a case of getting the claim right to be able to get the payout  ::)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 19, 2006, 09:54:37 PM
With you totally there Joules - there are a lot of unscrupulous people out there who ruin it for the genuine majority.

Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: PennyB on September 19, 2006, 10:01:59 PM
I've also got another claim in for Parker for some tummy trouble he had prior to this (another £400 or so!!) So god help them if they refuse that claim too!

Is Tescos one of those insurers that will only insure for a complaint for 1st 12 months and then you can't claim the following year --- have a look at the small print
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: happydog on September 19, 2006, 10:03:58 PM
I've also got another claim in for Parker for some tummy trouble he had prior to this (another £400 or so!!) So god help them if they refuse that claim too!

Is Tescos one of those insurers that will only insure for a complaint for 1st 12 months and then you can't claim the following year --- have a look at the small print
Yes. They only covered my springer with liver failure for the first 12 months supply of drgs. After that I was on my own  >:( .
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: PennyB on September 19, 2006, 10:11:28 PM
I've also got another claim in for Parker for some tummy trouble he had prior to this (another £400 or so!!) So god help them if they refuse that claim too!

Is Tescos one of those insurers that will only insure for a complaint for 1st 12 months and then you can't claim the following year --- have a look at the small print
Yes. They only covered my springer with liver failure for the first 12 months supply of drgs. After that I was on my own  >:( .

Isn't that in the small print though when you buy the policy.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Joules on September 19, 2006, 10:14:14 PM
Yep, but a lot of people are not too clued up at the start - I stupidly thought that all the policies were pretty much alike and didn't really know what to look out for!  >:(  Now I have a better idea of the differences in policies, I would be more discerning!  ::)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jane S on September 19, 2006, 10:14:47 PM
Please can we remember that the laws of libel apply to the internet as well as anywhere else. I can certainly understand Jeeves' frustration but it's best not to make colourful accusations against companies who can and do take legal action if they feel they have been libelled. I have edited some of the posts in this thread in view of this ;)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 19, 2006, 10:15:16 PM
Yes, I know that they only cover things for 12 months or £2,500 - whichever comes first.

The tummy business happened just before his neck went and was a one off - he had to be hospitalised and on a drip, the works. There really should be no reason for them to take issue with this claim (she says, hopefully!!)  He had got dehydrated and constipated (all due to the excessively hot weather) but there has been no episode like this before or since.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Annette on September 19, 2006, 10:17:44 PM
When did you take out the policy? Was it before the first bout of neck pain or after?
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 19, 2006, 10:24:13 PM
It was after the first bout. The first time he hurt his neck was in February and I took out the policy in April.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Cob-Web on September 20, 2006, 06:37:50 AM
It was after the first bout. The first time he hurt his neck was in February and I took out the policy in April.

When you took out Tesco's insurance, did they ask about any previous treatment your dog had had? Most companies do, and the policy will then contain "exclusions",  - illnesses/conditions that are not covered ::)

Some companies will consider the whole policy "void" if the customer failed to declare a pre-existing condition when they take out a policy - it may be unfair, but is usually clearly set out in the T & C's  :-\
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: shonajoy on September 20, 2006, 07:44:50 AM
It was after the first bout. The first time he hurt his neck was in February and I took out the policy in April.

If you mentioned it at the time, they may be ok about it, but the difficulty is getting the vet to say for certain that it wasn't related to now, which may be difficult. Also, if you took out 12 monthly cover and not lifetime - they get away with that a lot unfortunately.

Good luck.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Petra on September 20, 2006, 07:49:09 AM
gosh, insurance is such a minefield...

when we lived in Holland, you could only insure your dog for third party liability, ie if it caused an accident, bit someone or bit another dog etc...

can't help but feel people's blood pressure was a lot lower then!!

Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 20, 2006, 06:29:37 PM
First the VERY good news - Parker has had the all clear from the specialist!  He said that Parker looked 5 years younger from when he saw him last month and he does not have to go back again - phew!

Second, the tentatively good news. I discussed Tesco's intransigence with the specialist and he said that as there was abolutely no suspicion of disc trouble with his previous bout of neck pain, under no circumstances should it be treated as an ongoing complaint from the February episode.

I went to my vet and got a print out of all their computer records and sure enough, no mention of disc trouble in Feb, just minor neck pain.

SO.... I rang Tesco and insisted on speaking to a supervisor who agreed that in the light of this information, provided I send the print out, a letter from the vet and a copy of the referral letter, they will re-consider the claim!

I'm not hanging out the bunting just yet, but I think we're heading in the right direction!

Watch this space.......   ;)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Joules on September 20, 2006, 06:33:42 PM
Fantastic news that Parker has made such a great recovery.  You must be thrilled.  :D

 Hurrah!  Sounds very hopeful about the insurance claim.  Hope it does the trick!  ;)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: hamfam on September 20, 2006, 07:58:34 PM
can i suggest that regardless of the outcome with tesco, you change insurers. As tesco only cover each condition for a year you will not be covered for any relapse after a year from the date of the first vetinary treatment so you will have nothing to loose.

I would suggest you look at Healthy pets (http://www.healthy-pets.co.uk/) , Argos (http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ArgosFSPetInsuranceHomeView?langId=-1&storeId=10001) or M&S (http://www6.marksandspencer.com/pages/default.asp?PageId=home&Product=PI&WT.srch=1&source=google&adt=gen8)

Healthy pets cover up to £5000 per condition with £50 excess - no time limit on claims - £6 a month for our lucy

Argos cover up to £6000 per condition with £50 excess - no time limit on claims - £11 a month for lucy

M&S cover up to £7000 per condition per year with variable  excess - no time limit on claims - £21 a month with no excess for lucy
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Annette on September 20, 2006, 08:32:08 PM
Great news all round by the sounds of it.

And I think you might as well change insurers now too.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: dood on September 20, 2006, 09:44:01 PM
Just caught up with this -really pleased that things are sorted -we'd be totally stuffed to if we had to find that sort of money-it's what you pay insurance for isn't it? :P
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: happydog on September 21, 2006, 02:09:38 PM
can i suggest that regardless of the outcome with tesco, you change insurers. As tesco only cover each condition for a year you will not be covered for any relapse after a year from the date of the first vetinary treatment so you will have nothing to loose.

I would suggest you look at Healthy pets (http://www.healthy-pets.co.uk/) , Argos (http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ArgosFSPetInsuranceHomeView?langId=-1&storeId=10001) or M&S (http://www6.marksandspencer.com/pages/default.asp?PageId=home&Product=PI&WT.srch=1&source=google&adt=gen8)

Healthy pets cover up to £5000 per condition with £50 excess - no time limit on claims - £6 a month for our lucy

Argos cover up to £6000 per condition with £50 excess - no time limit on claims - £11 a month for lucy

M&S cover up to £7000 per condition per year with variable  excess - no time limit on claims - £21 a month with no excess for lucy

  :D I've just changed 7 year old Fern's Insurance to Healthy Pets Gold option. Instead of 12 months cover for any condition up to a maximum of £2,500,  I now have a £5,000 lifetime limit for each and every condition, the excess is £50 (a £10 saving) and it's over £40 a year cheaper.  I've checked that should another grass seed in the ear incident occur it will be covered. Luckily she has no pre existing conditions  :D

Thanks hamfam   ;)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: JaspersMum on September 21, 2006, 03:46:33 PM
You might also want to take the complaint to the Financial ombudsman if you believe them to be in the wrong or guilty of mis-selling the policy, try this linkfor instructions what steps you should take and what the service can do http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/about/index.html
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Mary on September 21, 2006, 04:25:10 PM
Jeeves, your claim is sounding much more hopeful now, I do hope you get it sorted ;)  I really begrudge paying insurance and it's reading the small print and then hearing about cases like this that I know why >:D


M&S cover up to £7000 per condition per year with variable  excess - no time limit on claims - £21 a month with no excess for lucy


The variable excess option has now ceased.  I received renewal notification from M&S yesterday and excess for a pet under 9 years of age is £50. (£50 over 9 years or 15% of treatment costs, whichever is the greater).

Last year my premium was £8.70 a month with a £75 excess.  My renewal is quoting me £11.82 a month with the set £50 excess. 

From what you all quote it seems like this is still pretty reasonable but I'm still annoyed that it's gone up by 35% in one year >:(  Luckily (touch wood), I've never had to make a claim in the four years we've had Lottie (she is 4 today :D) so I'm sure it would be much higher if I had :-\
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Nicola on September 21, 2006, 04:58:15 PM
I'm glad Parker is on the mend  :luv: and I hope you manage to get the claim sorted out too, that's an awful lot of money  :o
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 21, 2006, 06:18:57 PM
Thanks for all the information on different policies chaps, once this is sorted I will start looking round.

I spoke to my vet today and she will write a letter stating that with the previous neck problem there was no hint of disc problems whatsoever, it cleared up quickly and is not considered to be related.  We also have to get a letter from the vet who referred Parker (she's in the same practice, but not the one I normally ask to see) but she's away for a few days, so it may be a week se so until I'm in a position to send paperwork back to them.

However, we are making progress so I'll keep you posted!

They are, however, paying out the £381 for the tummy and bowel problems he had just before this neck business, so at least they've got something right!!  ::)

Bottom line though, Parker is the happiest little dog imaginable, so even if we get not a penny back, going bankrupt will have been worth it to see him so happy and pain free  :huh: :005:
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: hamfam on September 21, 2006, 09:07:37 PM
can i suggest that regardless of the outcome with tesco, you change insurers. As tesco only cover each condition for a year you will not be covered for any relapse after a year from the date of the first vetinary treatment so you will have nothing to loose.

I would suggest you look at Healthy pets (http://www.healthy-pets.co.uk/) , Argos (http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ArgosFSPetInsuranceHomeView?langId=-1&storeId=10001) or M&S (http://www6.marksandspencer.com/pages/default.asp?PageId=home&Product=PI&WT.srch=1&source=google&adt=gen8)

Healthy pets cover up to £5000 per condition with £50 excess - no time limit on claims - £6 a month for our lucy

Argos cover up to £6000 per condition with £50 excess - no time limit on claims - £11 a month for lucy

M&S cover up to £7000 per condition per year with variable  excess - no time limit on claims - £21 a month with no excess for lucy



W O O O P S

Sorry guys the M&S line should read cover up to £7000 treatment per year with variable excess - no time limit on claims - £21 a month with no excess for lucy

I can confirm that the variable excess IS still available the premium was about £2 a month cheaper with a £50 excess when i checked last night
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Mary on September 21, 2006, 10:15:44 PM

I can confirm that the variable excess IS still available the premium was about £2 a month cheaper with a £50 excess when i checked last night

I've just checked M&S website and it confirms on there that you can reduce your premiums by 5% if you take an additional £25 excess or 10% if you take an additional £50 excess.  This however, has not been offered to me upon renewal so I shall be ringing them tomorrow to find out why :-\ >:(
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: miche on September 21, 2006, 10:45:58 PM
I am with Direct Line, I have gone for the more expensive policy and it works out about £25 a month for my 2.  Never had to make a claim so hope they are OK.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: michelle123 on September 22, 2006, 07:00:01 PM
Jeeves if your specialist writes a letter to confirm that the two neck incidents arent connected Tesco's will have no other option than to settle your claim.
I know it is frustrating but Insurance Companies deal with 1000's of claims and whilst I am not defending them they have probably seen that Parker had suffered a previous neck injury (not sure who advised them of this if it wasnt on the vets print out) but a clerk will have just acted, in insurers interests, appropriately - whilst this does not assist you that clerk is only doing his job.
Quite likely the individual who initially denied your claim is likely to have little experience earning about £5.50 per hour.  It is only when you query a discrepancy and provide further information that a person who has insurance experience will deal with your claim.
If once the additional information has been considered and the claim is rejected again you should approach the ombudsman - however, this is unlikely as the conditions are unconnected.
If you should need any advice regarding your insurance claim please pm me.
Glad that Parker has got the all clear  :luv:
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: henaly on September 22, 2006, 07:21:55 PM
im with  direct line too
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: PennyB on September 22, 2006, 07:28:31 PM
I've never had to make a claim in the four years we've had Lottie (she is 4 today :D) so I'm sure it would be much higher if I had :-\

Regardless of how much you claim (or not) your insurance goes up like everyone elses at the same rate. M&S decided this year to put up their premiums a lot higher for male dogs to reflect the number they are getting in re dog fights (or so they say). My insurance has gone up at the same rate as someone who hasn't claimed. They just don't penalise you if you claim as you would with other types of insurance (Wilf claimed back almost 3000 in his 1st year yet insurance was same for him as Ruby's and friends who had same insurance but who hadn't claimed anything at all).
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Mandthepand on September 22, 2006, 08:35:53 PM
Just picked up this thread and I can't (or rather can) believe how Tesco Insurance has treated you.  We HATE insurance companies - in factc I think LOATHE is the right word for it.   >:D We used to have pet insurance with our old late labrador.  She unfortunatley had an inherited leg condition that resulted iin major surgery at 9 months and arthritis for the rest of her life.  We were with Equine and Livestock.  Luckily they paid out but HOWEVER, every year after that the premium got higher, and higher, and higher.......  It got to the point where we decided to cancel the premium.  She had real problems in the last 12 months of her life which we paid for but it wasn't anywhere near the premiums that we would have paid had we carried on with the insurance.

So, when we had Penny we decided to weigh up the risks and self insure.  Yes it is a risk but we feel the money is far better in our pockets earning interest rather than being with an insurance company who may not even pay out when it is needed.  The other thing which we were very wary of is that some insurance companies will not pay out on repeat claims (ie claims that result from previous claims).  We have found that out with house insurance. 

Yes, we've had a big bill with Penny's recent illness, but we had half of the money in our account to pay for the total bill and bearing in mind that we would have had an excess to pay anyway are only 50 quid down. 

I am VERY cautious of insurance companies with previous experience not just pet but other.  Their job is to make money and keep hold of it the best they can using any kind of excuse in the small print. 

All the best with Tescos - I hope they reconsider. 

I personally risk it..................   >:D >:D
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Cob-Web on September 22, 2006, 08:44:36 PM
Their job is to make money and keep hold of it the best they can using any kind of excuse in the small print. 
I agree, and approahc ALL insurance cover with this attitude - but would always pay for insurance for a pet dog or cat  ;)

Although the medical cover is important - more important to me is the third party liability cover that is offered as part of the policy; can you imaigine how awful it would be if you couldn't afford to prove in court that your dog is NOT dangerous  :huh:

In this day and age of litigation, legal proceedings against perfectly innocent dogs are not uncommon or unlikely; and third party cover ensures that you are able to defend your dog appropriately......so its a small price to pay, really  :-\
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on September 22, 2006, 09:44:01 PM
You are right to be concerned about third party liability IWLass - especially in this litigious society.

However, almost all home contents policies have 3rd party cover for animals, so it's worth checking that out as that could save having to get a specific animal policy.

Fear not folks - Tesco will wish they had never heard of me by the time I finish!!!  ;) ;)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Cob-Web on September 22, 2006, 10:08:26 PM
However, almost all home contents policies have 3rd party cover for animals, so it's worth checking that out as that could save having to get a specific animal policy.


Nope - mine doesn't  ;) I can't find one that does, either - do you have any recommendations??  :huh:
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: miche on September 22, 2006, 10:10:03 PM
I can see both sides about the 3rd party risk.  I have both my cockers insured and a huge consideration when doing to was the for the 3rd party.  Imagine, not only having to try to prove in court that they are not dangerous but if they ever escaped and ran into a road and caused a car accident that resulted in some-one being seriously or fatally injured and then I was sued :o :o - accidents do happen.

Ronald on the other hand is not insured.  I got him as an 11 year old rescue and did have him insured for a long time but it too has got to the point where it would be a total waste of my money to insure him.  Saying that though Ronald now never goes outside of the garden - he has all of the exercise he can manage there, he cannot run anywhere and the only place he can cause a problem is in our own house.  I would also be prepared to pay for any treatment he may need.

I am 99.9% certain that my home insurance doesn't include 3rd party cover for animals, especially not for 3 dogs.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Mary on September 22, 2006, 10:46:04 PM
I've never had to make a claim in the four years we've had Lottie (she is 4 today :D) so I'm sure it would be much higher if I had :-\

Regardless of how much you claim (or not) your insurance goes up like everyone elses at the same rate. M&S decided this year to put up their premiums a lot higher for male dogs to reflect the number they are getting in re dog fights (or so they say). My insurance has gone up at the same rate as someone who hasn't claimed. They just don't penalise you if you claim as you would with other types of insurance (Wilf claimed back almost 3000 in his 1st year yet insurance was same for him as Ruby's and friends who had same insurance but who hadn't claimed anything at all).

That's good to know then ;)

I rang M&S today and they told me the same as other COL members, the underwriters AXA have put the premiums up by this much due to vets fees and the amount of claims ::)


I can confirm that the variable excess IS still available the premium was about £2 a month cheaper with a £50 excess when i checked last night

I've just checked M&S website and it confirms on there that you can reduce your premiums by 5% if you take an additional £25 excess or 10% if you take an additional £50 excess.  This however, has not been offered to me upon renewal so I shall be ringing them tomorrow to find out why :-\ >:(

M&S told me today that the policy has now changed and that they are unsure why their website is offering a variable excess still.  They are looking into it and have promised to come back to me.  I don't hold out much hope on that ;)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on October 12, 2006, 05:16:36 PM
Update chaps.....

Bloody gits are still refusing to pay up - despite letters from my vet and the specialist.

Next stop the Insurance Ombudsman.

Tesco - Billions of pounds profit in a matter of months and they wont pay a ligitimate claim of £1,300.

Folks, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES go to Tesco insurance.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Penelope on October 12, 2006, 05:49:56 PM
So sorry you are having problems with your insurance.
One of our huge worries when our little Meg was sick was about if the insurance would cover everything.  After she died and we looked into it, it transpired that had she lived, she would have cost so much that her insurance cover would have run out within a year.  We were so upset (as if her dying wasnt enough) so had to look around for new policy for our other 2 dogs.  We have found one through Animal Friends, which is a charity, and have really read it carefully.  Although it costs more, the peace of mind it brings is priceless.  As soon as my current claim is paid out we will cancel the one we have and just keep the new one (at the moment they are covered by both - expensive but necessary to ensure they pay out for current claim!)
Best of luck and dont give up.  If you know you are right, keep at it and you will win in the end.
Newspapers and television might be interested as this company are in the news right now for the amount of money they are making... just a thought.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Krisdt on October 12, 2006, 06:14:11 PM
Aren't Tescos to be avoided full stop! I remember hearing/reading that a national boycott of tescos was in order due to the suppliers being in trouble for animal cruelty. I hope I have not gotten mixed up  :huh:

Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: happydog on October 12, 2006, 09:41:46 PM
Jeeves. I thought that in an earlier conversation with them they indicated that if your statement was backed up with professional documentation then they would honour your claim? Don't they record conversations? Can you not get to speak to the person who told you this? Do you not have a note of their name?  :huh:  You go get em!

I have dropped Tescos Pet Insurance as from this month. Interestingly they asked me 'why?' (as I made a point of ringing them rather than just not renewing).  I had great delight in telling them!  >:D .Perhaps if anyone else finds themselves in this position before Jeeves gets her claim settled they could ring too and give the appalling way in which her claim has been (mis)handled as a reason?

Aren't Tescos to be avoided full stop! I remember hearing/reading that a national boycott of tescos was in order due to the suppliers being in trouble for animal cruelty. I hope I have not gotten mixed up  :huh:
I posted about cruelty at Tescos newly opened China outlets as they are offering Turtles etc as live food and slaughtering to order on site (the humanity of the methods used are highly questionable). Acceptable in China generally (where skinning an animal alive is 'legal'  :'( )- but hardly appropriate for a British company who like to publicise their green credentials to their mainly British customer base. I have posted the link once and referrred to it again on this thread so I wont repeat myself (except to say it is on page one third post  ;) ). You may be thinking of that Krisdt.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: CraftySam on October 12, 2006, 10:24:30 PM
Jeeves, I think thats appalling.  >:(  You can't let this go. Complain to the ombudsman. Also, our local ITV news programme have a monthly consumer investigation for things such as this. I really think its worth contacting your local TV stations as well as Watchdog. Here's how to contact them. http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/contact_index.shtml Once you've contacted write to Tesco's again stating you case and tell them you have been in contact with Watchdog etc. I found that did the trick.  ;)

I am with Direct Line, I have gone for the more expensive policy and it works out about £25 a month for my 2.  Never had to make a claim so hope they are OK.

I'm with Direct Line too, on the Advanced policy, which costs me just over £40 a month for my three. I have claimed a couple of times for Sapphi, for D&V and an op to remove a mystery lump. On both occassions the paid up without question, though it did take them almost a month.

When it was renewal time I had a look around to see if anything better was out there. I was shocked to discover that none of them would cover Sapphi for D&V, so I ended up staying with Direct Line.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: michelle123 on October 12, 2006, 11:01:30 PM
Jeeves - what exactly have Tesco said to decline your claim ?

If they have only conveyed this to you verbally ask for a written letter of repudiation fully detailing their decision.  By GISC rulings they have to do this, but request it anyway.  Dont be fobbed off make sure they state EXACTLY why they are disputing your vets own remarks.

Upon receipt of this letter, you should WRITE not phone them, inform them that you believe that their decision is incorrect for x, y,z reasons and state that you will firstly be notifying the Insurance Ombudsman - I can get you the number if you want, but additionally you are contacting Watchdog.

ALL Insurance companies are s**t scared of Watchdog as none of them like bad press, none of them like being investigated by the Ombudsman either.

If you have medical evidence from your vet to state catergorically that the two incidents are not connected then you are on the home run.

I'd be booking in at the hairdressers in time to meet Nicky Campbell if I were you  ;)

Give me a shout if you need any help

Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on October 13, 2006, 11:18:37 AM
Thank you all for such helpful advice (Michelle - I'm off to book the hairdressers immediately!!)  :005:

They are still sticking to the fact that they are linking the two conditions.  They seem to be able to write my claim off on the ASSUMPTION that the two are linked - they have no hard evidence to support this.

I am today writing to them to tell them I do not accept their decision and to inform them my next port of call is the Ombudsman.  I am also going to write to the specialist to ask him for a letter (I previously only got letters from my own vet - dimbo me!) to help me out.  When we told him of their initial decision he was shocked and said there is no way they should refuse the claim on the basis of the two being linked, so fingers crossed there.

I'm also (for what it's worth) going to find out who the head honcho in the Tesco organisation is and write to them.  Don't suppose for a minute it will achieve anything but i've nothing to lose  >:(

I will contact Watchdog.  That is an excellent suggestion.  Also, I run a very busy livery yard and I am going to put a poster on the board there warning people not to use Tesco insurance.  (Most of the horse owners have dogs).  I'm also cancelling my policy with them as of this morning.

I will never, ever, ever as long as I live, set foot in a Tesco store. I hope their billions in profit turns to billions in loss  >:( >:( >:(

Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Cob-Web on October 13, 2006, 12:30:36 PM
I'm also cancelling my policy with them as of this morning.

If you have an annual policy and cancel it part-way through, they can legitimately refuse any claims for that year......... :-\
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: happydog on October 13, 2006, 02:42:49 PM
I'm also cancelling my policy with them as of this morning.

If you have an annual policy and cancel it part-way through, they can legitimately refuse any claims for that year......... :-\
I would imagine that Jeeves couldn't give stuff about that Rachel. They've refused to  pay out anyway so I don't suppose she feels she is losing anything. As long as she gets replacement Insurance straight away there'll only be a 10 day gap or so where she's not covered.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Cob-Web on October 13, 2006, 03:39:04 PM
I'm also cancelling my policy with them as of this morning.

If you have an annual policy and cancel it part-way through, they can legitimately refuse any claims for that year......... :-\
I would imagine that Jeeves couldn't give stuff about that Rachel. They've refused to  pay out anyway so I don't suppose she feels she is losing anything. As long as she gets replacement Insurance straight away there'll only be a 10 day gap or so where she's not covered.

I must have misunderstood the reason for involving the Ombudsman........ :-\
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: tracee on October 13, 2006, 04:08:37 PM
     mary
               i have just insured all 12 of ours in the last week with m&s and was given a no excess on them all and it also stated on my paperwork theres no excess?????????
   so they are still giving the choose, so not sure whats going on there.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Claire on October 13, 2006, 04:23:48 PM
     mary
               i have just insured all 12 of ours in the last week with m&s and was given a no excess on them all and it also stated on my paperwork theres no excess?????????
   so they are still giving the choose, so not sure whats going on there.

I went with no excess M&S back in April and that option is only available to dogs under the age of 4.  Perhaps variable interest rates are only offered depending on the age of the dogs?  Just a thought.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: tracee on October 13, 2006, 04:57:58 PM
 

        ours range in age from 12wks to 6yrs so ??
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: *Jay* on October 13, 2006, 05:26:43 PM
I'm also cancelling my policy with them as of this morning.

If you have an annual policy and cancel it part-way through, they can legitimately refuse any claims for that year......... :-\
I would imagine that Jeeves couldn't give stuff about that Rachel. They've refused to  pay out anyway so I don't suppose she feels she is losing anything. As long as she gets replacement Insurance straight away there'll only be a 10 day gap or so where she's not covered.

But if a claim has been paid out within the policy year, then they will ask for that money to be repaid. I got caught out from that clause when I changed policies for Vegas before the policy year was out
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: michelle123 on October 13, 2006, 06:29:54 PM
This depends on whether you have paid annually or if you are paying by DD
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Cob-Web on October 13, 2006, 07:18:15 PM
This depends on whether you have paid annually or if you are paying by DD

It is a rare insurance company that offers a month-by-month contract  - even if you pay monthly it is usually an annual contract; the DD is a "gesture of goodwill" by the insurance company and you are committed to a 12 month contract when you sign/renew the policy  :-\ (I got stung like this for car insurance after making a claim - I didn't read the small print carefully enough  ::))

It is not an unusual situation for the owners of a dog that has been PTS during the policy year to have to carry on paying for months after the dog has PTS  :'(

Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on October 13, 2006, 11:06:45 PM
Folks - I've read the policy, small and large print, and am entitled to cancel the policy at any time, which I have done.

Rachel, if they want to pursue me for the money they paid out for the claim I made for Parker's tummy/bowel troublt, they can but try.  I don't have the money.  I don't have ANY spare cash now.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Cob-Web on October 14, 2006, 09:33:45 AM
Folks - I've read the policy, small and large print, and am entitled to cancel the policy at any time, which I have done.

Rachel, if they want to pursue me for the money they paid out for the claim I made for Parker's tummy/bowel troublt, they can but try.  I don't have the money.  I don't have ANY spare cash now.

I don't think they will - the Tesco's policy document online is a month-by-month arrangement - unlike M & S, Petplan and other well known policies which only offer 12 month arrangements  ;)

This (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/) site is a good place to visit when you are looking for insurance, or any financial products - it gives you tips on getting a good deal as well as discussions about peoples experiences of different companies, and how to get results when things go wrong  ;)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Jeeves on October 14, 2006, 10:35:49 AM
Rachel, thank you for that site - that will be really useful!  :D

You'll be pleased to hear that I've simmered down a bit from yesterday!!  A day of letter writing is in store as well as arranging new policies for the boys. 

Ho hum - what a palava!!  ::)
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Shelley on October 16, 2006, 02:12:29 AM
I have M&S insurance for my two younger Newfs and for Tia. I have to say *touch wood* we haven't had any problems with them paying out, even when Kitten had what could have been classed as a hereditary problem. He had to have an op for elbow dysplacia, the x-rays, op and the medication he was on for 4-5 months cost over £1,000 and they paid it back no problems.

We also have the no excess policy, so eveytime we go to the vets we get our money back... Apart for things like their inocculations of course.

The one thing we did find odd was the different costs for the dogs as things have changed since we originally insured the Newfs. When we insured them we were told it would be £11 something for the first one, and then £10 something for the second, as they give a discount for more dogs. We are still paying that now, over a year later. When we phoned about insuring Tia they said with the discount for another dog and the no excess policy it was £17 something a month. It just seems daft that it is so much cheaper for such a bigger dog, I know it wouldn't be now if we were to insure them though, as they have changed things, but we are still paying what we did in the first year.
Title: Re: NEVER, NEVER USE TESCO INSURANCE......
Post by: Silver Surfer (indiesnan) on October 16, 2006, 08:40:49 AM
Weve had no probs at all claiming from M & S since Nell was diagnosed (sp)
 
They have paid out within three weeks of claiming and no excess  :D