Insurance After a Dog Bite Occurs

elderly couple holding there small white dog while smiling

You love your pet. You do all you can to keep your pet safe. But, dogs are animals. You cannot predict all instances of their behavior. When a dog bites a person, your home insurance may cover your losses. However, the insurer may also require the removal of the dog from the home or cancel the policy. In other cases, you may need additional coverage to protect you from risks. Here is what you need to know about your dog, bites, and insurance.

Do You Have Insurance for a Dog Bite?

Most home insurance policies provide coverage for dog bites. Let your agent know you have a dog. The insurance will cover liability claims against you filed by other people if your pet hurts them. Keep in mind, this does not apply to bites to those who live in the home.

Dog bite coverage may pay for medical bills, lost time at work, and pain and suffering of an injured person. Check with your insurer to make sure you have this protection. Verify that the adequate limits will apply.

What Happens When a Dog Bite Occurs?

Your first step is to ensure the person receives proper medical attention. Then, call your home insurance agent. He or she will generally work directly with the injured party to settle the claim and provide payout.

Most often, the insurer pays the claims of the injured party. Generally, a liability claim lowers your risk of getting sued for damage. However, if the case progresses to a trial, your policy should provide you with legal defense. It may also help you pay settlements.

What About the Dog When a Dog Bite Occurs?

State laws first apply here. City laws also apply. If the incident is malicious or very high risk to happen again, you may have to remove the pet. This is not common in most dog bites with minimal damage or lower costs.

Some home insurance policies will allow you to keep the pet. However, you will have to pay an additional level of liability insurance on the pet. This will help to minimize the costs to you if there is another accident. Most insurance companies will not cover numerous claims, though. Higher premium requirements and even policy cancellations might result.

Do not hide dog bite incidents from your home insurance provider. Be sure you to state the facts about the risks. This is the only way to make sure there is no risk to you in the future if a significant incident occurs. You need this type of protection in place.

FAQ’s About Insurance After a Dog Bite Occurs

What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?

Seek medical attention immediately. Even if the wound appears minor, it is important to get it cleaned and examined by a medical professional.

Who is responsible for a dog bite?

The owner of the dog is typically responsible for any damages caused by their pet. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Can I sue the owner of the dog that bit me?

Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog for damages. It is recommended to consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.

Will the owner’s homeowner’s insurance cover my medical bills?

It depends on the specific policy. Some homeowner’s insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites, while others do not. It is important to contact the insurance company to determine coverage.

What if the dog that bit me was a stray?

If the dog was a stray, it may be more difficult to recover damages. However, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company or seek compensation from the local government if the dog was known to be a problem in the area.

What steps can I take to prevent dog bites?

Always ask permission before approaching a dog, and never approach a dog that is sleeping or eating. Teach children to respect dogs and never approach them without adult supervision. If a dog appears aggressive or is acting strangely, avoid it.

Can I be held responsible if my dog bites someone?

Yes, as a dog owner, you are responsible for any damages caused by your pet. It is important to properly train and socialize your dog to prevent bites.

What if the dog that bit me was a service animal?

Service animals are trained to be gentle and well-behaved, but they are still animals and can bite if provoked. The owner of the service animal may still be held responsible for any damages caused by the animal.

How can I prove that the dog that bit me was owned by someone?

If possible, try to obtain the owner’s contact information and any witness statements. You may also be able to identify the owner through local animal control or police records.

What should I do if the dog that bit me was a police or military dog?

Police and military dogs are trained to be aggressive and may be used in situations where force is necessary. If you are bitten by a police or military dog, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. You may also be able to file a claim for damages, but the process may be more complex due to the involvement of government agencies. It is recommended to consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.

How much can I expect to receive from a dog bite insurance claim?

The amount of money you can receive from a dog bite insurance claim depends on several factors, such as the severity of the injury, the insurance policy limit, and the state laws where the incident occurred. Generally, insurance policies cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages up to the policy limit. It is important to note that insurance companies will investigate the incident to determine whether the dog owner was negligent or not. If the owner is found to be negligent, the insurance company may not cover the full amount of damages.

Will my homeowners insurance policy be cancelled if my dog bites someone?

It is possible that your homeowners insurance policy may be cancelled or not renewed if your dog bites someone. Insurance companies have different policies when it comes to dog bites, and some may consider your dog a liability risk. However, some insurance companies may allow you to keep your policy but exclude coverage for your dog. It is important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible if your dog bites someone to avoid any potential policy cancellations.

Do renters insurance policies cover dog bites?

Renters insurance policies may cover dog bites, but it depends on the specific policy. Some policies may have exclusions for certain dog breeds or may require additional coverage for dogs. It is important to review your renters insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. If your policy does not cover dog bites, you may need to consider purchasing additional liability coverage or an umbrella policy.

Can my insurance rates increase after a dog bite claim?

It is possible that your insurance rates may increase after a dog bite claim, depending on the severity of the incident and your insurance policy. Insurance companies may consider your dog a liability risk and may increase your rates or even cancel your policy. It is important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible if your dog bites someone to avoid any potential rate increases or policy cancellations.

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