Dog Bite Coverage: A Homeowner’s Guide to Insurance Protection

The thought of your furry friend ever harming another person is upsetting. Yet even the calmest dogs can bite when they’re provoked. Dog bites can often result in serious injuries that require medical treatment, especially if they get infected. Knowing whether your homeowners insurance covers dog bites can help you know how to proceed if the worst-case scenario happens. The professionals from Altra Insurance Services, a premier provider of renters, home, and auto insurance San Diego residents rely on for reliable, affordable coverage, explain how home insurance coverage works when it comes to dog bites.

Check the Personal Liability Coverage

Most homeowners insurance covers injuries that occur on your property through personal liability coverage. The amounts of this coverage can vary, but you can expect it to help with paying for doctor’s appointments along with the other treatments a person needs for recovery. Since the cost of dog bite treatment can sometimes reach into the thousands of dollars, you’ll want to ensure you have the proper amount of coverage to protect you financially if your pet causes a bodily injury to someone else.

Consider Higher Coverage for Special Circumstances

Many pet owners find it difficult to obtain insurance for so-called “aggressive” dog breeds. In this case, you might need to pay a higher premium for a dog that’s deemed a higher risk for biting. You may also need to set additional money aside to cover your responsibility in the case of an injury. 

If your dog is eligible for coverage, you may still need to increase the amount the policy pays out after an incident. For instance, owning multiple dogs increases the risk of a serious attack that could raise the cost of medical care if someone is bitten. Having a higher coverage limit could give you more peace of mind if you have people who pet sit or other common circumstances that increase the risk of bites.

Know When Homeowners Insurance Might Not Apply

Typically, personal liability coverage applies to bites that occur off your property. For instance, you can expect your insurance company to approve a claim for a bite that might happen while you’re taking your dog for a walk, provided you’re in control of your pet.

However, it might not cover an incident that happens when your dog isn’t in your possession. An example of this would be if your pet was at the groomer and bit someone there. In this case, the grooming company’s business insurance might be responsible for handling the claim. You’ll also want to note that your homeowners insurance might not cover injuries to a family member who lives with the dog. This type of situation would usually fall under your family’s health insurance for covering the costs of care.

Take Steps to Prevent the Need to File a Claim

Even with good insurance, it’s important to practice proper dog bite prevention strategies. Teach your dog how to behave around people outside the family. Taking your dog to pet training classes can help the animal socialize and learn to follow your commands. As a final note, make sure you have a secure perimeter around your yard, and always walk your dog on a leash in public to protect the animal and others from harm.

If you currently own a dog or are considering adding one to your family, check with your insurance agent about coverage. For reliable, affordable homeowners insurance, San Diego residents know they can trust Altra Insurance Services. We also provide renters, commercial, motorcycle, and auto insurance. Receive a free quote by calling one of our friendly agents today.