Here’s what you need to know about dog bites and your insurance coverage.
While most dog owners believe that their four-legged friends are sweet and loving creatures, it’s still important to remember that your pet has the ability to be dangerous when provoked or agitated. Even if you have the personal liability coverage afforded by a good homeowners insurance policy, the costs of a dog bite claim are nothing to scoff at. Here’s what you need to know about dog bites and your homeowners insurance.
Stats
Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one third of all homeowners liability claim money paid in 2017. In fact, these claims added up to almost $700 million. Research has shown that the number of dog bites across the nation has increased by about 2.2% from 2016 to 2017. Additionally, the average cost of a dog bite claim has increased by about 11.5% in the same time frame. Experts explain that this increase in claim costs could be related to the severity of the dog bites, but is more likely a result of increased medical costs and the increased size of the settlements awarded to plaintiffs.
Getting Coverage
While the insurance costs of a dog bite liability issue are significant, it’s still important that you have the protections offered by insurance. However, it’s important to understand that some home insurance providers might not offer coverage for your pet. In fact, many insurance companies refuse to insure certain breeds of dogs that are considered “dangerous.” Other companies might refuse coverage for a dog who has been previously involved in a liability issue. This is why you should speak to your home insurance provider to make sure that your pet is covered by your policy. If they aren’t, you should look for alternative coverage options for your pooch.
This is what you need to know about dog bites and your homeowners insurance. Interested in getting the right home insurance to address all your various needs? Then don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Randy Jones Insurance Services in Pleasanton, California. We are ready to assist you with all your insurance needs today.
