Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?
While most dog owners work with their dogs to avoid aggressive behavior issues, the unfortunate reality is that dog bites do occur, and when they do, they can result in serious medical issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with approximately 800,000 requiring the injured person to seek medical attention. Another 9,500 people will require emergency medical attention due to their injuries.
No matter how well-trained your dog is, there is always the possibility that it will act aggressively. If you own a dog and have homeowners insurance, it's important to understand what your policy covers in terms of dog-related injuries, as well as whether your policy will cover the costs of injuries caused by your dog biting someone else. While your homeowners insurance policy may help cover these costs, it only does so in certain situations. That is why it is critical to understand what your homeowners policy covers and does not cover, so you are aware of what you may have to pay out of pocket for the costs associated with a dog bite claim.
When does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?
Homeowners insurance is designed to protect you financially in the event of an unexpected event. If your dog bites someone who does not live in your home, such as a friend or neighbor, your homeowners insurance policy's liability coverage may extend coverage to help cover medical costs if you are found legally liable. Legal fees and court judgments resulting from the lawsuit may also be covered by liability insurance.
If your dog bites another dog who does not live in your household, your dog bite insurance coverage may apply. For example, if your dog escapes your property and bites another dog, you would most likely be covered if you were found legally liable for the incident.
Breed restrictions can also differ depending on your state. In Pennsylvania, for example, insurers are not permitted to impose dog breed restrictions. In certain states, your homeowners insurance company cannot deny coverage based on the breed of your dog.
It is important to note that your liability insurance policy has a coverage limit, and any expenses in excess of that limit will not be covered. Liability coverage can range from $100,000 to $300,000 to $500,000 or more. If you require additional liability coverage above your homeowners coverage limit, you should consider purchasing an umbrella policy.
When does homeowners insurance not cover dog bites?
While homeowners insurance may cover dog bites, there are some exclusions. An exclusion means that your insurance company expressly states that certain scenarios are not covered by your policy. The following are some common exclusions for dog bites that your homeowners insurer may have. However, it is critical to consult with your insurance agent or carrier to determine how your coverage applies or does not apply.
Excluded coverage for dog breeds
Your property insurer may have a list of prohibited dog breeds. The following dog breeds are frequently excluded by homeowners insurance companies:
- Akita
- Chow Chow
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd Dog
- Great Dane
- Mastiff
- Pit Bull
- Presa Canario
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Siberian Husky
Most carriers generally exclude mixes of any restricted breed mentioned above. If your dog is on a restricted dog breed list, even if you obtained the dog after purchasing a homeowners insurance policy, a bite will most likely not be covered. However, check with your insurer as different carriers have different breed restrictions (or none at all).
Excluded coverage by insurance company
Some insurers may include dog bite restrictions in the terms of your homeowners policy. You may recall, for example, agreeing to exclude pet coverage from your liability coverage options when you set up your policy. If this is the case, you will not be covered if your pet injures someone.
Excluded coverage for household members
Your homeowners insurance will also not cover injuries to family members. If your dog bites a family member, such as your spouse, your homeowners liability or medical payments coverage will not cover any medical bills incurred as a result of this incident. If your dog bites another dog in your household, your policy will not cover the incident.
How to file a dog bite claim
The first step in filing a dog bite claim is determining what your insurance policy covers. You can file a claim online by going to the website of your homeowners insurance provider and following the instructions. You can also contact your insurer, as many have 24-hour claim services. If you purchased your policy through a local agent, you may need to contact them during regular business hours. The policy paperwork you received when you set up your homeowners insurance policy, such as your declarations page, usually includes a phone number for contacting customer service or the claims department. You can also look up the contact information for your insurer online.
How to help prevent dog bites
If you have a dog as a pet, there is always the possibility that it will bite someone else. That can be devastating for both you and the injured person, so it's critical to try to reduce the likelihood of that happening. Here are a few pointers to help you avoid dog bites:
- Keep your dog on a leash. This helps to keep your dog from biting someone or inciting an attack and being injured by another animal.
- Teach your dog to keep his or her distance from other people. Training your dog to keep a safe distance from others is another way to keep your dog from biting someone on purpose or by accident.
- Teach your dog to chew only on certain items. Teaching your dog to chew on or bite specific items, such as a chew toy, may help prevent him from biting someone or another animal.
- Hire a professional dog trainer. A professional dog trainer can assist you in properly training your dog to avoid bites from others. They can also suggest different training methods and other safety precautions to help your dog interact with others safely.