Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites? What You Need to Know

Renters insurance protects your belongings and provides liability coverage for accidents. But what about your pet? If your dog bites someone, will your renters insurance cover you? Yes, but there are conditions, exclusions, and limits you should know. This article will explain renters insurance and dog bites. It will cover how it works, restricted breeds, and how to file a claim.

Understanding Renters Insurance and Dog Bites

Renters insurance has three parts: it covers personal property, offers liability protection, and pays for extra living costs in emergencies. The most important part for dog bites is personal liability coverage. This covers legal fees and medical bills for injuries on your property. So, if your dog bites a guest, your insurance should cover the medical costs.

But, not all dog bites are covered. Some specifics matter. It’s crucial to know when your insurance covers a dog bite, when it doesn’t, and what could affect your claim.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites on Your Property?

Renters insurance usually covers dog bites on your property. So, if your dog bites a visitor, like a friend or delivery person, it should cover their medical costs. This includes hospital bills and doctor visits.

However, there are exceptions:

1. Household Members: It doesn’t cover bites to people living with you, like your spouse or kids.
2. Off-Premises Bites: Bites that happen away from your property, like at a park, often aren’t covered. You might need extra pet liability insurance for those.
3. Injury Severity: Minor bites, needing no treatment, usually don’t require a claim. But, for serious injuries needing extensive care, a claim is necessary.

What About Restricted Breeds?

If your dog is on the restricted breed list, things get more complicated. Many insurance companies exclude certain breeds from coverage due to the higher risk they’re thought to pose. In fact, breeds often considered high-risk for liability claims are commonly left out of insurance policies.

These restricted breeds tend to be large, strong, or have a reputation for aggression, leading to more insurance claims for dog bites. As a result, insurers may view them as a higher liability risk and exclude coverage for injuries caused by these dogs.

Some breeds that are often restricted include:

• Pit Bulls
• Rottweilers
• Doberman Pinschers
• German Shepherds
• Chow Chows
• Akitas
• Siberian Huskies
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Bull Mastiffs
• Boxers

If your dog is one of these restricted breeds, your renters insurance might not cover dog bites or injuries caused by them. However, not all insurers have the same rules, and some pet-friendly providers may offer limited coverage for restricted breeds. Having a restricted breed can still make it harder to get renters insurance coverage.

Can You Get Dog Bite Coverage If You Have a Restricted Dog Breed?

Yes, you can get dog bite coverage with a restricted breed dog. It depends on the insurance company and state rules. States like Colorado, Illinois, and New York can’t deny coverage only based on breed. However, they consider past incidents of biting or aggression.

Companies like State Farm do not limit coverage by breed. But, they check your dog’s history. If your dog has bitten or attacked someone before, they might deny your claim or raise your rates. So, if you have a restricted breed dog, it’s wise to look for pet liability insurance to ensure coverage.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Is a Restricted Breed?

If your dog is a restricted breed, check with your insurer before getting renters insurance. Some companies deny coverage for certain breeds. Knowing your policy terms is crucial.

Here’s what to do:

1. Identify Your Dog’s Breed: Confirm if your dog is on the restricted list. This prevents future issues. Some insurers might refuse coverage for dog-related injuries or deny insurance altogether.
2. Be Honest: Always disclose your dog’s breed. If your dog is restricted or has a history of aggression, failing to inform your insurer can lead to policy cancellation or denied claims. It might also be seen as fraud, raising your rates or making future coverage difficult.
3. Consider Extra Liability Insurance: For restricted breeds or dogs with a biting history, look into pet liability insurance. This covers damage or injury your dog causes, filling gaps in renters insurance.
4. Compare Insurers: Different insurers have different breed restrictions. If one denies coverage, another might not. Take the time to find the best renters insurance for you and your pet.

How to File a Dog Bite Insurance Claim

If your dog bites someone and the injuries are serious, you need to file a claim with your renters insurance. Here’s what to do:

1. Check the Injury: If the bite is minor, no claim is needed. But for serious injuries, like those needing stitches or a hospital visit, file a claim.
2. Contact Your Insurer: Call your renters insurance provider right after the incident. They’ll ask for injury details and guide you. You might need to provide medical records for serious injuries.
3. Think About the Deductible: If medical costs are below your deductible, you’ll pay out of pocket. Deductibles usually range from $250 to $1,000. Knowing your deductible and the injury’s severity is key before filing a claim.
4. Subrogation Process: Sometimes, the injured person might use their own insurance. Then, their insurer may work with yours to settle the claim. If they decide to sue, your insurer will cover defense costs and help with settlements or legal fees.

Dog Bite Statistics and Liability Costs

Dog bites are more common than you think. The American Pet Products Association reports that about 65 million families in the U.S. own dogs. This high number leads to many bites. Each year, around 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. Out of these, 885,000 need medical care. Some bites can lead to high medical bills and lawsuits.

A 2023 study by the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm found that dog bites make up one-third of liability claims in homeowners and renters insurance. This amounts to over $1.1 billion each year. Although the average cost of these claims dropped by 9% in 2023, the average now stands at $58,545. Dog bites remain a major issue in the insurance sector.

Conclusion

In conclusion, renters insurance can cover dog bites, but with important details. It usually covers bites to guests on your property. However, it doesn’t cover bites to household members or injuries outside your home. For dogs in banned breeds, finding coverage can be tougher. Yet, some insurers might offer it with specific conditions.

Before getting renters insurance, check your dog’s breed and the insurer’s exclusions. Also, look for extra pet liability options. These steps ensure you’re protected against dog bites.