Typically, homeowners insurance under personal liability coverage plans can cover dog bites. When your dog bites someone on your property or your property, your homeowners’ insurance may cover related medical bills and legal fees. The coverage you select for your homeowners’ insurance determines how much dog bite insurance you have and can cover. This will usually be in the range of $100,000 and $500,000. However, there are times when this isn’t a guarantee.
Moreover, your homeowners’ insurance won’t cover it if a dog bites someone in a business environment, but business insurance might. Furthermore, there are times when an insurance provider will not pay for animal liability unless you have added it expressly to your homeowners’ policy. Lastly, ensure your pet is covered by your insurance by checking with them if you have one.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites
The liability claims about dogs cost insurers over $1 billion. Additionally, damages from dog bites may be covered by homeowners insurance under the liability or medical payments coverage sections of your policy.
Medical payments coverage
This insurance covers hospital expenses for visitors hurt on your premises, no matter who is at fault. This could cover the visitor’s medical expenses if your dog bites them, up to the limits of your policy.
Personal liability insurance
This type of coverage pays for court expenses associated with accidents that happen on your property and for which you or a household member is accountable. Since you are the owner of the dog, any legal costs may be covered by personal liability coverage, subject to the limits of your policy.
Breed-specific legislation
Breed-specific laws, or BSL, are a hotly contested subject among veterinarians, insurance providers, and dog owners. BSL laws regulate or forbid specific dog breeds that might be thought to pose a greater risk to people and other animals.
In addition, homeowners insurance can cover when your dog bites another dog or animal that isn’t in your home. There are coverage limitations for medical payments and liability insurance. If you’re worried about how much coverage you have, you might want to think about obtaining an umbrella policy.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Dog Bites
Most homeowners insurance can cover dog bites in some circumstances, but there is some exclusion. Additionally, if your dog causes harm to you, your family members, your home, or your personal property, your homeowners insurance will not pay for it. For instance, if a family member, like your spouse, gets bitten, your liability or medical payments insurance will not assist in paying for medical expenses. If your dog bites another dog in your home, the same rules are in effect.
Moreover, your property insurance has a list of prohibited dog breeds. There are some homeowners’ insurance companies that deny coverage for the following dog breeds and mixes:
- Akita
- Malamute
- Chow Chow
- Doberman Pinscher
- Great Dane
- German Shepherd Dog
- Pit Bull
- Mastiff
- Presa Canario
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Siberian Husky
- Hybrids and wolves
If your dog is on a blacklist dog breed list, even if you bought the dog after getting a homeowners insurance policy, a bite will not be covered.
How to Avoid Dog Bites
It is important to try and reduce the chance of your dog biting someone because it can be very painful for both you and the injured party. The following advice could assist you in avoiding dog bites:
Socialize your dog
Socializing your dog is one of the most crucial things you can do as a dog owner. One of the best ways to help your dog feel comfortable when meeting new people is to introduce them to new animals and people.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Trained Correctly
Another important aspect of owning a dog is training them. As soon as you observe your dog acting aggressively toward people who don’t live with you, it’s critical to take action to change those behaviors.
Additionally, this frequently necessitates asking professionals, like dog trainers and behavior specialists, for assistance. To stop negative behaviors, you can train your animal properly, give it regular exercise, and neuter or spay your pet.
Steer clear of dangerous situations
It is your duty as the dog’s owner to keep your pet away from situations where you know they cause anxiety or aggression, such as in large crowds. You’re less likely to encounter circumstances where your dog might snap if you keep it in a setting where it feels secure.
Recognize the body language of your dog
Another crucial tool for figuring out how your pet is feeling and whether they are growing uncomfortable is to read their body language. For instance, it might be a good idea to kennel your dog or let them go if they start to growl or shy away from a stranger who enters your home.
How to File Homeowners Insurance Dog Bites Claims
Finding out what is covered by your policy is the first step in making a dog bite claim. By going to the website of your homeowners’ insurance provider and following the instructions, you might be able to submit a claim online.
Typically, the policy paperwork you receive when establishing your homeowners’ insurance includes a phone number for customer service or the claims department. Furthermore, this includes your declarations page. You might need to give your insurance provider the following information when submitting a liability or medical payments claim:
- The name or names of the wounded person(s) or animal(s)
- Records related to the biting dog’s behavior and veterinary care
- The time of the incident and its surrounding circumstances
- Any invoices for incident-related medical care
- Any pertinent court records about cases brought after the event
Additionally, you may also consult your insurer with many offer round-the-clock assistance with claims. Also, you may need to consult a local agent who sets up your policy during regular business hours.
