Did you know that according to a survey, 94% of pet owners reported that their pets make them smile more than once in a day? We say that these numbers increase furthermore if your pet is a dog. Dogs are awesome! These lovely creatures demand our attention and love, and in return, they make us learn the true meaning of humanity and affection. There are many benefits of keeping dogs at home. From kids to retired adults, dogs are ready to serve you with their unconditional companionship throughout life. This is all true, BUT, they don’t come without certain challenges. At times, even the most well trained dogs can act out of character and pose a threat to you and those around you. In such a case, your primary liability coverage will be of no use. This is why we urge you to tell your insurance agent or company beforehand about you owning a dog.

Will your dog bite?

You see, most dogs can cause great damages when we look at the bigger picture. However, taking into account other factors which push a dog to act inflict harm, we can easily say that it is mostly dependent on the breed of the dog.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year. in most cases, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the damages but that too, depends on the breed of your dog. For instance, bites coming from muscular canines such as Doberman pinschers and Chow Chows aren’t covered here.

 Plus, liability claims involving dog bites can come from any type of dog. For particular statistics, you’ll need to contact your local insurance agent.

Dog bites and insurance

Usually, a person’s homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies will cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits ranging within $100,000 to $300,000. If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount. Liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries cost homeowners insurers $797 million in in 2019, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm.

Thus, the amount is very big and you need add-ons to your primary policies like the homeowner’s insurance to cover for them.

In case of dog bites, three types of laws can provoke the dog owner’s liability.

• The one-bite rule
• A dog bite statue
• Negligence laws 

You can get in-depth information of these laws from your insurance provider.

Preventing dog bites

Although insurance can help you prevent drastic financial damages in the case of dog bites, it is advisable to prevent it when you can. You can adopt the following measures to prevent dog bites –

Socializing your dog early by introducing it to other humans and dogs.

Adequate training of your dog, especially the meaning of the word “drop”.

Being extra vigilant around children and respecting the dog’s space.

For more information of dog bites and potential liability claims, visit us at Paradiso insurance or simply drop a message!