Dog liability insurance is the portion of your homeowners insurance or renters insurance that covers financial responsibility when your dog injures someone or damages their property. This coverage is automatically included in the liability section of most policies, with limits typically starting at $100,000.
Dog Liability Insurance for Homeowners
Updated: January 20, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Dog liability is a part of home insurance that pays for medical bills, lawsuits and property damage caused by your dog, whether the incident happens on or off your property.
Homeowners insurance does not cover all dog-related accidents, as there are restrictions for certain breeds or dogs with a history of aggression.
State Farm and USAA offer pet-friendly home insurance policies that focus on behavior rather than breed.
What is Dog Liability Insurance?
Why You Need Dog Liability Insurance
In 2024, dog bite liability claims reached $1.57 billion, with an average cost per claim of $69,272, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Dog liability insurance protects you from these costs through several key benefits:
Protects Your Assets from Lawsuits
Dog liability insurance shields your personal assets when your dog causes injuries requiring medical treatment or legal action. Without coverage, victims can pursue your savings, investments and place liens on your home.
Covers Medical Payments for Minor Injuries
Your homeowners policy includes medical payments coverage that handles smaller dog-related injuries without requiring a lawsuit. This no-fault coverage typically pays $1,000 to $5,000 for immediate medical expenses like stitches from a dog scratch or bite.
Provides Legal Defense Coverage
Homeowners insurance pays for your legal defense if someone sues you over a dog-related incident, regardless of fault. Your insurer assigns attorneys and covers all legal fees, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
Covers Property Damage Your Dog Causes
Homeowners liability insurance pays for dog-related property damage, including destroyed landscaping, damaged furniture or ruined clothing. Your coverage handles replacement costs when your dog damages others' property.
Pet Liability Insurance for Dogs: Limitations in Home Insurance
Homeowners insurance covers dog liability for injuries to others, but excludes incidents involving your own family, certain breeds and intentional acts. Knowing these coverage gaps helps you decide whether you need additional protection or a standalone pet liability policy.
Family Members and Resident Injuries Excluded
Homeowners liability insurance doesn't cover injuries your dog causes to family members, roommates or anyone living in your household. These medical expenses are out of pocket.
Breed Restrictions and Dog-Specific Exclusions
Many insurers exclude specific breeds or any dog with a bite history from liability coverage. Once excluded, you have no protection for incidents involving that dog, even while paying your regular premium.
Business Activities and Intentional Acts
Homeowners insurance excludes dog-related incidents during business activities like pet-sitting or dog breeding. You need separate business liability coverage for these situations.
WHEN YOU NEED STANDALONE DOG LIABILITY INSURANCE
Consider standalone animal liability insurance if:
- Your insurer excludes your dog's breed
- Your dog has a bite history that resulted in denial
- You need higher limits than your homeowners policy provides
What Breeds Aren’t Covered by Dog Liability Insurance?
Insurance companies restrict breeds based on bite claim data and injury severity. These restrictions apply regardless of individual dog training or temperament.
The most frequently excluded breeds include:
- Pit Bulls (including American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers)
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Chow Chows
- Akitas
- Presa Canarios/Cane Corsos
- Wolf hybrids or wolf-dog mixes
- Mastiffs (various types)
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Siberian Huskies
- Great Danes
Breed restrictions come from historical claims data: certain breeds cost more and bite more often. A single Rottweiler bite claim can top $50,000 in medical expenses and legal fees, so insurers label these breeds high-risk. Insurers judge breeds, not individual dogs. Responsible owners need to find other coverage options.
Pet-Friendly Home Insurance Providers: Where to Buy Dog Liability Coverage
The best homeowners insurance companies offer dog-friendly policies. Allstate, State Farm and USAA don't automatically exclude certain breeds or charge excessive premiums for pet ownership.
Allstate
Allstate evaluates your dog's individual behavior and bite history rather than automatically excluding breeds. The company asks about aggressive incidents, previous bites and behavioral training when you apply. This approach allows Pit Bull and Rottweiler owners with well-behaved dogs to obtain standard coverage without surcharges or exclusions.
State Farm
State Farm considers your dog's temperament and behavior instead of breed restrictions. The insurer doesn't maintain a banned breed list, focusing instead on whether your specific dog has bitten someone or shown aggression. Well-behaved dogs of any breed qualify for standard coverage, though State Farm may request additional information about dogs with bite histories.
USAA
USAA serves military personnel and their families without breed restrictions. The company covers dog-related incidents regardless of your pet's breed, though coverage still excludes dogs with documented bite histories. USAA's eligibility requirements focus on military service rather than pet ownership, making it accessible for military families with any type of dog.
How Much Is Pet Liability Insurance?
Home insurance premiums for dog liability vary based on several factors:
- Breed: High-risk breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers increase premiums.
- Age: Younger dogs may be less predictable, while older dogs carry higher health risks.
- History: Dogs with bite or aggression histories cost more to insure.
- Coverage limits: Higher liability limits ($300,000 vs. $100,000) mean higher premiums.
- Location: State regulations and dog bite claim rates affect your premium.
Animal Liability Insurance: Alternative to Dog Liability in Home Insurance
Animal liability insurance is a standalone policy for dog owners who can't get coverage through homeowners insurance. Specialized insurers offer this coverage when traditional carriers deny coverage due to breed restrictions, bite history or business activities involving dogs.
Dog Bite Liability Insurance: Bottom Line
Dog liability insurance is included in homeowners policies and covers medical costs, lawsuits and property damage caused by your dog. Coverage excludes family injuries, business incidents and certain breeds or dogs with bite histories. Standalone animal liability insurance provides protection when standard policies exclude your dog.
Animal Liability Insurance: FAQ
Pet liability insurance and homeowners coverage for dog incidents raise many questions. We answer common questions about coverage limits, exclusions and when you might need additional protection.
What is pet liability coverage?
Pet liability coverage pays for medical bills, legal expenses and property damage when your pet injures someone or damages their property.
Does umbrella insurance cover dog bites?
Yes, umbrella insurance covers dog bites and provides additional liability coverage beyond your homeowners policy limits.
Who is liable in a dog bite case?
Dog owners are liable when their dog bites someone. You're responsible for injuries and property damage your dog causes. Liability laws vary by state, so check your local regulations and carry adequate insurance coverage.
Does liability insurance cover emotional support animals?
Yes, emotional support animals are covered under standard homeowners liability insurance the same as regular pets, as they're not considered service animals under the law. Coverage depends on the animal's breed and bite history, not its emotional support designation.
Pet Liability Insurance for Homeowners: Related Articles
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.