Latest news with #TescoInsurance
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Four common summer culprits all dog owners must watch out for in hot weather
While the summer is fast approaching, Tesco Insurance is urging pup parents to stay alert while letting their furry friends enjoy those long walks in the sunshine. After spotting a trend in dog claims - with one in six pet insurance claims in spring and summer related to grass seed injuries, costing an average of £392 - they decided to dig deeper. Why are so many incidents happening during the hottest months? Turns out, there are four common culprits. But if you know what to look for, you could save your dog from unnecessary pain - and yourself a pricey vet bill. Dog owner claims pet's favourite sleep position reveals 'secrets' about personality 'Spring and summer are perfect for enjoying the outdoors - and that goes for our four-legged friends too. Longer, warmer days mean more time for dogs to play, explore, and enjoy the fresh air,' said Alex Cross, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Insurance 'But with the extra freedom comes added responsibility for owners. Whether your pup is rolling in the grass, sniffing around the flowerbeds, or eyeing up a picnic or barbecue, it's important to keep a close watch.' Alex shares the four things you need to look out for... Grass Seeds Tesco Insurance recorded over 500 claims just in July and August last year for grass seed injuries - and the costs add up fast. After walks, check your dog's fur, especially between the toes and around the ears. If seeds are loose, brush them off. But if they're lodged in the skin, don't ignore them - they might be tiny, but they're sharp and dangerous and can cause mild irritation through to serious organ damage. Call your vet as soon as possible. Insect Stings This one's a bit more expected, especially with bees and wasps flying about. Most stings cause minor swelling and discomfort, but if the sting's still in the skin, gently scrape it out and apply a cool cloth to soothe the area. Watch for signs of something more serious though: heavy swelling, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea, or sudden weakness. If any of these show up, seek help straight away. Heatstroke Just like humans, dogs can suffer in the heat. If it's warmer than usual, be extra careful on long walks. Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, laboured breathing, drowsiness, vomiting or collapsing. If your dog shows any of these signs, move them to a shaded or cool area immediately and offer small sips of cool (not icy) water. Pouring water over them can also help bring their body temp down. Dogs with thick coats or flat faces - like Frenchies or pugs - are especially at risk. And if your dog becomes unconscious, it's an emergency. Go to the vet, immediately. Picnic and barbeques Sunny days scream picnic and barbeque season, but some of our favourite summer foods are toxic to dogs. Most people know about chocolate, but avocados, grapes, and raisins are also no-go's. They can trigger abdominal pain, vomiting, seizures - even comas in extreme cases. Corn on the cob isn't poisonous, but it is a choking hazard and can cause dangerous blockages. And while it might be tempting to share leftover bones, don't - they can splinter in your dog's mouth or gut. Same goes for kebab skewers. 'With the extra freedom comes added responsibility for owners. Whether your pup is rolling in the grass, sniffing around the flowerbeds, or eyeing up a picnic or barbecue, it's important to keep a close watch,' says Alex Cross 'If you suspect your dog is in pain or has eaten something they shouldn't, don't wait. Seek expert advice straight away.' Tesco Insurance customers can access 24/7 help through vetfone which has a national network of vet nurses to help with any questions.
BBC News
17-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Tesco £100k home insurance quote leaves couple baffled
A couple were left reeling after getting a home insurance renewal quote of just under £100, Peter Cunningham and his wife Patricia from Newry have insured their bungalow with Tesco for a number of years paying £580 for last year's year's quote for £99,999 left the couple insurance and money services told BBC News NI that "incorrect information" had been sent to Dr Cunningham, but said the company was "unable to renew" his home insurance cover. When he received the renewal quote, Dr Cunningham said he thought the figure was a typo so called the Tesco helpline."The gentleman I spoke to in the customer call centre was able to confirm that I had been sent out a policy renewal. "I got another letter afterwards, sending me the policy documents. So if it was an error, it was an error times two."Patricia Cunningham said she saw the funny side: "I just laughed - I could not believe it."But she was also worried by what may have happened had the couple not paid attention to the routine letter."If we had been away on holiday and it had automatically renewed, I don't know what would happen," she said."It's absolutely, totally outrageous." Tesco insurance and money services said the letter had been an isolated error and it was "really sorry"."The error was recognised almost immediately and an updated letter sent explaining that we were unfortunately unable to renew the customer's home insurance cover this year," the statement continued."Insurance providers regularly review underwriting criteria to make decisions based on a number of risk factors. "Unfortunately, this meant that Dr Cunningham was declined for a renewal quote this year." 'Let themselves down' Dr Cunningham said he believed the refusal to provide insurance cover for the year ahead was because he made a claim after Storm Éowyn."First insurance claim we had in nine years, and it was a storm that nearly blew the whole island to a different position in the Atlantic. "So you could make the assumption that you're being penalised for making a claim."We had an electric surge which blew all the electrics in the house."Tesco Insurance were fantastic, dealt with it incredibly well. It was just over £3,000 and it was paid out very quickly."Tesco Insurance said the denial of a policy for this year was "not related to him having made a previous claim".It has left the couple "disappointed" in the company."They've let themselves down in my eyes in this situation and once trust is gone, trust is very difficult for them to rebuild up again," he added.
