According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year. Those incidents cost homeowners insurers $1.57 billion in 2024 alone. The average claim reached $69,272 that year, up 86% over the past decade. Homeowners insurance covers these incidents through personal liability, paying for medical expenses, legal defense and settlements when your dog injures someone. Coverage isn't guaranteed for every dog, though. A restricted breed, a history of aggression or undisclosed pet ownership can all lead to a denied claim.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Updated: August 28, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Homeowners insurance covers dog bite incidents through personal liability coverage, which pays for medical expenses and legal fees if your dog injures someone.
Dog bites may not be covered if the dog has a history of aggression or is a restricted breed.
Training your dog and getting them used to socialization can go a long way toward preventing dog bites.
Are Dog Bites Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
How Much Do Dog Bite Claims Cost?
The decade of data shows costs rising faster than claim volume. Annual claims grew about 48% since 2015, from 15,352 to 22,658. Per-claim costs climbed nearly twice as fast over the same period. The trend isn't perfectly linear: average costs dipped in 2023 before rebounding to a record in 2024, when claim volume also posted its largest single-year jump in the dataset.
2024 | $1,569.6 | 22,658 | $69,272 |
2023 | $1,116.0 | 19,062 | $58,545 |
2022 | $1,136.0 | 17,597 | $64,555 |
2021 | $881.9 | 17,989 | $49,025 |
2020 | $853.7 | 17,597 | $50,245 |
2019 | $796.8 | 17,802 | $44,760 |
2018 | $674.9 | 17,297 | $39,017 |
2017 | $686.3 | 18,522 | $37,051 |
2016 | $602.2 | 18,123 | $33,230 |
2015 | $571.3 | 15,352 | $37,214 |
Source: Insurance Information Institute
Cost of Bite Claims by State
Medical expenses, legal fees and liability laws all affect what states pay out on dog bite claims. California led the country in 2024 with the highest total payout at $208 million across 2,417 claims. New York had fewer claims but the highest average cost per claim at $110,488. The state's legal environment and settlement amounts push costs well above the national average of $69,272.
1 | California | 2,417 | $86,229 | $208.4 |
2 | Florida | 1,821 | $55,680 | $101.4 |
3 | Texas | 1,190 | $75,674 | $90.1 |
4 | Michigan | 1,138 | $63,656 | $72.4 |
5 | Pennsylvania | 1,004 | $88,668 | $89.0 |
6 | New York | 994 | $110,488 | $109.8 |
7 | Ohio | 985 | $44,885 | $44.2 |
8 | Illinois | 940 | $64,941 | $61.0 |
9 | New Jersey | 782 | $72,375 | $56.6 |
10 | Georgia | 671 | $46,724 | $31.4 |
Source: Insurance Information Institute
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Not every dog bite claim gets accepted. Coverage depends on the details of the incident and your insurer's guidelines.
When the bite happens on or off your propertyHomeowners insurance covers dog bites whether they occur on your property or elsewhere, such as a park, sidewalk or someone else's home, but insurers still evaluate factors like leash use, provocation and whether the dog was under your control.
When the bite involves a non-household memberHomeowners insurance applies only if your dog bites someone outside your household. Injuries to you or your household members aren't covered under liability protection.
Two coverages may apply depending on the severity of the injury. Personal liability coverage handles serious incidents. Standard limits range from $100,000 to $300,000, covering medical expenses, attorney fees and any settlement the injured party receives. Medical payments coverage applies to minor injuries without requiring proof of fault, but with a much lower limit, around $1,000 to $5,000. A neighbor who trips over your dog and needs a few stitches might be covered under medical payments. For anything involving surgery or a lawsuit, personal liability is where the claim goes.
When the dog has no history of aggressionA dog with no bite history or "dangerous" designation usually gets approved for coverage. Insurers price this as lower risk.
PERSONAL LIABILITY LIMITS FOR DOG BITES
Standard home insurance policies include $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage, but dog bite claims averaging $69,272 can quickly exhaust lower limits.
Most insurance experts recommend at least $300,000 in personal liability coverage if you own a dog. You can increase this limit or add an umbrella policy for additional protection beyond your base homeowners coverage. Umbrella policies start at $1 million and cover claims that exceed your homeowners liability limits.
When Won't Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Insurers deny dog bite claims under specific circumstances. Exclusions depend on your dog's breed, behavioral history and whether you disclosed pet ownership.
When the dog is a restricted breedMany insurers exclude coverage for bites from certain breeds, regardless of temperament. Commonly excluded breeds include pit bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers. These restrictions vary by insurer. Confirm whether your dog's breed is covered under your policy.
When the dog has a known history of aggressionInsurers exclude future incidents if your dog has previously bitten someone or been labeled "dangerous" by local authorities. One documented case of aggression can trigger denial. Some companies raise premiums or add stricter conditions instead of excluding coverage entirely.
When you didn’t disclose dog ownershipFailing to inform your insurer that you own a dog can invalidate your coverage if a bite occurs. Insurers treat undisclosed pets as a material misrepresentation on your policy application. Your claim gets denied over this omission, even if your dog would otherwise qualify for coverage.
When the incident falls outside policy termsDog bites in excluded locations or during uncovered activities aren't eligible for reimbursement. Some policies limit liability to your primary residence or within U.S. borders. Others deny claims linked to business use, such as a bite during a dog-walking or pet-sitting job.
WHAT ARE RESTRICTED DOG BREEDS?
Restrictions vary by company. These breeds are commonly excluded by homeowners insurance providers:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Staffordshire Terriers
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Siberian Huskies
- Chow Chows
- Great Danes
- Presa Canarios
- Akitas
- Wolf hybrids
If you own one of these breeds, contact your insurer to confirm your coverage. You might need extra liability protection or a policy that reviews your dog's individual behavior rather than breed alone.
How Does a Dog Bite Claim Affect Your Home Insurance Premium?
A dog bite claim can increase your homeowners insurance premiums or lead to policy cancellation. Insurers review claims history during renewal, and a single dog bite incident signals higher risk.
Premium increases vary by insurer and claim severity. Minor claims may raise rates by 10% to 20%. Serious incidents involving hospitalization or lawsuits can double your premiums. Some insurers drop coverage entirely after a dog bite claim, forcing you to find a new policy at higher rates.
What Should I Do If My Dog Bites Someone?
- 1Get the Injured Person Medical Attention
Prioritize the well-being of the person bitten. Even minor bites can lead to infections or complications. Call emergency services immediately if the injury is severe. How you respond in the moment can affect any future claim or lawsuit.
- 2Exchange information and stay calm
Share your contact information and homeowners insurance details if the injured person doesn't live in your household. Stay calm, stay polite and cooperate without admitting fault.
- 3Report the incident to your homeowners insurance provider
Best home insurance providers usually offer 24/7 claims support. Contact your insurer as soon as you're settled. Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to your case. Be ready to explain where and when it happened, how it occurred and whether your dog has bitten before.
- 4Document everything
Take photos of injuries, the scene and your dog. Write down what happened and collect witness contact information. This documentation helps if liability or damages are disputed later.
- 5Cooperate with insurers and authorities
Local laws may require you to report the incident to animal control. Work with your insurer and authorities, and keep records of all communications.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A DOG BITE CLAIM
After you report a dog bite to your insurer, a claims adjuster contacts you within 24 to 48 hours to investigate the incident. The adjuster reviews your policy, requests veterinary records and photos, then determines whether coverage applies. If covered, your insurer negotiates settlements with the injured party, which can take weeks to months depending on injury severity.
If the injured party sues you, your insurer provides legal defense under your liability coverage. They assign an attorney and cover court costs up to your policy limits. Document all communications and keep copies of every form related to your claim.
Are You Liable If Your Dog Bites Someone?
Most state liability frameworks hold dog owners responsible when their pet bites someone, especially in unprovoked attacks. Liability laws vary by state and fall into two categories: strict liability and negligence-based liability.
- Strict liability states hold dog owners responsible for injuries, even without a prior history of aggression.
- Negligence-based states require proof that the owner knew or should have known the dog could be dangerous. Some also follow the "one-bite rule," which can limit an owner's liability for a first incident when there were no earlier signs of risky behavior.
Your homeowners insurance responds according to your state's liability framework. Coverage exclusions can still apply even when state law holds you liable.
Can I Get Homeowners Insurance If I Own a Restricted Breed?
Owning a restricted breed doesn't automatically disqualify you from homeowners insurance. It can still limit your liability coverage. If your insurer excludes your dog's breed, your policy will still cover your home and personal property. What you lose is the liability protection that pays for medical costs and legal fees if your dog injures someone.
Some insurers skip breed lists entirely and focus on your dog's documented behavior instead. Others extend coverage if you complete formal obedience training or take specific precautions. A standalone pet liability policy is another option: it covers bite incidents when your homeowners policy won't. Homeowners in New York, Nevada and Illinois get a wider pool of insurers to work with, since state laws there prohibit breed-based denials.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites to Other Dogs?
When a dog bite involves another dog rather than a person, the coverage question hinges on ownership. Personal liability coverage is built to protect other people from harm your dog causes, and courts treat another person's dog as their property. That means if your dog injures a neighbor's dog, your liability coverage may step in to cover vet bills as a property damage claim. The situation reverses if another dog bites yours. In that case, the other owner's liability coverage is where a claim would go. Either way, homeowners insurance doesn't cover your dog's own medical treatment. Pet insurance handles that.
Tips to Prevent Dog Bites
Even well-trained dogs can bite when stressed, scared or provoked. These MoneyGeek tips can help reduce bite risk and keep your dog insurable.
- 1Train your dog early and consistently
Use positive reinforcement to teach basic commands and reinforce good behavior in different environments. Well-trained dogs are easier to manage. They're also less likely to act out unexpectedly.
- 2Socialize your dog with people and other animals
Introduce your dog to different settings, sounds and individuals from a young age. Proper socialization reduces fear-based aggression and builds confidence.
- 3Always supervise interactions
Watch your dog around new people, children or other animals. Staying nearby lets you spot signs of stress or unease early, so you can step in before things escalate.
- 4Use a leash in public places
A leash keeps your dog under control and signals responsible ownership to others. Even well-behaved dogs can get startled in crowded or unfamiliar places. Keep them close when you're out.
- 5Avoid situations that may provoke aggression
Pay attention to triggers like loud noises, food guarding or invasive handling. Recognizing and avoiding high-stress scenarios can prevent a bite before it happens.
- 6Stay on top of your dog’s health
Pain or illness makes dogs more irritable or reactive. Schedule regular vet checkups to keep your pet healthy and comfortable.
- 7Consider a muzzle if necessary
A muzzle in public adds a layer of safety if your dog has shown signs of aggression. It also shows you're taking steps to prevent harm.
Dog Liability Insurance Under Home Insurance Policies: Bottom Line
Most homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage for dog bite claims, but insurers exclude certain breeds and dogs with aggression histories. The details depend on where the bite happened and who was involved. Review your policy for breed or behavior restrictions before an incident occurs.
Dog Bites and Homeowners Insurance: FAQ
Have questions about how dog bites affect your homeowners insurance? Our answers discuss what’s covered, what’s not and what to do if an incident occurs.
Yes, your homeowners insurance's personal liability coverage extends beyond your home. If your dog bites someone at a park or someone else's house, your policy provides coverage unless breed or incident exclusions apply.
Some insurers exclude certain breeds they consider high-risk from coverage. Check your policy or ask your provider about any breed restrictions that might affect your coverage.
Make sure the victim gets medical attention immediately, then report the incident to your insurance company and cooperate with their investigation. Document everything about the event and consider consulting a lawyer if the situation becomes complicated.
Finding coverage is hard but possible. Some insurers check your dog's individual behavior instead of blanket exclusions. Specialized pet liability insurance gives you standalone coverage when homeowners insurers deny you. You'll pay higher premiums and deal with stricter conditions with any policy that covers dogs with bite histories and pet damage.
Yes, report dog bites to your insurance provider immediately, even if the injury seems minor or no one has filed a claim yet. Quick reporting lets your insurer start the claims process, protect your liability and guide you through next steps.
Homeowners Insurance Pet Bites Coverage: Related Articles
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident expert in insurance and economics. He has spent nearly a decade covering the insurance market at LendingTree and MoneyGeek, analyzing hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
His work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR. He draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnerships affect his recommendations.
Mark studied at Boston College and later earned a master's in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University. He worked in financial risk management at State Street before joining MoneyGeek. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Spotlight On: Dog Bite Liability." Accessed August 5, 2025.