Can Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bite Claims?

It’s a common saying: dogs are “man’s best friend.” While many people would agree that their furry friends are some of the most valuable in their lives, the unfortunate truth is that not all dogs are friendly. When they attack, dogs can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. 

Dogsbite.org reports that nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens require emergency care treatment for serious dog bite injuries every day. Who is responsible for these injuries, and how do these people pay for medical treatments that cost thousands of dollars? 

Who is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury?

In Texas, dog owners are held strictly liable if their dog bites another person. Even if the dog had never shown any aggression or bitten anyone before, owners are still responsible for the injuries caused by their dog. Some states have a “one-bite rule,” which can clear dog owners of liability if their dog had never bitten anyone before and they didn’t know the dog was dangerous. 

However, just because the owner is responsible for the injury doesn’t necessarily mean they will be the one shelling out thousands of dollars to pay for it. In fact, most dog bite claims are covered under homeowners insurance policies.

What Types of Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Despite the fact that dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their pet may cause, in many cases, the owner’s insurance company will cover the expenses of a dog attack. There are multiple types of insurance that may cover dog bite claims, depending on where the dog bite occurred. 

Homeowners Insurance

In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy can provide coverage for dog bite liabilities that occurred on the owner’s property. Most policies only cover the first bite incident, and some companies exclude coverage from certain breeds, such as Pit Bulls. 

Renters Insurance

If a dog owner does not have homeowners insurance, renters insurance may be able to cover a dog bite that occurred on rented property. Additionally, a landlord may also be held liable for a dog bite claim if they allowed a dog they knew was dangerous to stay on their property. 

Auto Insurance

It may be strange to think that car insurance would cover the cost of a dog bite. However, many car insurance companies will cover the cost of a dog bite that occurred in the policyholder’s vehicle.

Animal Insurance

If a dog owner has a breed of dog that is typically excluded from other insurance policies or knows that their dog is dangerous, they can purchase animal insurance that will cover the cost of a dog bite claim.

Can Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bite Claims?

If a dog bite occurs on the dog owner’s property, it is very likely that their homeowners insurance policy will cover the dog bite claim. Most homeowners insurance policies provide dog bite coverage under the personal liability section, which on average offer between $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. In 2022, the Insurance Information Institute reported about 17,500 homeowners insurance claims involving dog bites, which averaged $64,555 per claim. 

However, not all homeowners insurance offer the same coverage. Some policies exclude certain breeds of dogs, like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, and some only cover the first bite incident. In addition, some companies may reduce or deny coverage for dog bites that did not occur on the property. If you have a dog, it’s best to check your policy to see what coverage your company offers you. 

What Should I Know About Filing a Dog Bite Claim?

Victims of dog bites may suffer tremendous physical, mental, and emotional injuries. When a dog bites someone, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention and document the incident. The victim should be sure to get the dog owner’s contact information, report the incident to the authorities, and ask witnesses for statements. Additionally, the victim should take pictures of the injuries and document the medical treatment received. Doing so will help both the victim and the dog owner protect their interests. 

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. In Texas, a victim only has two years to file a lawsuit, and insurance companies will often do everything in their power to delay or devalue your claim. A dog bite lawyer will help you protect your rights and get the fair compensation you deserve.

The Carlson Law Firm Can Help

At The Carlson Law Firm, we understand that dog bite injuries should be taken seriously. With more than 40 years of experience, our caring and compassionate legal teams can help you get the justice you deserve. We care. We can help.