Cheap Dog Insurance UK 2025 – Best Budget Cover

Last updated: September 11, 2025

Introduction

For many dog owners, the cost of insurance is a key factor when choosing cover. With premiums rising as dogs age — and pedigree breeds often costing more to insure — it’s no surprise that cheap dog insurance UK 2025 is a popular search.

In this guide, we explain the cheapest types of dog insurance, which providers offer budget-friendly options, and what you need to consider before choosing the lowest-cost policy.

For broader context, see our Cheap Pet Insurance UK 2025 guide, which compares cheap options for both cats and dogs.

Cheapest Types of Dog Insurance

1. Accident-Only Cover

From around £6–10/month for dogs.
Covers accidents only, no illness.
Often the cheapest but offers limited protection.

2. Time-Limited Cover

Usually £15–25/month for dogs.
Covers illnesses and accidents for up to 12 months per condition.
A budget-friendly step up from accident-only.

3. Maximum Benefit Cover

From £20–30/month.
A fixed pot per condition; once it’s used up, the condition is excluded.
Can work for one-off problems but less suitable for chronic illness.

4. Lifetime Cover

Usually £25–40+/month for dogs.
Resets annually, covers chronic conditions if you keep renewing.
Not the cheapest upfront, but often the best value in the long run.

Cheapest Dog Insurance Providers UK 2025

While prices depend on breed, age, and location, these providers are known for affordable entry-level dog insurance:

Provider	Cheapest Policy Type	From Price (approx)	Notes
Animal Friends	Accident-Only	£6/month	Among the cheapest options for dogs
ASDA Money	Time-Limited	£15/month	Backed by supermarket brand
Tesco Bank	Time-Limited	£15/month	Clubcard discount available
Sainsbury’s Bank	Maximum Benefit	£20/month	Nectar points bonus
Agria	Lifetime only	£25/month	Not the cheapest, but premium cover

Note: prices are estimates and will vary by breed, age, and excess selected.

What Affects the Cost of Dog Insurance?

Several factors influence the cost of insuring your dog:

Breed: Pedigree dogs usually cost more than crossbreeds. Large breeds often have higher premiums.
Age: Older dogs cost more to insure, and may have fewer cheap options.
Location: Vet costs vary by region, influencing premiums.
Policy type: Accident-only is cheapest, lifetime is most expensive.
Excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess lowers the monthly premium.

Cheapest Dog Insurance by Breed

Some breeds are consistently cheaper to insure than others. For example:

Lower cost breeds: Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Higher cost breeds: French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever.

Breed is one of the biggest cost drivers, so always compare across providers.

Is Cheap Dog Insurance Worth It?

Cheap policies keep premiums low, but you need to weigh the trade-offs:

Accident-only cover may leave you with no support if your dog develops an illness.
Time-limited cover ends after 12 months per condition.
Maximum benefit policies can run out if your dog develops a chronic illness.
Lifetime cover is more expensive but protects against long-term issues.

For older dogs, see our Pet Insurance for Older Dogs UK 2025 guide, as cheap policies may not provide enough protection.

Alternatives to Cheapest Cover

If you want more than the cheapest option, consider:

FAQs

What is the cheapest dog insurance in the UK?

Accident-only policies are usually the cheapest, starting from £6/month. Providers like Animal Friends often offer the lowest prices.

Is accident-only dog insurance worth it?

It’s very cheap but only covers accidents, not illness. It may be fine for younger dogs but is risky for long-term health conditions.

Which providers are cheapest for dogs?

Animal Friends, ASDA, and Tesco often offer cheaper dog insurance policies, but it varies by breed and age.

Does breed affect the cost of dog insurance?

Yes. Pedigree and larger breeds cost more to insure. Crossbreeds and smaller dogs are often cheaper.

How can I reduce the cost of dog insurance?

Choose a higher excess, insure multiple pets for discounts, and compare policies each year to find the cheapest deal.

Conclusion

The cheapest dog insurance UK 2025 is usually accident-only, starting at around £6/month. Providers like Animal Friends and ASDA offer some of the lowest entry-level premiums.

However, cheap cover comes with limits. If your dog develops a chronic illness, lifetime cover — though more expensive — may save you money in the long run. Always balance upfront cost against the level of protection your pet needs.