Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites? (2024)

FAQs

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites? ›

Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits (typically $100,000 to $300,000). If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount.

Yes, you can still get homeowners insurance after your dog bites a person or another dog, but your existing insurer may not be willing to cover your dog after a dog-bite claim. When it's time to renew your policy, your dog may be excluded from coverage or your insurer may choose not to renew your coverage at all.

Invited Guests and Others. In most situations, dog owners owe a duty of reasonable care to anyone on their property for a lawful reason. This means if the injured person shows the owner was negligent or failed to use reasonable care in controlling their dog, they can get damages.

Can you sue someone for a dog bite? You can sue someone for a dog bite if you were injured and they failed to control their dog. Your claim will usually be paid out of the owner's pet insurance. In some cases, such as in public places, the claim may be paid for out of the organisation's public liability insurance.

Pet insurance companies may offer liability coverage in case your dog bites someone or destroys someone else's property. Those types of incidents are generally covered by your homeowners insurance.

Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits (typically $100,000 to $300,000). If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount.

A Level 3 dog bite occurs when a dog bites down with enough force for the dog's canine teeth to make shallow puncture wounds.

A level 2 dog bite involves contact but no puncture wounds. In this case, the dog's teeth may make skin contact, causing bruising, abrasions, or surface scratches, but without breaking the skin or causing puncture wounds. [ 1]

If the bite is not bleeding severely, wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap and running water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then cover the bite with antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing. An animal bite may not appear to be life-threatening, but if left untreated the bite can lead to a serious infection.

A dog bite settlement is a legal agreement between the victim and either the dog owner's insurance company or the dog owner themselves. This process aims to compensate the victim for their losses and damages resulting from the dog bite.

How much money can I get from a dog bite? ›

Dog bite cases often settle between $10,000 and $100,000 but can be higher or lower depending on case factors. Each dog bite claim is unique, and settlement amounts will vary depending on case factors such as severity of injuries, liability & negligence, and whether the case goes to trial or is settled.

The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after a dog attack varies from a few months to several years, depending on where the attack happened and who was to blame. If you fail to take legal action within that time window, you will most likely lose your right to compensation.

Insurers cover diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization and even physical therapy if it's necessary to treat injury or illness. But even the best pet insurance companies exclude checkups, vaccinations, grooming and other recurrent pet care expenses.

You should see a doctor after a dog bite in any of the following situations: The dog is unfamiliar to you. Bite wounds are deep. You cannot stop the bleeding.

A personal liability umbrella policy helps if your home insurance doesn't cover dog bite injuries or doesn't pay enough. Umbrella coverage pays up to a certain amount (usually $1 million or more) for medical bills, lost wages, and lawsuits if someone sues you.

For true peace of mind, XINSURANCE provides animal liability insurance solutions that can cover any pet, any dog breed (even the “dangerous breeds”), regardless of bite history or claims history.

If your dog bites or injures you

Yes, it's possible for your homeowners insurance company to drop you because of a dog. Two reasons why your insurer might drop you is if your dog bit several people and you've filed multiple liability claims or if your dog's breed is on your insurer's list of banned dog breeds.

You should get medical attention within 24 hours for any bite that breaks the skin: You may need stitches for deeper wounds. You may need to get a tetanus shot. You may need to take antibiotics due to the risk for infection or receive antibiotics through a vein (IV) if the infection has spread.