Dogs Can Put a Bite in Your Homeowner’s Insurance

​Dog bite claims are increasing at a dramatic rate in the U.S., and so is the cost to settle a dog bite claim.   In 2014, dog bite claims accounted for over one third of all homeowner’s claims.  Nationally, in 2014, these claims cost over $530 million. Over the past three years, the number of dog bites has increased at a rate of about 5% per year. In California, the average dog bite claim cost insurers about $34,000 per claim. Texas and Florida were close behind.
Does my homeowner’s insurance cover dog bites?
Not all homeowner’s insurance policies purchased online may cover costs associated with dog bites, and even those that do often exclude certain “dangerous” dog breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.
Most basic homeowner’s policies we provide do cover injuries resulting from dog bites. We always recommend that you contact us if you own a dog or acquire one. If your dog bites a family member living in the home, your homeowner’s policy will not cover that.
These dogs are blacklisted by many insurers:

• Pit bulls
• Staffordshire terriers
• Doberman Pinchers
• Rottweiler’s
• Great Danes