Dogs are often celebrated as man’s best friend and cherished by many for their loyalty, companionship and protection. However, for homeowners, owning a dog also introduces unique considerations regarding insurance and personal liability coverage. Understanding these factors can help dog owners make informed decisions and reduce risks associated with pet ownership.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover dog bites?
In many cases, home insurance does cover dog bites under the policy’s personal liability section. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, legal fees and damages if your dog bites or causes injury to a visitor. However, coverage depends on several factors, including:
- The specific terms and exclusions of your policy
- The location of the incident (e.g., on or off your property)
- The history of your dog’s behavior, including prior bite incidents, and any related policy exclusions or requirements
Even if your policy does include coverage, if a claim exceeds your liability limit, you could be held personally responsible for the remaining costs. That’s why it’s essential to understand your policy and consider increasing your coverage if needed.
Why do insurance providers ask about dogs?
Dog bites, while uncommon for many pets, have the potential to result in significant claims for insurance companies. Because of the potential financial impact of dog-related incidents, insurance providers may inquire about factors such as:
- Whether the dog has a history of biting, aggression or causing injury
- The breed or mix of the dog
- Whether the dog is a trained service or assistance animal
Historically, some insurance companies excluded certain breeds from coverage based on the assumption that specific breeds had a higher likelihood of biting. However, modern underwriting practices have evolved. Now, some insurers may consider an individual dog’s history of behavior, rather than relying solely on breed as an indicator of risk.
Impact of Bite History on Insurance
A dog with a history of biting can make obtaining or maintaining liability insurance more challenging. Insurers often view bite history as a strong predictor of future incidents. As a result, owners of dogs with prior bite incidents may encounter:
- Higher insurance premiums
- Requirements to secure additional liability coverage, such as a rider or umbrella policy
- Restricted coverage options, such as exclusions for certain incidents
- Requirements to implement safety measures, such as muzzles or fencing, to maintain coverage
Reducing Risks as a Dog Owner
Although every dog has the potential to bite, responsible pet ownership can significantly lower the risk of bite incidents. Here are some practical steps homeowners can take:
- Invest in training. Obedience training can help dogs respond to commands and reduce the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
- Prioritize health and vaccinations. Keeping dogs healthy helps to minimize stress and discomfort, which may lead to aggression.
- Monitor interactions with children. Always supervise interactions between children and dogs, particularly if the dog is unfamiliar with them.
- Provide secure fencing. Proper fencing allows dogs to roam safely outdoors while preventing unintentional interactions with others.
- Socialize early and often. Expose dogs to a variety of people, pets and environments to help them feel more comfortable in different situations.
- Avoid high-stress situations. Identify triggers that may cause fear or aggression in your dog and take steps to avoid or minimize exposure to those situations.
- Educate visitors and family members. Teach anyone who visits your home how to properly approach and handle your dog to help prevent accidental harm or provocation.
Is your home insurance right for you?
By understanding the relationship between dogs and insurance, homeowners can enjoy the companionship of their pets while safeguarding themselves and others. It’s important to regularly review your insurance coverage to ensure it aligns with your needs as a homeowner and a pet owner. If you’re uncertain whether your policy provides adequate protection for you, your home or your pets, Higginbotham can help.
Our personal insurance team specializes in creating customized solutions to protect what matters most. Contact us today to learn more about the coverage options available to you.
