We as families are spending more and more money on our pets. This is due to the growing consumerist trend both with ourselves and with our animals. Today we will see that, also, the demand for pet insurance is growing.
What do the latest studies say?
Animal Associations carry out annual reports on different aspects affecting our pets:
- Madrid Association of Companion Animal Veterinary Surgeons (AMVAC): the fixed costs for dogs are more than two euros a day, while the cost for a cat is close to one and a half euros. That is, if there is no eventuality that could lead to additional expenses (illness, extra veterinary costs, etc.).
- National Association of Petfood Manufacturers (ANFAAC): half of all families in Spain have a pet.
Are our pets insured?
The latter association, ANFAAC, claims that only one 1% of our animals have specific insurance.
This does not mean that they are not insured, but it is possible that we may find gaps that we are not aware of, and that we may have problems in the event of a claim.
This is very different in other neighbouring countries, such as the United Kingdom or France, where arrive at 25% of animals with specific insurance for them.
However, experts point out, due to an increased level of awareness of pets, which in many cases are considered part of the family, there is a trend towards more pet insurance.
Why pet insurance?
The Spanish Insurance Employers' Association, UNESPA, points out the most frequent examples in which it could receive a claim the owner of an animal:
- Not only bites to people, but also
- Causing pedestrian falls
- Causing accidents to cyclists or even traffic accidents
- Damage to other people's property
These are some of the cases for which, of course, the owner of the animal would be liable; he or she would have to pay the corresponding compensation.
Is it compulsory for my pet to have insurance?
This is a competition that is regulated on a regional basis, In other words, what happens in Catalonia does not necessarily have to be the same in Andalusia.
Nowadays, it is compulsory at a national level to have civil liability insurance for dangerous dogs. However, in Madrid and the Basque Country all dogs are obliged to have it, not only potentially dangerous dogs.
However, it is not essential to have a specific insurance for the animal, as many home insurance covers possible damages caused by the animal. (with certain limitations, as we must check that our insurance does cover it).
What types of pet insurance are there?
Fundamentally, we could summarise it in two main groups:
- Coverage of Liability plus Legal Defence for possible recommendations: it may also include a telephone number for advice and information.
- Those who, in addition, cover veterinary care costs, The animal's welfare, as well as additional guarantees such as: compensation for theft of the animal, or a capital to be used in the search for the animal, etc.
If you want us to offer you one of the best national policies, which insures thousands of dogs all over Spain and is tailor-made, contact us. Find the insurance of pets you need.
