How does home insurance protect me against a dog attack?
By Terria Gallagher
Man’s best friend has always been known as a dog. Moreover, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 38% of homes have at least one dog -- it is no surprise that they are often times considered a family member. What we as their humans need to remember is they are still an animal with animal instincts and reactions. We have all heard of the terrible attacks from certain breeds, but the truth is any dog can bite: big or small, male or female, young or old. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites.
A common question we receive is “How does home insurance protect me against a dog attack?”
The answer is that yes, in most cases, home insurance will protect you if your dog bites someone. Note the word ‘most’ is used because each homeowners insurance policy language may be different and could exclude certain breeds that are categorized as dangerous or difficult to insure. In addition, if your dog has a history of aggressive behavior, the policy may exclude coverage for the dog.
As a pet owner it’s always better to be pro-active in preventing a dog bite incident from happening. Here are a few steps to take:
Socialize your dog early and often
Avoid risky situations
Spay or neuter your dog
Visit the vet regularly
Hire a professional dog trainer
Walk your dog often, while keeping the dog on a leash
Don’t leave your dog unattended
Stay alert and know your dog, preventing any stressors
If any of this home insurance coverage sounds confusing, that’s okay. We can help you understand it.
Our agents take pride in educating our customers and having protection in case your dog attacks someone is just one example of how we can help you with your homeowners insurance. Want to reach out? Complete our Contact Us form or call us at 800-832-4689 and we would be happy to help you with your homeowners or renters insurance. Now go have fun with man’s best friend!
Sources:
https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-dog-bites/ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention
Terria Gallagher
Cubs Fan, Wife, Mother and Grandmother and Insurance Agent
Direct Phone - 913-754-3835
I have 17 years of experience in the insurance industry. When not working I enjoy attending my son's sporting events from football to basketball to baseball. I also love spending time with my 2 sons, 1 daughter and granddaughters. I have 3 fur babies (dogs) that keep me hopping. I also enjoy working in the yard and refurbishing furniture. My favorite vacations are anywhere with a beach.