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ANIMAL FRIENDS INSURANCE SERVICES - PET POLICY WORDINGGENERAL NOTES & OPTIONS
Disclosing material factsYou are obliged to inform us of any material fact that affects the risks we insure. If you are in any doubt whether a fact is material, you should disclose it.
Monthly policies and yearly policiesA yearly policy runs for 365 days from the commencement date shown on your schedule.
A monthly policy runs for and premiums are collected each calendar month. Your monthly policy will renew each month automatically.
During your insurance with us we may offer upgraded benefits, alter cover or increase premiums. You will get at least 14 days notice of any alterations in cover or premium. You can cancel the policy at any time without penalty by simply phoning us. All premiums include Government Insurance Premium Tax at 5%.
Claims Helpline - 08449 809 603Should you need a claim form, claims advice or information, you can call this number between 8.00am and 5.30pm Mon to Fri and on 08449 809 400 9.00am to 12.00pm Sat. An Emergency Claims Helpline 08449 809 809 is open all year round except Christmas and Boxing Day (Mon-Fri 5.30pm to 9.00pm and Sat 12.00pm to 6.00pm and Sun 9.00am to 12.00pm) outside these hours a swift-action answer phone service is available.
INTRODUCTION AND YOUR PROMISE TO US
We have pleasure in introducing this insurance policy from E&L, for people who own dogs and cats. Much careful research went into devising the policy. We hope you will be pleased with the level of cover and the service we are offering.
What you should doPlease read the policy as soon as you receive it. If you do not keep to the conditions, your policy could become void or we may not be able to accept liability for a claim. If you are not entirely happy with the policy, please return it to us within 14 days without making a claim. We will then cancel the policy and refund the whole of your premium.
This policy may contain new benefits, terms and conditions. If you filled in an out-of-date proposal form or this is a renewal, we recommend you read the policy carefully as it may differ from what you have seen before. It is up to you to make sure that the entire policy and schedule meet your needs; you must tell us immediately if this is not the case.
Particular points about the coverThe policy is a fixed-term contract of insurance, not a continuous permanent health policy. The policy covers your pet while you, or anyone with your permission, is looking after it. We only insure you when we accept a satisfactory proposal form and issue a schedule, and when you have paid us the correct premium before the start date of the period of the insurance or within 28 days if we allow a credit period to an intermediary. If we are told about any claims under the policy in any period of insurance, we will not have to return any part of the premium for that period.
The proposal form you fill in is the basis of this contract. We provide insurance under the policy for the specific sections in the schedule (or any endorsement) for events that occur anywhere in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man during the period of insurance. We as the insurer and you, as the insured, are entitled to choose the law applicable to this contract of insurance. We propose English law and in the absence of any agreement to the contrary, English law will apply.
The policy schedule is important. It lists the cover you have chosen, it is proof of your insurance and it may be needed if you have a claim. The policy depends on the warranties (promises), conditions and exclusions stated in it. We are liable only up to the limit of cover shown in the schedule. Your intermediary will not be or become our intermediary for giving notice about any claims or any other matter. If you ask, we may agree to change any part of the policy.
We cannot be held liable for any mistakes or omissions by an intermediary who has arranged the insurance on your behalf.
Your promiseYou promise that your pet is sound and in perfect health at the start (or renewal) of the period of insurance, and that your pet does not have any illness or injury. So any pet that does not meet these health standards will not be covered for any liability relating to the illness or injury in question in any period of insurance that it enters in that state. This insurance is intended to provide protection against unexpected rather than inevitable events.
This is a master policy wording showing all Sections of cover available for this type of insurance. Some sections of cover offered may not apply to your insurance. Please check your policy schedule to see what sections of cover are applicable to your insurance cover. A policy excess applies to all Sections of cover unless stated differently in the policy schedule.
Francis Martin General Manager Signed on behalf of the Equine & Livestock Insurance Company Limited. DEFINITIONS
Chronic condition - a condition which, having developed, is incurable and is likely to continue throughout life. Clinical signs - changes in the pet's normal healthy state, condition, appearance, its bodily functions or behaviour. Complementary medicine - physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathic or herbal medicines. Condition - all clinical signs of injury or illness resulting in the same diagnosis regardless of the number of incidents or the areas of the body affected. Continuing treatment - regular and ongoing veterinary treatment occurring within a 90-day period. Excess -the amount you must pay towards each and every claim. In respect of Vet's Fees - you must pay an excess for each condition receiving treatment during the period of insurance which is not related to any other injury or illness receiving treatment during the period of insurance. Where the treatment dates fall within different calendar years you must pay an excess for each calendar year. Illness - physical disease, sickness, infection or failure which is not caused by injury. Immediate family - your spouse, children and parents. Injury - physical damage or trauma caused by an accident. Period of insurance - for yearly policies, a period of 365 days from the start of the policy or the last renewal; for monthly policies, a calendar month. Pet - the pet identified as insured in the policy schedule. Recurring condition - a condition which is curable but which may recur throughout life. Treatment - any consultation, examination, advice, tests, x-rays, medication, surgery, nursing care provided by a veterinary practice or qualified practitioner recommended by your vet. We - Equine & Livestock Insurance Company Limited. You - the policyholder or any person this insurance applies to.
SECTION 1 - VET'S FEES
This only applies if it is included in the schedule. The excess applies to this section.
CoverWe pay up to the amount shown in the schedule, for each condition, for the proper veterinary charges following treatment given by a qualified vet. We also cover complementary medicine recommended by your vet and administered by a qualified practitioner. This must follow an injury or illness that happened or started during this period of insurance (unless ‘Lifetime' cover is in force). We will also contribute a sum of 30p per cat and 60p per dog per day up to the limits specified in the schedule to assist towards the cost difference between your pet's normal diet and any special diet prescribed by and only available from your vet as part of the treatment to dissolve bladder stones or crystals in urine.
Any upgrade in cover or benefit levels endorsed on the policy during the policy term or at renewal of the policy shall not apply to any condition for which a claim has been notified or to a condition showing clinical signs prior to such upgrade becoming effective.
While your pet continues to receive treatment from your vet or a recommended qualified practitioner unless we say otherwise, we will need a written note from you every 90 days informing us of any costs incurred and the current state of your pet's health.
If total vet's fees seem likely to exceed £1000, you must notify us immediately as we may wish to obtain a 2nd opinion from our veterinary advisor. NB. We can not accept liability for any claim until a fully completed claim form, detailed veterinary account and full medical history is received.
ExclusionsThe following are not insured:
1. Costs resulting from an injury or illness first showing clinical signs before your pet's cover started. 2. Costs for cosmetic treatment, routine treatment or preventative treatment recommended by your vet to prevent injury or illness including trimming, scaling or polishing teeth, vaccination, spaying, castration, grooming or nail clipping, breeding, whelping, kittening and any claims arising as a result of these procedures. 3. Any costs arising from vicious tendencies or behavioural problems shown by your pet. 4. Any costs for house calls / out-of-hours calls unless your vet confirms that your pet was suffering from a life-endangering condition. 5. Costs of putting a pet to sleep, cremation, disposal. 6. Costs not backed up by a receipt/invoice showing full details of the costs incurred. 7. Any costs incurred more than 365 days after the first date of treatment for any condition, whether it is ongoing, chronic or recurring, unless lifetime cover has been chosen and is detailed in the schedule. In which case the maximum recoverable benefit will be reinstated for each policy period providing the policy is renewed. 8. Costs for treatment of conditions arising from your pet being overweight, except weight gain as a result of a diagnosed illness. 9. Prescribed diets other than those detailed above.
Note: There will be a fixed deduction of 10% from any recoverable hospitalisation costs of the policy to account for the normal cost of pet ownership such as housing, bedding and food.
SECTION 2 - DEATH OF DOG OR CAT FROM ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS
This only applies if it is included in the schedule. The policy excess applies to this section.
CoverWe pay the market value, the price paid or the amount shown in the schedule (whichever is less) if your pet dies during the period of insurance or is put down for humane reasons because of an injury or illness that happened or started during this period of insurance. The death must occur during the same period of insurance. You must tell us immediately in writing of the accident or illness.
ExclusionsThe following are not insured:
1. Putting a pet to sleep due to law, regulation, an order of the Privy Council, a government department, a public authority or similar, or order related to a ‘notifiable' disease. 2. Death during or after a surgical operation or a general anaesthetic unless a qualified vet certifies that it was necessary because of injury or illness. 3. Putting a pet to sleep for financial reasons or putting a dog to sleep because of its vicious tendencies or problems with its behaviour. 4. Death due to illness of any dog or cat aged 8 years or over at the inception or renewal of any policy.
Conditions which apply to sections 1 and 2.
1. If there is any illness of, or injury to, your pet you must immediately get a qualified vet to treat your pet (you must pay for this). You must allow the vet to take your pet away for treatment if it is best. You must provide a report from the attending vet about the condition of your pet (even if it dies). You must keep to every reasonable instruction we issue. 2. If your pet dies, you must arrange and pay for a qualified vet to certify the cause of death. The vet must make a post-mortem examination at your expense (if we say we need one).
SECTION 3 - BOARDING KENNEL/CATTERY FEES
This only applies if it is included in the schedule. The policy excess applies to this section.
CoverWe pay the cost of boarding your pet for the duration that you are a registered in-patient of a hospital provided you suffer:
(a) any bodily injury, sickness or disease and you are in hospital for longer than the period shown in the schedule; and (b) there is no other responsible person who can care for your pet. You must board your pet at a licensed kennel or cattery and we will pay up to the amount given in the policy schedule.
ExclusionsThe following are not insured:
1. Any claims by you or your partner for: (a) pregnancy; (b) any hospital treatment that was expected or probable when you started or renewed this insurance; and any medical condition you or your partner already have which might happen again. 2. Any claim if: (a) you do not send us receipts from the boarding kennel or cattery clearly showing the name of the pet, the owner's name and address, the date your pet was cared for by the kennel or cattery and the amounts charged each day; (b) a medical certificate from the hospital you attended does not show your name and address or we do not receive it.
SECTION 4 - HOLIDAY CANCELLATION
This only applies if it is included in the schedule. The policy excess applies to this section.
CoverIf you have to cancel or cut short your holiday because your cat or dog needs emergency life-saving surgery because of an accident or illness occurring within 14 days of the holiday, we pay the costs that you cannot recover. We only pay up to the amount shown in the schedule.
You will need to get (at your own cost) receipts from the travel company, tour operator or other similar party for the expenses that are being claimed, clearly showing dates and charges you have to pay because of cancelling or cutting short your holiday.
ExclusionsYou are not insured for the following:
1. Surgery for non-life-saving operations. 2. Costs for any holiday booked less than 28 days before you leave. 3. Expenses that can be claimed from any other source.
SECTION 5 - LOSS BY THEFT OR STRAYING
This only applies if it is included in the schedule. The policy excess applies to this section.
CoverWe pay the market value, the price paid or the amount shown in the schedule for this section (whichever is less) if the insured pet is not found within 28 days of straying or being stolen. It must have disappeared from your address or another place as given in the proposal form or approved by any endorsement. You must report it to the police as soon as you discover that the pet is missing.
We pay an extra amount up to 25% of your pet's sum insured to cover the cost of advertising for lost or stolen pets or paying a reward which leads to getting your pet back. (You must get our written agreement before offering a reward.)
ExclusionsThe following are not insured:
1. Theft which does not involve forcible and violent entry to a secure area, such as a pen or your home. SECTION 6- ACCIDENTAL DAMAGEThis only applies if it is included in the schedule. The policy excess applies to this section.
Cover We insure you for accidental damage to personal property that is not owned by you, a member of your immediate family, a relative, employee, guest or other person who is responsible for or in control of your pet. You are covered while the pet is visiting someone else's property, whether or not you are legally liable for the damage. You must give us evidence of the loss. The damaged item must not be disposed of without our written consent.
ExclusionsThe following are not covered:
1. Damage to any motor vehicle or its contents 2. Damage caused by your pet vomiting, defecating (fouling) or urinating. 3. Damage while the pet is left unattended
SECTION 7- BURGLARY REWARD
This only applies if it is included in the schedule. The policy excess applies to this section
Cover (dogs only)
If your family pet restrains a burglar in your home and this leads to a conviction of the person involved, we pay up to the amount shown in the schedule.
ExclusionsThe following are not covered:1.Any property connected with a business or any commercial operation.2.Any dog not kept purely as a family pet unless the schedule specifically identifies your pet as a working dog.SECTION 8 - PUBLIC LIABILITY
This only applies if it is included in the schedule. The policy excess applies to this section.
Cover
We insure you up to the amount specified in the schedule in respect of: (a) amounts you become legally liable to pay and/or (b) costs and expenses of defending litigation incurred with our written consent for claims made against you for death or bodily injury or loss or damage to property arising from one event or all events of a series consequent on one original cause happening during the period of insurance and caused by or through your ownership of the pet specified in the schedule.
We also insure you up to the amount specified in the schedule in respect of your costs and expenses of defending criminal proceedings, incurred with our written consent, if you are prosecuted under the provisions of the Dogs Act 1871, Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.
Conditions
1. You must not admit responsibility, offer, promise, pay or agree to pay any claim or negotiate with any other persons following an incident. 2. You must inform us immediately of any impending prosecution inquest or fatal inquiry or civil proceedings. You must send us every piece of correspondence and document you receive without replying to it. 3. (a) You must allow us to take over and conduct in your name the defence or settlement of any claim for our own benefit; (b) You must allow us to take proceedings in our name, at our own expense and for our own benefit, to recover compensation or secure an indemnity from any third party; you shall give all information and assistance we require. 4. (a) For any claim or series of claims we may at any time pay you the amount of the limit of indemnity or any lower amount which the claim(s) can be settled for; thereafter (b) We will have no further liability in the claim(s) except for the third party's costs and expenses incurred up to the date of payment. up to the limit of the indemnity specified in the schedule.
ExclusionsThis policy shall not apply to liability in respect of:
1. Death or bodily injury, loss or damage to property sustained in connection with your carrying on any trade, business or profession or use of the insured pet for hire or reward. 2. Death or bodily injury to you, any person handling the insured pet with your permission or consent, any person that lives with you, any member of your immediate family, your agent or licensee, any person in the course of their employment or under a contract of service or apprenticeship with you, guest, employer or any person with whom you have a contractual or business relationship. 3. Loss or damage to any property owned, held in trust, in the charge of or under the control of you, any person handling the insured pet with your permission and consent, any person that lives with you, any member of your immediate family, your agent or licensee, any person in the course of their employment or under a contract of service or apprenticeship with you, guest, employer or any person with whom you have a contractual or business relationship. 4. Pollution or contamination of water, buildings or structures, land, or the atmosphere and death or bodily injury. Loss or damage to property caused by such pollution or contamination other than caused by a sudden identifiable unintended and unexpected incident which takes place in its entirety at a specific time. 5. Any event which results from your deliberate act or omission and which could reasonably have been expected by you having regards to the nature and circumstances of such act or omission. 6. The proportion of loss not directly attributable to the insured pet in respect of death or bodily injury, loss or damage to property sustained in an incident involving the insured pet and other animals. 7. Death or bodily injury, loss or damage to the property as a result of the insured pet's interaction with other animal or worrying sheep. 8. Death or bodily injury, loss or damage to property as a result of any person handling the insured pet without your permission or consent. 9. Liability created by an agreement which would not have existed in the absence of the agreement. 10. Fines, compensation and prosecution costs following your prosecution under the provisions of the Dogs Act 1871, Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.
SECTION 9- TRANSPORT COSTS
This only applies if it is included in the schedule. The policy excess applies to this section.
Cover
We cover you up to the amount stated in the schedule for any reasonable transport or mileage costs incurred if your vet refers your pet to another practice or veterinary school. Personal mileage costs will be calculated on the basis of 11p per mile.
Exclusions
1. Any repeat journey costs unless agreed by us. 2. Any loss not backed up by a detailed receipt for public transport or fuel and full details of mileage travelled.
SECTION 10- PERSONAL ACCIDENT
This only applies if it is included in the schedule. The policy excess applies to this section.
Cover
We cover you up to the amount stated in the schedule as a result of lost income if you are bitten by your pet while you are caring for it and have to miss work as a result of the injury.
Exclusions
1. Any losses incurred without a doctors note to confirm the incapacity suffered. 2. Any pet that is known to have vicious tendencies unless we have been previously told about this and have accepted it in writing.
CONDITIONS OF SETTLING CLAIMS
1. If we request it, the vet attending your pet or the usual vet or previous vet must give us any information about the pet, including its full medical history, or its treatment. You must pay for any costs involved in the above. 2. To deal with a claim, we need the vet to complete a form detailing the condition, the treatment and amount charged. We also need you to fill in the relevant parts of the claim form. We will not pay for any fee charged by your vet for doing this. We cannot accept any liability for a claim if this form has not been returned to us as soon as possible and at most within 90 days of the incident occurring, or your renewal if sooner. 3. We cannot offer a settlement for a pedigree pet unless you send us a recognised club registration document, pedigree certificate and purchase receipt. (You must pay for these.) 4. It is your responsibility to prove the value of your pet. We will take into account the age, sex, breed and whether the pet is a registered pedigree or not. You must accept that a pet's value is likely to become less as it gets older. Settlement is limited to a maximum of 75% of the sum insured value for neutered pets and further limited to 50% of the sum insured value for pets aged 6 or more.
GENERAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING HOW TO CLAIM
1. How to claim: On discovering any accident, illness, loss, destruction or damage giving rise or likely to give rise to a claim under the policy, you must give full details as soon as possible to our head office: The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Ltd, PO Box 100, York, YO26 9SZ Tel: 08449 809 603. This can be done in writing, by phone, fax or email. If you have not received an acknowledgement from us within 14 days of sending them, you must send us the details again by recorded delivery. You must co-operate fully and truthfully to give us any information we may need. 2. We are liable only if we have received the correct premium before the start of each period of insurance or within the credit period if we have allowed one to a broker or intermediary. 3. You must observe and fulfil all the terms, conditions and endorsements of the policy otherwise we will not be liable under the policy. 4. You must not mis-state, or omit or conceal a material fact from the proposal for this insurance or when renewing it or claiming against it. Otherwise the policy is void and we will not return the premium. 5. (a) If there is any insurance or indemnity effected by on or behalf of the insured applicable to any loss, damage or event, we will not make any payment for any claim that results from an incident covered by such other insurance or indemnity; (b) Where such other insurance or indemnity contains a provision excluding liability either in whole or in part by reason of the existence of this insurance, our liability shall be limited in respect of any loss, damage or event to our rateable proportion; (c) Where such other insurance or indemnity contains a provision excluding it from contributing rateably or ranking concurrently whether in whole or in part, our liability shall be limited in respect of any loss, damage or event to any excess beyond the amount which would be payable under such other insurance or indemnity had this policy not been effected. 6. If you do not agree with us: (a) If any dispute arises as to the amount to be paid under the policy, it may be referred to an arbiter to be appointed by the parties in accordance with the statutory provisions in force at the time. This provision for arbitration adds to your legal rights and does not replace them. (b) If the dispute is because of different opinions of vets, we can appoint an independent vet whom you must also agree to. The fees for this vet will be shared equally by you and us. The vet's decision will be binding on both of us. 7. We are not liable to pay any claims (including public liability) caused by a pet straying, escaping, damaging property, attacking the general public or other pets, if the pet has a history of doing this. However, you are covered if you told us about the pet's history and we accepted it in writing. 8. The policy does not cover using any insured pet in any trade, profession or business, unless we have agreed in writing to cover this. 9. Any insured dog must be kept in a secure area. Any fences and enclosures must be capable of retaining the dog and all gates, openings and so on must be kept secure. When any insured dog is on a public highway, it must be on a collar and lead under control. 10. You must always take reasonable steps to prevent accidents, illness, loss and damage and to minimise any claim under this policy. You must have the pet wormed regularly and protect it from infections or contagious disease by keeping it isolated. You must also have the pet vaccinated as necessary against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus for dogs, kennel cough when entering a boarding kennel or show, and feline infections such as enteritis and cat flu for cats. You must also agree to have your pet vaccinated against any other disease your vet feels is necessary. 11. When we invite you to renew your policy we may, at our discretion, alter premium, cover, terms and conditions as we deem necessary for any reason including such factors as your pet's age or medical history.
GENERAL EXCLUSIONS
We are not liable for the following:
1. Any medical condition that existed before this insurance policy began. 2. Any claims for illness and/or disease displaying clinical signs within 14 days of policy inception. 3. All losses arising from the insured pet being neutered or spayed. 4. Any claim as a result of any sexually transmitted disease, rabies, Aujesky's disease, leishmaniasis, epidemic outbreaks whether vaccinated against or not, or any ‘notifiable' disease. 5. We will not pay a claim that is in any way untrue or fraudulent, or arises from a malicious, wilful or criminal act by: (a) you or someone acting on your behalf; or (b) someone caring for or in control of the animal; or (c) one of your family, relations, agents, employees, licensees, paying guests, someone living with you or other person in contractual relationship with you. 6. Any loss which is the result of your breaking the United Kingdom regulations on animal health and importing animals. 7. Any consequential loss. 8. All losses arising as a result of your pet undergoing organ transplants. 9. Any loss, injury, damage, illness, death or legal liability caused by or arising from the failure of any computer hardware or software or any other electrical equipment. 10. Any legal liability or consequence associated with or caused by: (a) war, invasion, act of foreign enemy or hostilities (whether war is declared or not); (b) civil war, rebellion, revolution or insurrection, riot, civil commotion, loot or pillage in connection with this, strikes or lock-outs; (c) military power or coup; (d) nuclear or radioactive escape, accident, explosion, waste or contamination; (e) aircraft or other aerial devices.
POLICY ALTERATION & CANCELLATION RIGHTS
If you wish to cancel your policy within the first 14 days of policy inception/review and you have not made a claim there is no penalty and upon cancellation you will be entitled to a full return of premiums.
If you wish to cancel after 14 days of policy inception/review and you have not made a claim you can cancel at any time and will be entitled to the return of the unexpired portion of your premium. However, we will deduct the reasonable cost of setting up and administering your policy. We may cancel this insurance at any time in which case we will return the premiums paid less a reasonable amount for the time the policy has been in force. Our liability then ceases immediately but without affecting your or our rights under the policy up to the cancellation date. Notice will be treated as sufficiently given if posted to your last known address. Following the cancellation charge, no refund will be made of any amount equal to or less than £5.
If you ask to alter this policy, its schedule or any part of the cover there will be a reasonable endorsement fee.
Should you wish to alter your policy please contact Animal Friends Insurance. This can be done in writing at the address noted below, by phone on 0844 55 70 300 by fax on 0844 55 71 244 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it If you have not received an acknowledgement from us within 14 days, you must post the details by recorded delivery.
Cancellations can only be accepted in writing to Animal Friends at the address below or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
If you have a complaint please follow this procedure.
- If you are not satisfied with our claims service please write to the Claims Manager at E&L Insurance.
- If you are unhappy with the level of customer service you have received please write to the Customer Services Manager at Animal Friends Insurance Services Limited.
- If you remain dissatisfied please write to the Managing Director at Animal Friends Insurance Services Limited.
- All of the above can be contacted at the addresses noted below.
- If you do not receive satisfaction through our internal procedures, then you can refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Their address is: South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9SR or they can be contacted on 0845 080 1800.
- Your legal rights are unaffected.
Animal Friends Insurance Services Limited Minton House London Road Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7RT Telephone: 0844 55 70 300 Fax: 0844 55 71 244 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it http://www.animalfriends.co.uk
The Equine & Livestock Insurance Co Limited PO Box 100, York YO26 9SZ Telephone: 08704 022 800 Fax: 08704 022 600 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it http://www.eandl.co.uk |