The good - yes they have always paid out on claims, but! because the vets failed to send off the initial 'free first month' paperwork to them and he had to go in, he started the policy with an exclusion from day one, all because their admin staff sat in the form.
The bad -Roll on today and 6 years later, and I get my renewal, which has gone up 18% from last year, no claims this year, and from 18% again from the previous year. Taking this forward to average age of death for a spaniel, I would be paying £2822 per annum or £235 per month! It should also be noted that the retail price index in June was 3.9%, and the last time inflation was as high as their 18% increment, was back in July 1980!
In speaking with a vet nurse I know through work, she said to ring and negotiate a discount - which I always do on car renewal / RAC / gas - the lot. Also being in the finance world for 30 years, I know underwriters can rebate fees into plans etc and there is wriggle room on everything.
The Ugly - despite pronouncing all of the above to the young lady in their call centre, their stonewall response is - no negotiation, that is the price. Nothing, nil, nada.
That, as regards customer service and we defend to the death is unbelievable. Allianz's profits must be rolling it in for the shareholders.
I work out it would be better to take out a 0% credit card to have as reserve for any such eventuality, and pay a bill that way, rather than such increases.
I am told it is all due to the 'dog, location, etc etc...' Yes, that is how underwriting works.
Does anyone have their annual increase at such a high price across the board - she could not answer that question.