The Fixer: pet insurance

Have you been left out of pocket due to poor service or sharp practice? Do you have a money problem that won't go away?

It can seem impossible to get a fair result when you are battling a financial issue alone. But never fear! The AOL Money Fixer is here to help.

Dear Fixer,

I recently got a Labrador puppy, who is now three months old. My vet has advised me to take out pet insurance for him.

However, I am confused about what sort of policy I should choose. Some of them seem to cover very little, while others cost so much he will have to be ill a lot to make it worth paying for them!

Is pet insurance very important for dogs? And what sort of policy is it best to go for?

I Sheyko, Birmingham

Dear Mr Sheyko,

Like all types of insurance, pet insurance is only worth the money when you have to make a claim.

But vet's bills can mount up very quickly when something goes wrong. And if you don't take out insurance, that could leave you in the heartbreaking situation of having to let your dog die for financial reasons.

The cost of pet insurance depends on factors such as the level of cover provided, as well as the age and breed of the animal.

As your dog is young and presumably healthy, you should be able to find a policy that doesn't break the bank by shopping around for a good deal.

Other ways to cut the cost include opting for annual cover rather than a "lifetime" policy that protects you from rising premiums if your pet has a long-term illness, and choosing accident-only protection, which is cheaper but will not pay out anything if your dog falls ill.

The Fixer

Whatever your financial problem, write to themoneyfixer@aim.com and The AOL Money Fixer will get on the case.

More from The Fixer...
The Fixer: unfair parking fine

The Fixer: cruise compensation

The Fixer: unexplained car hire charges