Generally, dog bites that cause injury or property damage are typically covered by homeowners insurance under personal liability. This helps pay for medical expenses, legal defense fees and potential settlements if someone sues you over your dog biting them.
However, keep in mind that insurers may still deny coverage if your dog is a restricted breed, has a documented history of aggression or if you failed to disclose pet ownership when applying for your policy.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Updated: July 23, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Homeowners insurance covers dog bite incidents through personal liability coverage, paying for medical expenses and legal fees if your dog injures someone.
Bites caused by dogs with a history of aggression or restricted dog breeds may not be covered, such as those by Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.
Getting pet liability insurance can provide extra financial protection if your homeowners insurance policy has exclusions or low liability limits.
Are Dog Bites Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE OPTIONS WHEN YOU HAVE PETS
If your homeowners insurance has pet exclusions or low limits, these alternatives provide better protection:
- Pet Liability Insurance: Covers legal costs if your pet injures someone or damages property.
- Umbrella Insurance: Extends beyond homeowners insurance to cover additional liabilities, including pet-related incidents.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Not every dog bite claim is automatically accepted, and whether you’re covered depends on the details of the incident and your insurer’s guidelines. Below are common scenarios where coverage typically applies, assuming your policy includes dog-related liability.
When the Bite Happens On or Off Your Property
Homeowners insurance usually covers dog bites whether they occur on your property or elsewhere, such as a park, sidewalk or someone else’s home. However, insurers may still evaluate factors like leash use, provocation and whether the dog was under your control.
When the Bite Involves a Non-Household Member
Homeowners insurance typically applies only if your dog bites someone outside your household. Injuries to you or members of your home are usually not covered under liability protection. Medical payments coverage, if included in your policy, may help cover minor medical bills for guests who are injured — but it does not pay for injuries to you or your household members caused by your own dog.
When the Dog Has No History of Aggression
If your dog has no past incidents or official designation as “dangerous,” your claim is more likely to be approved. Insurers view a clean behavioral history as a sign of lower risk.
When Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Certain scenarios can disqualify a dog bite claim. Exclusions vary by insurer and are often tied to breed restrictions, prior behavior or how the incident was reported. Avoid gaps in protection by understanding the scenarios below:
When the Dog Is a Restricted Breed
Many insurers have breed-specific exclusions that deny coverage for bites from certain dog types, regardless of temperament. Breeds commonly excluded include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers, among others. These restrictions vary by insurer, so it’s essential to confirm whether your dog’s breed is covered under your policy.
When the Dog Has a Known History of Aggression
If your dog has previously bitten someone or been labeled “dangerous” by local authorities, insurers may exclude future incidents from coverage. Even one documented case of aggression can be enough to trigger denial. Some companies may impose higher premiums or stricter conditions instead of excluding outright.
When You Didn’t Disclose Dog Ownership
Failing to inform your insurer that you own a dog can invalidate your coverage if a bite occurs. Undisclosed pets may be treated as a material misrepresentation on your policy application. That omission could lead to a denied claim, even if your dog would otherwise qualify for coverage.
When the Incident Falls Outside Policy Terms
Dog bites that happen in excluded locations or during uncovered activities may not be eligible for reimbursement. Some policies limit liability to your primary residence or within U.S. borders. Others may deny claims linked to business use, such as a bite occurring at a dog-walking gig or pet-sitting job.
WHAT ARE RESTRICTED DOG BREEDS?
Restrictions vary by company, but the following 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 may need extra liability protection or a policy that reviews your dog’s individual behavior rather than breed alone.
How Much Do Dog Bite Claims Cost?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims have become significantly more expensive over the past decade, with the average cost per claim rising by nearly 86% from $37,214 in 2015 to $69,272 in 2024. While the number of claims has increased steadily, the sharpest cost jumps have occurred since 2020, suggesting higher medical expenses, legal fees or larger settlements. In 2024 alone, insurers paid out $1.57 billion in total, the highest on record.
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
Dog bite claim costs don’t just depend on the incident; they also vary by where it happens. In 2024, California reported the highest number of claims and total payout, with over $208 million paid across 2,417 incidents. New York, on the other hand, had fewer claims but the highest average cost per claim at $110,488, showing that legal and medical costs can be much higher in certain states.
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
What To Do If Your Dog Bites A Third-Party Individual
Quick action protects the injured person and your financial interests. Follow these steps to handle the situation properly and help your insurance claim go smoothly:
- 1
Ensure the injured person receives medical attention
Prioritize the well-being of the person bitten. Even minor bites can lead to infections or complications. If the injury is severe, call emergency services right away. Offer assistance and show concern — how you respond can influence the outcome of any future claim or lawsuit.
- 2
Exchange information and stay calm
If the injured person is not a household member, provide your contact information and your homeowner’s insurance details. Avoid admitting fault, but remain courteous and cooperative.
- 3
Report the incident to your homeowners insurance provider
Contact your insurer immediately. It may 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.
- 4
Document 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.
- 5
Cooperate with insurers and authorities
You may need to report the incident to animal control depending on local laws. Work with your insurer and authorities while keeping records of all communications.
Are You Liable if Your Dog Bites Someone?
Yes, dog owners are legally liable if their dog bites someone, especially if the bite wasn’t provoked. Laws related to dog bite liability vary by state. Some hold owners strictly liable for injuries, while others consider factors like provocation or the dog’s history, but ultimately, the responsibility often falls on the owner to control their pet and prevent harm.
Because laws and insurance requirements differ by location, it’s important to understand how your policy handles dog-related incidents and to speak with your insurer about any breed restrictions or coverage limitations that may apply.
Tips to Prevent Dog Bites
Preventing dog bites starts with responsible pet ownership and awareness of your dog’s behavior in different situations. Even well-behaved dogs can react unpredictably when stressed, scared or provoked. Taking the right precautions can help protect others and reduce the risk of costly insurance claims.
- 1
Train your dog early and consistently
Use positive reinforcement to teach basic commands and reinforce good behavior in various environments. Well-trained dogs are easier to manage and less likely to act out unexpectedly.
- 2
Socialize your dog with people and other animals
Introduce your dog to different settings, sounds and individuals from a young age. Proper socialization helps reduce fear-based aggression and builds confidence.
- 3
Always supervise interactions
Keep a close eye on your dog around unfamiliar people, children or other pets. Supervision helps you step in early if your dog shows signs of discomfort or stress.
- 4
Use a leash in public places
Keeping your dog leashed gives you better control and shows others you’re acting responsibly. Even friendly dogs can be unpredictable in unfamiliar or high-energy settings.
- 5
Avoid situations that may provoke aggression
Pay attention to triggers like loud noises, food guarding or invasive handling. Recognizing and avoiding high-stress scenarios can help prevent a bite before it happens.
- 6
Stay on top of your dog’s health
Pain or illness can make dogs more irritable or reactive. Schedule regular vet checkups to keep your pet healthy and comfortable.
- 7
Consider a muzzle if necessary
If your dog has shown signs of aggression, using a muzzle in public may offer an added layer of safety. It also demonstrates that you’re taking steps to prevent harm.
Dog Liability Insurance Under Home Insurance Policies: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites under personal liability, but exclusions may apply for certain breeds or dogs with a history of aggression. Coverage also depends on whether the bite involved someone outside your household and where the incident occurred.
Because claim costs are rising, with payouts reaching over $1.5 billion in 2024, it’s important to review your policy and understand any breed or behavior-related restrictions. If your policy has gaps, consider options like pet liability or umbrella insurance for extra protection.
Dog Bites and Homeowners Insurance: FAQ
Have questions about how dog bites affect your homeowners insurance? These FAQs break down what’s covered, what’s not and what to do if an incident occurs.
Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites off my property?
Yes, your homeowners insurance's personal liability coverage usually extends beyond your home. If your dog bites someone at a park or someone else's house, your policy typically provides coverage unless there are breed or incident exclusions. Check your policy's off-premises liability terms to confirm.
Are there breed restrictions in homeowners insurance policies?
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.
What should I do if my dog bites someone?
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.
Can I get coverage if my dog has a history of aggression?
It may be challenging, but some insurers offer policies or endorsements that cover dogs with prior incidents. You might also consider specialized pet liability insurance for broader protection.
How long does a dog bite stay on insurance?
A dog bite claim stays on your insurance record for up to five years, depending on your insurer. During that time, it can affect your premiums or coverage eligibility. Your insurer might exclude the dog from future coverage or refuse to renew your policy based on how severe the incident was.
Do I have to report a dog bite to my insurance?
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.
Coverage for Pet-Related Injuries in Homeowners Insurance: Our Review Methodology
MoneyGeek analyzed quotes from multiple insurance providers across the U.S. using a profile that reflects the average homeowner. By considering different locations and companies, we aim to give a reliable estimate of what homeowners can expect to pay, showing why it’s important to compare rates.
Homeowner Profile
For our analysis, we created a sample homeowner profile with the following characteristics:
- Good credit score (769–792)
- Home constructed in 2000
- Wood-frame construction
- Composite shingle roof
Homeowners Insurance Coverage Details
Unless otherwise specified, we used the following coverage limits to collect quotes for our comparison:
- $250,000 in dwelling coverage
- $125,000 in personal property coverage
- $200,000 in personal liability coverage
- $1,000 deductible
We also compiled data for policies with broader coverage to determine the best companies for insuring expensive homes, upping limits to $1 million in dwelling coverage, $500,000 in personal property coverage and $1 million in liability coverage.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.