Pet insurer finds 42 per cent of Brits would choose dog or cat over partner

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by Tiffany Parker February 19, 2011 in Insurance News

Around 42 per cent of people in the UK would always choose their cat or dog over their partner, according to a recent survey carried out by M&S Pet Insurance .

The survey revealed that 42 per cent of cat and dog owners would cancel a date if their pet was ill. Yet, even though we are a pet loving nation, take-up of pet insurance is still relatively low. Only 42 per cent of dog owners and 26 per cent of cat owners have taken out any pet insurance for their animal.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of insurance, said: “Our survey shows that Britain is truly a pet-loving nation. It is surprising therefore, that ownership of pet insurance remains relatively low. Taking out insurance can avoid the need for large payments when your pet needs treatment.”

He added that pet owners should ensure the policy they choose offers the appropriate level of cover. M&S Premier Pet Insurance offers up to 7,000 pounds Sterling a year in vets fees for illness and injury .

Drive Safe Abroad

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by Tiffany Parker February 15, 2011 in Insurance News

Did you know that every year over one million people are killed in road accidents globally? Sobering statistics from the U.S. Department of State reveal hundreds of U.S citizens are injured or killed on the roads, either in a car or as a pedestrian. How do you stop being a statistic when abroad? What safety measures can you take behind the wheel?

Always buckle up – other drivers may not be paying attention to this safety feature but you should always use a seat belt. As well as helping prevent major injury or death, using a seat belt helps you avoid fines in some countries.

Stick to quieter roads while you get used to driving in a different place, particularly if drivers drive on the left side of the road. Make sure you’ve planned your route in advance and have a good road map or navigation system. Take note of local driving customs, like honking the horn before going round a sharp bend.

One essential for drivers to think about is international travel insurance. If

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Holidaymakers to get more protection as ministers plan to reform travel protection

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by Tiffany Parker February 10, 2011 in Insurance News

Proposed government reforms could give holidaymakers more protection if their tour operator collapses.

Theresa Villiers, Transport Minister, recently announced the plans to the Commons. She said: “The proportion of holidays with ATOL protection has fallen and it can be difficult for consumers and the travel industry to know which holidays are protected and which are not. The proposed reforms will make it easier for everyone to understand which holidays are covered and will restore protection to what looks like a package holiday, but now falls outside the legal definition.’’

Ms Villiers told MPs that flaws in the system were exposed by the recent big tour operator collapses, including Goldtrail and Sun4U last year, Freedom Direct in 2009 and XL in 2008.

The Air Travel Organiser’s Licensing scheme was established to offer financial protection to consumers buying package holidays, however the recent trend of buying holidays online and purchasing flights and hotels separately has meant that many holidaymakers are no longer covered by the system. Read more…

Many home insurance policies do not cover digital downloads

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by Tiffany Parker February 04, 2011 in Insurance News

Music fans could be at risk of losing out financially as the majority of home insurance companies do not cover digital downloads, according to a recent study by Which?

The study by the consumer watchdog found that a third of leading home insurers standard policies fail to offer any form of protection, even though over 100m tracks are downloaded by Brits every year. Those that do offer cover generally limit it to around 1,000.

According to Which? only four providers, including HMV Digital, Play.com, 7 Digital and Tesco Entertainment, allow customers to re-download lost music . However others, which includes the popular iTunes, say in their terms and conditions that: “Products may be downloaded only once and cannot be replaced if lost for any reason”.

Which? CEO Peter Vicary Smith said: “It’s surprising that, at a time when the popularity of digital downloads is soaring, insurers aren’t offering music lovers the protection they need. Read more…