Guide to Dog Bite Liability Insurance

Any dog, even the well-mannered ones, can bite. As an owner, you’re responsible for your pet’s behavior, including covering medical costs for dog bite-related injuries — lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Having dog bite liability insurance can help you manage the expenses. You may have this coverage as part of your homeowners insurance policy.

Understanding the costs of dog-related injuries, common coverage restrictions and when dog bites are covered can help you find the best homeowners insurance suitable for your circumstances and needs.

Dog bites can cause injuries, which may cost a dog owner thousands of dollars. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average liability insurance claim for dog bites is $17,597. In more severe cases, a victim may file a lawsuit for lost wages, property wages, pain and trauma therapies, settlements, judgment and jury awards. This expense could significantly impact your finances.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Insurance companies paid out more than $1.1 billion on liability claims related to dog bites in 2022, according to the III. This is a 28.8% increase from the recorded total value of $881.9 million in 2021. With the number of claims decreasing by 2.2% to $17,597, the cost per claim increased in 2022. The average cost of a dog liability insurance claim was $64,555, 31.7% more than 2021’s average of $49,025.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

The cost of dog bite claims varies from state to state. The latest III report shows that 53.42% or 9,393 of all claims reported in the country in 2022 came from 10 states. Around 57.37% of the total value of claims in the country, or $154 million, were also distributed in these states. Dog owners in these states received an average of $69,323 per claim. This is higher than the national average of $64,555.

Typically, a standard homeowners insurance policy covers pet damage under personal liability or medical payments coverage. This means your insurance provider will help you pay medical expenses and property repair costs if you’re liable for the accident your pet causes to another party. Damages to your items or property aren’t covered. Liability limits typically range from $100,000—300,000.

Some companies may decline coverage for certain dog breeds. Before purchasing home insurance, make sure you check for any coverage restrictions. It would also be best to compare prices, as insurance companies tend to calculate premiums differently.

Dog liability insurance applies to bodily injuries and property damages to another party. Below are some situations when your homeowners insurance policy covers dog bites:

Homeowners insurance policies don’t cover all dog bites. Here are some scenarios when you don’t have coverage:

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover dog bites under the liability or medical payments coverage. Umbrella insurance policies can also help protect you against related expenses exceeding your home insurance liability limits. Keep in mind that not all insurers provide dog liability insurance coverage. Some may charge extra.

Renters insurance may also provide the same coverage. In certain cases, landlords may also be liable for dog bites on their premises.

How much coverage you need depends on your circumstances. While most carriers provide liability limits from $100,000—500,000, you may consider lower or higher coverage.

The average dog bite claim cost for an owner is $64,555. Considering possible future expenses for more severe cases, it may be best to have at least $100,000 in liability coverage.

Depending on your insurance carrier, a dog bite incident may result in higher premiums. Some companies may decide not to renew your coverage. Others may renew your policy but exclude your dog from the coverage.

After a dog bite claim, check with your agent or insurer whether the incident will impact your policy. If your insurer doesn’t renew your coverage, you may have to start looking for another carrier.

When searching for the best homeowners insurance, dog owners may want a policy offering dog liability insurance coverage. You can start your search by checking for dog-friendly insurance companies. Ask if they extend coverage to high-risk breeds and accept dogs with a biting history.

To ensure you’re getting a dog-friendly policy, clarify restrictions and exceptions with your agent or carrier. Read the policy terms and conditions thoroughly to know the specifics of the coverage. Some well-known companies offering dog-friendly home insurance are Allstate, State Farm and USAA (for military families).

Prevention and precaution are the first steps to protecting your finances against possible dog bite incident costs. While there’s no sure way of stopping accidents, you can lower the possibility of it happening in the first place.

Below are some tips to consider as a responsible dog owner.

Owning a dog comes with responsibilities. Aside from ensuring your pet’s well-being, you should also prevent them from hurting others. Here are some resources to help you be a responsible pet owner.

• American Animal Hospital Association: Access guides and learn tips to keep your dog healthy and safe.
• American Kennel Club: Find books, brochures and general tips you can use to educate yourself and others about responsible canine ownership.
• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Learn about the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Care Emergency Programs with the help of this U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty: Understand the different options to address your dog’s behavior.
• The Humane Society of the United States: Learn more about your canine companion and access resources to help cover veterinary, food and treatment expenses. You can also find safety tips.