Divided we fall?

If the Scottish independence vote goes ahead, will my dog’s insurance be invalid?

Trevor Hughes, Scotland, via Twitter

Out of control

I have a huge problem and am having great difficulty in finding someone to help me resolve this. Whilst out walking my two GSDs in Windsor Great Park in December 2012 I was knocked over by a dog running out of control.

Windsor Great Park rules (posted at every entrance) clearly states that DOGS MUST BE KEPT UNDER STRICT CONTROL OR ON LEADS. This dog clearly wasn't and was completely ignoring its owner who was yelling at it to come back.

As a result I suffered a severe knee injury which resulted in hospitalisation and two operations, and 10 months off work, leaving me massively in debt.

The owner is insured and does have public liability but the insurers are refusing to pay for my claim as they have said the dog is friendly and skidded on wet grass!  My solicitor still believes I have an excellent case but is unable to take this forward on a no win no fee basis.

I am desperate! Please can anyone help me?

Karen, via email 

Insurance policy?

I have a nine-year-old Beagle, who is insured with Direct Line...she has recently had an op to remove a large lump from her back leg and a smaller lump from her right side...unfortunately we got the news that the large lump on her leg was actually a very advanced mast cell tumour, and although they removed all they could see, her condition is terminal.

My vets did a direct claim with Direct Line (as the usually do) and Direct Line has decided they are going to charge me 2 separate excess fees (£80 each), as they pay our per condition, and as each lump is a different type, this classes as 2 different conditions.
Has anyone else heard about this? I have spoken to several different people at Direct Line  but just keep being told it is policy, and to pay the difference to my vets immediately.

I just presumed that as it was one procedure to remove unidentified lumps it would all count as one claim?!

I'd be grateful for anyone elses input!

Claire Ruston, via Facebook