The simple answer to this question is yes, you should add your dog to your homeowners insurance policy. While having a dog as your pet is a lovely thing, it also comes with lots of unexpected incidents.
From occasional dog bites to accidental damage, it is a wise decision to have your pet covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. If not, you could be left paying lawsuits and medical expenses out of your pocket.
Although this may increase your premium because dogs can pose a liability risk for things such as dog bites, your home insurance will help cover dog-related incidents. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind in the face of unexpected events.
Does Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Dog Bites?
Homeowners insurance usually covers dog bites, whether they happen at home or outside the home. This coverage falls under your personal liability coverage.
This coverage offers a certain amount of money to cover medical bills and legal fees if someone gets hurt on your property or if you or your family cause harm, including a dog bite.
Most policies have a minimum of $100,000 in personal liability coverage. If your dog’s bite results in costs higher than this, you’ll have to pay the extra out of your pocket.
The average dog bite claim in 2019 was a bit over $44,000, so typically, you’ll be covered by your home insurance. But for severe injuries or lawsuits, expenses could be more than $100,000.
Even if your dog seems harmless, it won’t hurt to be prepared. Over four million people are bitten by dogs annually, and about 60% of claims involve dogs with no prior incidents. If your dog isn’t covered by your policy and an incident happens, you will pay for the costs out of your pocket, as your homeowners insurance won’t cover it.
State laws about dog bites vary across the U.S. In some of the states, owners are always responsible for bites, while in others, the victim must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. It is advisable that you check your local laws to understand your responsibilities.
What Dog Breed Will my Homeowners Insurance Policy Not Cover?
There are specific breeds that insurance providers do not cover due to their history of being very aggressive. They could cause more injuries simply because they are large breeds.
Due to the increased risk, some insurers try to manage this risk by creating a restricted breed list. Just so you know, the dog list usually varies by carrier. However, below is a list of some of these breeds.
- Akita
- American pit bull terriers
- Dobermans
- Alaskan Malamute
- Doberman pinscher
- German shepherds
- Great Danes
- Mastiff
- Rottweiler
- Pit bulls
- Presa Canario, or canary dog
- Wolf Hybrid
- Siberian huskies
- Chow Chow
Keep in mind that some insurers are not particular about the breed. They may only ask about your pet’s bite history. If the dog has bitten someone in the past, you may have trouble getting insurance coverage.
What Should I Do If My Homeowners Insurance Policy Does Not Cover My Dog’s Breed?
Don’t worry, there are various options. You should be able to locate an insurance company that doesn’t consider your dog’s breed dangerous or one that offers coverage if your dog has completed specific training.
Some insurance companies don’t exclude commonly restricted breeds at all. To get started, look for a list of homeowner’s insurance companies that are friendly toward pit bulls.
In short, adding a dog to a homeowner’s insurance policy is very important for pet owners. Accidents can happen anytime, and being prepared can help save a lot of hassle and expense. Take the time to find a policy that covers both you and your dog, giving you enough peace of mind.
Insurance Companies That Don’t Discriminate Dog Breeds
Have you been finding it difficult to get insurance for your dog because of its breed? It can be really annoying, but not all insurance companies judge based on breed.
Some insurance providers are more flexible and will assess the situation individually instead of outright denying coverage for a “dangerous” breed. It’s also very important to stay informed about local laws that may impact your dog’s ownership or your policy. These laws can vary significantly by state and locality.
For instance, Pennsylvania and Michigan have laws that prevent insurers from refusing coverage based on their breeds. In Ohio, owners of dogs labeled “vicious” must have at least $100,000 in liability coverage.
About 900 cities have rules regarding potentially dangerous breeds. This means your city might ban pit bulls, while a city closer to you might not. If you live where your dog’s breed is banned, know that your insurance won’t cover it.
Remember, hiding your dog’s breed from your insurance company is a bad idea. It could void your policy, leaving you to pay for any medical bills and damages out of your pocket. Fortunately, some insurers don’t factor in breed at all. For instance, State Farm only looks at your dog’s bite history. Insurers like USAA and Chubb also offer coverage regardless of breed, though they might charge higher premiums.
So, if your dog’s breed is causing insurance problems, you don’t need to worry! With some research, you should be able to find the right coverage to keep your furry friend protected.
When Will My Homeowners Insurance Not Cover My Dog?
Unfortunately, if your furry friend causes damage to the structure of your home, such as a damaged fence or chewing through drywall, you will have to pay for the repairs out of your pocket. Also, if your dog destroys any of your personal property, such as shoes or furniture, your policy won’t cover the replacement.
The only case in which your policy may provide coverage is when your dog causes bodily damage to another person. In this case, the policy may cover medical bills for the injured party. To avoid unforeseen expenses related to your dog, it is a good idea to read your home policy well and consider extra liability insurance.
By doing this, you can ensure that you and your furry buddy are adequately protected. Compare quotes online from top insurers to get the best homeowners insurance policy.
