Finding Homeowners Insurance After a Dog Bite


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Maintaining or seeking a homeowners insurance policy after a dog bite can be challenging, but you can improve your chances by taking immediate action to document the incident and demonstrating evidence of responsible pet ownership. Remember, insurers offer different levels of coverage, and you may even be able to negotiate for more favorable terms, so it's wise to explore your options as a dog owner.

Key Takeaways

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Immediate action and thorough documentation will help you secure homeowners insurance after a dog bite incident.

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Specialized policies like canine liability insurance or umbrella policies can offer coverage when standard options are limited.

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Highlighting your dog's training and behavioral improvements can positively sway negotiations if you’re looking for traditional home insurance.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite for Insurance

While homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites, it’s important to act fast if it occurs. When your dog bites another person, immediately secure the area, seek medical attention for the victim and promptly notify your insurance company. These initial steps will help ensure everyone's safety and start the claims process efficiently, ultimately helping you comply with your policy.

  1. 1

    Secure the Area

    Ensure your dog is safely contained to prevent any additional bites or accidents. This step will help avoid further harm and to create a controlled environment. If needed, relocate the dog to a secure location, such as a kennel or a separate room.

  2. 2

    Seek Medical Attention for the Victim

    Provide first aid if necessary and immediately call for medical assistance. Quick medical intervention is crucial to prevent infection and assess the severity of the injury. Cooperate fully with medical professionals and provide any information they need about the dog and the incident.

  3. 3

    Notify Your Insurance Company

    Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident. Provide detailed information about the incident, including witness statements and medical reports. Early notification helps initiate the claims process and ensures compliance with your policy requirements.

  4. 4

    Document the Incident

    Take pictures of the victim's wounds and any other pertinent information. This paperwork can be helpful in the event of legal action.

  5. 5

    Seek Legal Advice

    To learn about your legal obligations and possible risks, speak with a lawyer who handles dog bite cases. By getting legal advice, you can safeguard your interests and manage the difficulties of obtaining homeowners insurance following a dog bite.

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COVERAGE APPLIES OFF YOUR PROPERTY

Home insurance typically covers dog bites off your property, such as while you’re on a walk or in public areas like parks. However, certain providers might exclude certain dogs altogether because of their breed or history of biting.

Alternatives to Standard Home Insurance After a Dog Bite

If your dog has a history of biting and you're unable to obtain standard homeowners insurance, you can explore options such as umbrella insurance or canine liability insurance.

  • Umbrella Insurance: Umbrella insurance offers an additional layer of liability coverage beyond your existing policies. This type of insurance can cover dog bite incidents, ensuring you're protected even if your primary homeowners insurance doesn't provide coverage. It typically requires having an underlying policy, such as auto or homeowners insurance, in place.
  • Canine Liability Insurance: Specifically designed to cover incidents involving dogs, canine liability insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, legal fees and damages resulting from dog bites. This policy is tailored for dog owners and can be a standalone option if traditional homeowners insurance is unavailable. It's an excellent solution for ensuring comprehensive financial protection against dog-related liabilities.

You can also add your dog to a list of excluded animals under a specialized home insurance policy to gain coverage. These alternatives can be pursued separately or combined to provide coverage to protect your assets while accommodating the risks of owning a dog.

Home Insurance Negotiation Tips After a Dog Bite

When negotiating homeowners insurance with a dog bite on record, you can focus on providing detailed information about the incident, emphasizing any training or behavioral improvements, and exploring specialized insurance policies that cater to pet owners. These strategies can help demonstrate responsibility and secure better insurance terms.

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    Provide Detailed Information

    Be transparent with your insurance provider about the dog bite incident, including when it occurred, the circumstances and your actions afterward. Detailed documentation, such as medical reports and witness statements, can provide a clear picture and help build your case. Demonstrating openness can foster trust and potentially lead to more favorable terms.

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    Emphasize Training and Behavioral Improvements

    Highlight any training or behavior modification programs your dog has undergone since the incident. Providing certificates from professional trainers or behaviorists can show that you've taken steps to prevent future incidents. This proactive approach can reassure insurance companies of your commitment to responsible pet ownership.

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    Provide a Vet’s Health Certificate

    Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian that includes a behavior assessment of your dog. A positive report from a trusted vet can help demonstrate that your dog is healthy and not prone to aggression. This professional endorsement can be a valuable addition to your negotiation strategy.

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    Secure a Letter of Recommendation

    Ask for a letter of recommendation from your dog’s trainer or a reputable animal behaviorist. This letter should detail your dog’s behavior improvements and your dedication to responsible pet ownership. A strong recommendation can bolster your case and help persuade insurers to offer better terms.

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    Offer to Pay a Higher Deductible

    Propose paying a higher deductible to offset the increased risk associated with a dog bite on record. This willingness to pay more can make insurers more willing to provide coverage despite the incident. It shows you are serious about maintaining coverage and prepared to take financial responsibility.

How Dog Breed Affects Home Insurance Coverage

Dog breeds can affect your homeowners insurance coverage, as some breeds are perceived to be a higher risk due to their size, strength or history of aggressive behavior. Insurance companies often maintain lists of restricted breeds, which may include breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers. If you own a dog on the restricted list, you may face higher premiums, reduced coverage or even denial of coverage altogether. Understanding your insurer’s policies regarding specific breeds can help you better navigate your insurance options and find a policy that meets your needs.

FAQ About Finding Home Insurance After a Dog Bite

Here are some frequently asked questions about finding home insurance after a dog bite incident and their answers to help you find the right insurance coverage.

Can you still get homeowners insurance if your dog has bitten someone?

Will all insurance companies deny coverage if your dog has a bite history?

What information should you provide to your insurance company after a dog bite?

Are there specific insurance policies for dogs with a bite history?

Can training certificates help you get better home insurance terms?

What are some alternatives if standard homeowners insurance is not available?

How can you reduce your premiums if your dog has a bite history?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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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.