Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites Off Property?


Enter your ZIP code to get started

Shield

Free. Simple. Secure.

Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites, even if they occur off your property. The coverage usually extends to incidents in public spaces, such as parks or sidewalks, protecting you from liability claims. However, some policies may have exclusions based on the dog's breed or history of previous bites. Finding homeowners insurance after a dog bite can be challenging, so reviewing your policy details and consulting with your insurance agent is crucial.

Key Takeaways

blueCheck icon

Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites that occur off your property, including in public spaces like parks.

blueCheck icon

Coverage for off-property dog bites usually includes medical bills, legal fees and any damages resulting from the bite.

blueCheck icon

Finding homeowners insurance after a dog bite incident can be challenging and may require seeking insurers specializing in high-risk dogs.

Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites Off Property

Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites, even if they occur off your property. Typically, homeowners insurance covers the following if a dog bites someone off your property:

  • Medical Expenses: Covers the cost of medical treatment for the victim, including emergency room visits, surgeries, and follow-up care.
  • Legal Fees: Provides coverage for legal defense costs if the victim decides to sue you for damages related to the bite.
  • Liability Coverage: Pays for any settlements or judgments against you if you are found liable for the incident.
  • Lost Wages: Compensates the victim for lost income if they are unable to work due to injuries sustained from the bite.

However, coverage limits can vary. Always review your policy details to ensure you have adequate protection.

When Homeowners Insurance Covers an Off-Property Dog Bite

Homeowners insurance covers dog bites that occur under certain conditions and in certain settings. Most commonly, homeowners insurance will cover dog bites that happen off your property if they occur:

    petNextToCar icon

    In Public Spaces

    If your dog bites someone in a public area, such as a park, your homeowners insurance generally covers the incident. This includes medical expenses and legal costs associated with the bite, ensuring you are financially protected.

    familyWithPeth icon

    When Visiting Friends or Family

    Coverage also applies if your dog bites someone while you are visiting friends or family. The insurance will typically cover the bite if it falls within the policy's terms, helping mitigate potential liability issues.

When Homeowners Insurance Doesn't Cover an Off-Property Dog Bite

While homeowners insurance covers dog bites that occur off your property in certain scenarios, there are some exceptions when coverage isn't granted. Understanding these exclusions is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses and potential legal issues. Typically, insurance providers will withhold coverage if your dog meets the following criteria:

    dog8 icon

    Breed Restrictions

    Many homeowners insurance policies exclude coverage for specific breeds deemed dangerous. If your dog is one of these breeds, any bites that occur off your property will likely not be covered, leaving you financially responsible

    dog10 icon

    History of Aggression

    If your dog has previously bitten someone or has a known history of aggressive behavior, your insurance policy may exclude coverage for future incidents. Finding homeowners insurance after a dog bite incident can be difficult in such cases.

dog5 icon
COMMON DOG BREEDS NOT COVERED BY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Many homeowners insurance policies exclude coverage for certain dog breeds considered high-risk. Here is a list of dog breeds that affect homeowners insurance:

  • Pit Bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Great Danes
  • Presa Canarios
  • Siberian Huskies
  • Alaskan Malamutes
  • Wolf-Hybrids

Finding Homeowners Insurance After a Dog Bite Off Property

After a dog bite incident, your current insurance might cancel your policy or exclude your dog from coverage, making it essential to find a provider that caters to such situations. Taking the following steps can help you find homeowners insurance after a dog bite that occurs off your property:

  1. 1

    Research High-Risk Insurers

    Start by searching for insurance companies known for dog-friendly homeowners insurance coverage, meaning they cover high-risk dogs and situations involving homeowners insurance and dog bites. Make a list of potential providers that are open to insuring homes with dogs that have a bite history.

  2. 2

    Get Quotes

    Contact the companies on your list to obtain quotes, providing them with all necessary information about the dog bite incident. Be honest about your dog's history and the circumstances of the bite to ensure accurate quotes.

  3. 3

    Implement Safety Measures

    Invest in professional dog training or behavior certification to demonstrate your commitment to preventing future bite incidents. Make sure to inform potential insurers about these measures, as these steps can help you secure coverage.

  4. 4

    Compare Policies

    Compare home insurance quotes and policy details from different insurers, comparing coverage options, exclusions and premiums. The best homeowners insurance balances coverage, cost and adequate protection against future dog bite incidents.

  5. 5

    Consult an Insurance Agent

    If you’re having trouble finding a suitable policy, consider consulting with an insurance agent or broker specializing in high-risk policies. They can provide expert guidance and may have access to insurers not easily found through personal research.

What to Do After an Off-Property Dog Bite

If your dog bites someone while off your property, immediate action is essential to manage the situation appropriately. This includes ensuring the victim receives immediate medical attention and informing your homeowners insurance company about the incident. Properly addressing the problem can help mitigate potential legal and financial consequences.

  1. 1

    Provide Immediate Medical Attention

    Make sure the victim gets prompt medical care by calling emergency services or taking them to the nearest hospital. Your quick response can help prevent further complications and demonstrate your responsibility as a pet owner.

  2. 2

    Exchange Information

    Provide the victim with your contact information, insurance information and details about your dog. This transparency is essential for addressing any medical or legal claims that may arise from the bite.

  3. 3

    Report the Incident

    Contact your homeowners insurance company as soon as possible to report the bite. Explain the circumstances of the incident and inquire about your coverage for homeowners insurance dog bite claims.

  4. 4

    Document the Incident

    Take notes and photographs of the scene, the victim's injuries and any other relevant details. This documentation can be helpful for your insurance claim and any potential legal proceedings.

  5. 5

    Seek Legal Advice

    Consult an attorney specializing in dog bite cases to understand your legal responsibilities and potential liabilities. Legal guidance can help you navigate the complexities of finding homeowners insurance after a dog bite and protect your interests.

  6. 6

    Evaluate Your Dog’s Behavior

    Consider having your dog evaluated by a professional trainer or behaviorist to understand the cause of the bite and prevent future incidents. Implementing recommended training or safety measures can improve your dog's behavior and reduce the risk of another bite.

FAQ About Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites Off Property

Dog bites can be stressful and complicated, especially when they happen off your property. To help clarify some common concerns, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about homeowners insurance and off-property dog bites.

Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites off property?

Are there any breed restrictions in homeowners insurance policies?

What should I do immediately after my dog bites someone off my property?

Can my homeowners insurance policy be canceled after a dog bite incident?

How can I find homeowners insurance after my dog bites someone?

Does my homeowners insurance cover legal fees if my dog bites someone off my property?

What documentation should I provide to my insurance company after a dog bite?

Can homeowners insurance help with medical expenses for the victim?

Read More

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.