Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Homeowners insurance offers financial protection against property damage and personal liability claims. For pet owners, this coverage addresses liability from dog-related incidents.

Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites

Homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage, which primarily addresses dog bite incidents. This coverage helps protect homeowners financially if their dog bites someone and they are found legally responsible. Personal liability coverage can pay for medical costs for the injured party, legal defense fees if the homeowner is sued, and potential settlement or judgment amounts for pain and suffering. Coverage limits for personal liability typically range from $100,000 to $500,000, though higher limits may be available through an umbrella policy.

Medical payments coverage within a homeowners policy also applies to dog bite incidents. This portion of the policy covers smaller, no-fault medical expenses for guests injured on your property, typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. This coverage can be used for initial medical treatment, such as stitches, without requiring a determination of fault. Homeowners insurance generally covers dog bites that occur on the insured property and, in many cases, off-premises as well, such as at a park.

If a dog bites another animal, homeowners insurance may cover associated veterinary bills and legal costs if the other owner pursues a claim. This coverage also extends to property damage caused by your dog to someone else’s belongings.

Factors Affecting Coverage

Not all dog bite incidents are covered by homeowners insurance, as various factors can limit or exclude coverage.

Breed Restrictions

Some insurance companies identify specific dog breeds as high-risk and may not cover them, or may only cover them under certain conditions. Commonly restricted breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, and Siberian Huskies, among others. Some insurers may also exclude wolf hybrids or certain mixed breeds.

Bite History

A dog’s bite history is another significant factor. If a dog has a prior history of biting or aggressive behavior, insurers may deny coverage, choose not to renew a policy, or require an endorsement that excludes future dog-related incidents. Even an unproven allegation of a bite can lead to insurers dropping coverage or increasing premiums. Some policies may have a “one-bite rule” where the first incident might be covered, but subsequent incidents could lead to exclusions or non-renewal.

Policy Exclusions and Limitations

Specific policy exclusions or limitations can also impact coverage. Some homeowners policies may entirely exclude dog bite liability or cap the amount of coverage at a lower limit than general liability. This means the policyholder would be personally responsible for any damages exceeding that capped amount. In some instances, insurers might require homeowners to sign liability waivers for dog bites or may not offer insurance to owners of certain breeds.

Other Factors

The number of dogs owned can influence an insurer’s willingness to provide coverage. If the property is used for commercial purposes like dog breeding or boarding, standard homeowners insurance may not apply, requiring specialized commercial liability insurance. Coverage generally applies to dogs owned by the policyholder or those living in the household.

The Dog Bite Claim Process

After a dog bite incident, ensure the injured person receives immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor bites, as infections can develop. Secure the dog to prevent further incidents. Gather essential information at the scene, including the victim’s contact details, date, time, location, and nature of injuries. Taking photos or videos of injuries, the scene, and any damaged clothing provides important documentation.

Report the incident to the insurance company promptly. Contact your insurer’s claims department or agent and provide the gathered details. This initiates the formal claims process. You may also report the incident to local authorities or animal control, as this creates an official record that can support your claim.

Cooperate with the insurer throughout their investigation. This involves providing requested documentation, such as medical records for the injured party and any police or animal control reports. The insurance adjuster will likely conduct interviews with the homeowner, the injured party, and any witnesses to gather facts. This investigative phase helps the insurer evaluate the claim and determine liability.

Claims are typically resolved through direct payment to the injured party for covered expenses, or through negotiation, particularly if the injured party seeks compensation for pain and suffering or lost wages. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the claim could proceed to litigation, where a court may determine the final settlement or judgment.

Consequences for Your Policy

Filing a dog bite claim can lead to repercussions for a homeowner’s insurance policy. One common outcome is an increase in insurance premiums upon renewal. Insurers view dog bite claims as a significant liability risk, and a claim on your record indicates an increased potential for future incidents, leading to higher rates. Even a small payout can result in increased premiums.

In some cases, the insurer may choose not to renew the policy, especially if the incident was severe, involved a restricted breed, or if there is a history of claims. This non-renewal means the current policy will not be extended past its expiration date, requiring the homeowner to seek new coverage elsewhere. While less common, in rare and severe instances, a policy could be canceled outright, though non-renewal is more frequent.

Securing new homeowners insurance can become challenging after a dog bite claim, particularly if the incident involved a restricted breed or resulted in a substantial payout. Insurers share claims data, and a history of a dog bite claim can make a homeowner appear as a higher risk to prospective insurers. This may lead to fewer coverage options, higher premiums from new providers, or even the necessity of obtaining specialized animal liability insurance if standard coverage is unavailable.