Home Safety 2min Read

Dog Liability – Is It Really Necessary?

How to know if dog liability insurance coverage is right for you.

Man’s best friend is always here for us. But what happens when one goes doggone wild? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 90 million dogs live in U.S. households, and about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs yearly. Even nice dogs can bite someone. So how do you protect yourself if your sweet dog goes sour and bites someone?

When purchasing homeowners insurance, you may discover that some companies don’t cover dog bites. Or, if you’re looking to rent an apartment, townhouse, or condo, your landlord may want proof of insurance coverage for your pet.

What is dog liability?

Dog liability pays for other people’s injuries and damages when your dog is responsible. You could be liable for some or all of a person’s medical bills if you don’t have enough, or any, dog liability coverage.

It’s unfortunate, but there is nothing you can do to ensure that your dog will never bite anyone. Think about it: all dogs have the potential to bite if they feel threatened or scared.

And it’s not just biting you have to worry about. Your dog could accidentally cause someone to trip, fall, and get hurt – and dog liability will help cover it if that happens.

Remember that some homeowners insurance companies won’t cover certain dog breeds, often excluding aggressive dogs or dogs with a biting history. Please speak to your agent or home insurance company to find out their restrictions.

Tips to Prevent Dog Bites

Learn about your dog breed’s natural temperament
Have your dog spayed or neutered
Before buying or adopting a dog, spend quality time with it
Use extra caution when bringing your dog around unfamiliar people, especially children
Never approach a strange dog, even if it is on a leash
Do not bother a dog while it is eating or sleeping
Have your dog attend obedience training

Your precious Fido might be lovable to you, but that doesn’t mean that his instincts may never come out. It’s better to be safe than sorry and purchase or add dog liability to your home insurance.