Homeowners’ insurance companies paid out $797 million in homeowners’ insurance dog bite claims in 2018, up 16.7% from the previous year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Dog bites are the most common homeowners insurance liability claim and are getting more expensive. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of a dog bite claim has increased more than 67% over the past decade, from $32,072 in 2008 to $53,982 in 2018.
If you have a dog, it’s important to ensure you’re properly covered in case your dog bites someone. But even if you don’t have a dog, you could still be liable if a dog bite occurs on your property. There are a few homeowner’s insurance policies, and not all provide coverage for dog bites. If you have a dog, you’ll need to ensure you have the proper coverage to protect yourself from financial liability.
Dog Bite Claim and Homeowners Insurance
When it comes to homeowners’ insurance, one of the most common questions is: “Does my policy cover dog bites?” The answer is maybe. Some homeowners’ insurance policies will cover dog bites, while others will not. It all depends on the specific language of your policy.
If you’re not sure whether your policy covers dog bites, the best thing to do is give your insurance company a call and ask. They’ll be able to tell you for sure whether you’re covered. And if you’re not covered, they may be able to offer you some alternative options.
No matter what, it’s always a good idea to have at least some kind of coverage in place in case your dog does bite someone. That way, you can avoid any costly out-of-pocket expenses.
Common Dog Bite Claims Mistakes
- Not Knowing Your Homeowner Insurance Policy Limits
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is that they do not know their policy limits. Your homeowners’ insurance policy will have limits on the amount of coverage it provides for dog bites. If you have a dog, you’ll need to ensure a policy that provides adequate coverage for dog bites. The average cost of a dog bite claim is more than $50,000, so you’ll need to ensure you have at least $100,000 in coverage.
- Not Implementing A “No Tolerance” Policy for Dog Bites
Another mistake homeowners make is not implementing a “no tolerance” policy for dog bites. If you have a dog, you need to make sure that you have a policy that doesn’t allow your dog to bite anyone.
- Not Disclosing Your Dog to Your Homeowners Insurance Company
Another mistake homeowners make is not disclosing their dog to their homeowners’ insurance company. If you have a dog, you need to make sure you disclose it to your insurance company so that you’re properly covered in the event of a dog bite.
Conclusion
At Garcia and Phan, we are familiar with dog bite claims and homeowner’s insurance coverage. We can assist you in navigating the procedure and obtaining the necessary coverage. Call us at (714) 586-8298 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We will assist you in comprehending your alternatives and acquiring the necessary coverage.
