Asda financial services to begin trial of pet insurance

The move follows a survey that shows Britain is going pet potty - latest figures compiled for ASDA reveal the amount we spend on vet fees and pet services has more than doubled in real terms over the last twenty years.

Accounting for inflation, in real terms, spending on vet services has risen from an average £664 per household in 1964 to £1,449. That's why ASDA financial services will start to offer pet insurance in 40 selected stores offering up to £1,500 of cover for vet bills for each illness or injury.

Costs for getting your pooch or pussy treated at the vets are rocketing at an alarming rate. A survey in the South West showed that a dog's broken leg could cost £701 to put right - cat flu as much as £351. In parts of London and the South East, costs can be even higher.

ASDA's pet insurance, available to cat and dog owners, is underwritten by Allianz Cornhill and designed to offer some of the lowest premiums in the UK and still provide good quality cover. Premiums are individually assessed based on the pet's postcode, age and pedigree. ASDA expects the average premium for a dog to be around £9 a month and under £6 for a cat. The actual premium could be lower, depending on individual circumstances.

News of the roll out of pet insurance to 40 trial stores comes just weeks after the start of ASDA's life insurance trial and the launch of motor, home and travel insurance across all its 265 stores in the UK.

Motor, travel and home insurance are already available at www.asda.com and pet and life insurance will go online next year.

David Rutley, ASDA’s director of financial services, said: "Whether it's a premium for your pooch or Passat, at ASDA we're developing partnerships with a wide range of financial services providers to give our customers superb value for money."

Customers can get a personalised quote for their pet by calling 0845 300 5774. Lines are open 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday – Friday and 9.00am to 1.00pm Saturday