Direct Line take tough stance on £10 earache

Jun 29 2008 The Judge

JOHN Molloy has battled Direct Line for almost a year over his £1000 vet bill.

The insurer gave the go-ahead to treat spaniel Bruno for a severe ear infection and burst ear drum.

But they refused to cough up as John, 41, of Castlemilk, Glasgow, had not claimed for a previous ear infection.

His policy only covers a condition for 12 months and as he did not report the first one, he can't claim for the second. Delivery man John, who paid the £17-a-month policy for four years, said: "They're trying to get out of it. I didn't claim the first time as the policy has a £60 excess and the bill was £10.

"My vet was so angry he contacted Direct Line but it made no difference." I got on to the firm but they stuck to their guns. They said: "He did not claim for the ear problem within the first 12 months, a key condition of the policy."

As the Ombudsman will testify, this puppy dog tale isn't over.