Expert: Charlie Barone - 4/9/2009

Question
I have a people carrier with a large truck/boot.  I bought it second hand a year ago.  Our dog goes in the boot with a dog guard so he cannot access the rest of the car.  He is otherwise unreatrained.  We noted that two of the rear seatbelts were frayed in the boot area - both in the same place.  It was not appareant how the damage was caused.  It looked like wear and tear - not dog damage.  We replaced the two belts at HUGE cost.  I walked the dog to collect the car.  By the time I got the car home he'd chewed one of the new belts in EXACTLY the same place and fashion as the old damage.  So it was the dog. And we need another belt.
Do I have any insurance claim?  I have fully comprehensive cover and animals are not mentioned.  

Answer
It sounds like you are from the UK based on the terms you use. However, insurance policies are generally inclusive contracts, subject to named exclusions from coverage, such as intentional acts, acts of war, etc. Check your policy and see if there are any exclusions from coverage that cite pets. If not, you should have a valid comprehensive claim on your policy.