Are you and your dog prepared if your furry friend causes an injury? It’s crucial to know what your insurance policy includes.

Many focus on the expenses of feeding, boarding, and caring for their pets. However, one important aspect often overlooked is the financial protection for owners if their dog injures someone.

It’s not just about bites. A playful dog sprinting in a park can lead to accidents, such as a collision that results in an injury like a torn ACL. I’ve experienced this firsthand! Once, my own dog caused a tumble that left a bystander hurt. Another time, I was tugging with a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy when it accidentally bit my thumb.

While I’m not prone to lawsuits and only needed a tetanus shot, if my dog had seriously injured someone who decided to take legal action, it could’ve cost the owner as much as a small luxury car to resolve the claim.

Your Record Fido

According to the Insurance Information Institute, over one third of all homeowners insurance liability payouts stem from dog bites and related injuries. In 2019, the average payout for a dog bite claim was $44,760.

Think your adorable pup can’t cause harm? More than half of all dog-bite incidents occur at home with a dog familiar to the victim, as per the CDC. I’ve observed many accidents where dogs inadvertently knock down people. My tactic? Yelling “Bend your knees!” when a chase breaks out.

Children aged 5 to 9 are at the highest risk, but injuries can also happen to cyclists and older adults.

Most homeowners insurance policies offer liability coverage for dog bites, but this may only extend to a certain limit. With rising medical costs, the average claim has surged 134% from 2003 to 2019. Securing the right homeowners insurance, typically around $100 monthly, can provide significant savings.

Dog Bite Insurance Options

Insurance policies concerning dogs can differ, as can state regulations. Some regions have specific laws identifying certain breeds as dangerous, requiring owners to maintain a minimum level of liability coverage. For instance, in Ohio, homes with dogs labeled as “vicious” must have at least $100,000 in liability insurance.

Insurance companies might exclude specific dog breeds from coverage, ask you to sign a liability waiver for dog bites, or raise premiums for certain breeds like Pit Bulls, Dobermans, and Rottweilers. (Check out the Dodo’s Pittie Nation series to see why these breeds deserve love.)

However, several states, including Pennsylvania and Michigan, prohibit insurers from denying or canceling coverage based on breed.

Keep in mind, if you file a claim, it will enter a national claims database associated with your name. Even if you change insurers, the new company will know about it and factor it into your premium.

Manage Liability Costs

Insurance companies evaluate coverage based on individual cases, making it essential to converse with a representative for clarity.

If you’ve recently adopted a dog or haven’t reviewed your homeowners or renters insurance in some time, take a moment to check your policy.

Review your policy’s coverage. Basic homeowners insurance generally includes personal liability coverage for legal fees and medical expenses related to injuries or property damage caused by your pet. No-fault medical payments coverage is also common, covering guest injuries regardless of fault, although it typically has a low limit (e.g., $1,000 to $5,000).

Consider raising your personal liability limits. Standard personal liability coverage usually ranges from $100,000 to $500,000, according to Policygenius. For more extensive coverage, think about obtaining personal umbrella insurance.

Ask about potential discounts. If your dog impacts your insurance rates, inquire about options to mitigate that. Measures like training your dog, using a crate, or muzzling your pet in public may help reduce costs.

Set aside funds for self-insurance. You can opt to cover any costs out of pocket, perhaps by saving in a high-yield savings or checking account. Remember, even with insurance, your deductible must be met before coverage kicks in, so keep enough cash to cover that amount.