The Dog Days of Summer - your dog bite insurance guide
They are (wo)man’s best friend, loved and cherished by millions. But what happens if your dog bites someone?
On August 26th it will be National Dog Day. We thought, there is no better time to crash the party of cuteness with a little dose of canine reality. Dogs can bite, and if they bite the wrong person or cause real injury, you could be at risk for being sued. Fret not, this is where your insurance policy comes in to save the day. There is no denying that dogs can add fun, companionship, laughter, exercise, and love to their families lives. This is why it can be so devastating when your normally friendly pooch bites a child, friend, neighbor, or even a stranger unexpectedly. Beyond the initial shock, the potential legal fallout could prove even more costly. I saw this firsthand working in insurance claims where we saw these types of cases on a daily basis. These scenarios happen my friends! My main takeaway is this - All dogs are good dogs, but the reality is that any dog can bite.
As a dog owner, there are things you can do to protect yourself. If your pup happens to bite someone, having a solid insurance policy out there will not only safeguard your time, money, and sanity but will also ensure adequate resources are available to care for someone injured by your dog.
By the numbers
There are between 84 and 89 million dogs in the US.
45% of homes have at least one dog.
4.5M people are bitten by dogs each year, most are children.
Top 10 states for reported dog bites: CA, TX, GA, MN, IL, IN, MI, OH, PA, and NY.
In 2022 insurers paid out $1.1B in liability claims for dog related injuries.
Average cost for dog bite insurance claims in 2022 = $64,555 (up 32% from 2021).
The good news is that, in most cases, the liability portion of your home insurance policy covers pet damage (damage to the property of others), including injuries to others caused by your pet. Your policy’s personal liability coverage protects you when someone is injured on your property and sues you for liability, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and any legal fees/settlements. However, if your pet has a biting history or has exhibited aggressive behavior in its past, most companies will refuse to pay related claims or will even non-renew a policy due to the presence of an “unacceptable dog” in the home.
High-Value homeowner insurance carriers understand this.
First and foremost, it's crucial to emphasize that each insurance company has its own policies and guidelines regarding dog breeds. While one company may exclude certain breeds, another may offer coverage with specific requirements or restrictions. Therefore, it's vital to thoroughly review the policies and consult with an insurance agent to find the best possible options for your individual circumstances. High-Value homeowner insurance carriers will often offer coverage for “risker” dog breeds absent any bite history. So, if you have been told that your homeowner insurance carrier will not insure you because of your pup’s breed, you should seek out an agent offering these types of policies. More specifically, the following breeds can be often associated with insurance challenges:
Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers: These breeds often face challenges due to their historical association with dogfighting. However, it's important to remember that individual temperament and behavior play a significant role.
Rottweilers: Rottweilers have strong protective instincts, which can sometimes raise concerns for insurance companies. Responsible ownership and proper training can help mitigate these concerns.
Doberman Pinschers: Dobermans are known for their loyalty and intelligence, but their protective nature can sometimes lead to insurance restrictions. Again, responsible ownership and training are key.
German Shepherds: As versatile working dogs, German Shepherds are often subject to breed-specific insurance considerations. However, many German Shepherds are well-behaved family pets and can still be insurable with the right approach.
Akitas: Akitas are powerful and protective dogs that require diligent training and socialization. Insurance companies may have specific requirements for coverage due to their potential for aggression.
Additional breeds include: Great Dane, Siberian Husky, Chow chow, Presa Canario, Staffordshire Terrier, Wolf hybrids
What happens if your dog bites someone in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is a strict liability dog bite state. Section 155 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that if any dog damages someone’s property or causes an injury, the owner or keeper of the pet will be liable for such damage. The person your dog bit will not have to prove you were negligent or at fault for the incident to obtain compensation. One of the only defenses against a dog bite injury claim is that the victim provoked the attack by tormenting, teasing, or abusing your dog, or the injured party was trespassing or breaking another law at the time of the attack.
A civil claim against you for a dog bite injury means your homeowner insurance company may have to pay for the injured' party medial bills, property repairs, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. Which is why it’s important that you have enough insurance coverage on your homeowner policy and an adequate umbrella policy.
The details are in the fine print: Even if you have an umbrella policy, be sure to check with your insurance company and review your policy for limits on injuries caused by animals. Some homeowner insurance policies impose lower limits of coverage for damage or injuries caused by pets. So, even if you have a $1,000,000 liability limit, you may only have a $25,000 limit for pet-related damages.
So, what can responsible dog owners do to ensure their insurance coverage is adequate?
Review your current homeowner insurance coverage: Take the time to understand your policy's terms and conditions, including any specific restrictions or exclusions related to dog breeds. Consider increasing your coverage limits.
Consult with an insurance agent: Seek advice from someone you know and trust who specializes in pet-related coverage and has access the high-value and high-net-worth insurance marketplace. They can guide you through the options available and help you find the best insurance solutions for your needs.
Demonstrate responsible ownership: Emphasize responsible dog ownership practices, such as obedience training, proper socialization, and secure containment systems. These efforts can positively impact your insurance options.
Make sure your umbrella policy is adequate: Umbrella insurance can extend coverage for incidents involving dogs, regardless of breed, offering financial protection in case of injuries or property damage caused by your furry companion.
We would love to see photos of your pets. Please share them with us! ⤵️
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NaVella was created out of equal parts love and frustration with the insurance industry, its complexities, and the ever-evolving market space. We are on a mission to overdeliver and work with the most exclusive high-value insurance carriers in the world.
With more than 16 years of experience in multiple facets of this industry, 1000+ insurance policies analyzed and reviewed, and hundreds of customized insurance portfolios crafted, we are dedicated to giving you control over what and how you protect what you care about most. We are a woman-owned, progressive, independent insurance agency and consulting firm. We offer personal lines insurance solutions. Our product solutions include insurance for your: Home(s), auto(s), collection(s), Excess + Umbrella, boat, and term life. Our consulting and coaching services serve both personal and corporate clients. Headquartered in Massachusetts, and primarily focused on the Massachusetts and greater New England markets, we can write nationally.
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