DOG INSURANCE POLICIES – A GUIDE
Why you need them …
These days, the majority of owners I work with have already chosen to take out an insurance policy for their dogs, as they are aware of the ongoing need during their dogs’ lives for medical cover.
However, many people are still not aware of the Third Party Liability cover which they may be lacking if they do not take out a suitable policy. Without this cover, owners could find themselves having to settle claims out of their own pocket for any claim against them due to their dogs’ inappropriate behaviour.
In this day and age, where dog law puts increasingly more pressure on dog owners to have their dogs under control, it is a wise owner who ensures their dogs are covered not just for medical requirements for also for Third Party claims – please see the Kennel Club’s Dog Law guide.
Your own household insurance might cover you for Third Party Liability but not all policies do, and some will only cover you on your own property but not when out in public, so you need to check with your insurer each year if you have adequate cover.
General points to consider before signing up for a policy …
Below are a few of my own notes on points to consider before taking out your policy and further below are several links to some very useful documents giving more information on finding the right policy for you and your dogs.
- It is important to spend time ensuring you choose the right insurance policy for your dog because once your dog has experienced a medical condition you will usually not be covered for any ‘pre-existing’ conditions. Obviously, the older your dog, the more likely that there will be pre-existing conditions.
- Most policies do not give cover immediately so please do not wait until your dog is ill.
- Even if you have several weeks’ cover included when you buy a puppy, many owners are not aware of points 1 and 2 above and so leave the purchase of their permanent policy until it is too late. Please make sure you research insurance policies before you even get your puppy or dog and so are able to ensure you will never have a period without any cover and that you will minimise the risk of having any pre-existing conditions excluded on your dog’s policy.
Other Benefits:
- As mentioned above, most dog insurance policies will offer Third Party Liability and you need to read the small-print to ensure you have adequate cover both in the home and elsewhere.
- Some policies offer benefits such as:
- Advertising and reward if your dog is lost.
- Overseas travel cover.
Useful links for more information on taking out a pet insurance policy…
www.bva.co.uk/You-and-your-vet/BVA-advice-leaflets
British Veterinary Association (BVA) Benefits of Pet Insurance
www.abi.org.uk/Insurance-and-savings/Products/Pet-insurance
Association of British Insurance Pet Insurance Guide
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/66386/insurance.pdf
Link to the Kennel Club Pet Insurance Guide for Dog Owners
© Sally Bartlett
Co-operative Canines Dog Training and Behaviour