Need Homeowners Insurance but own a Dog?
Dog liability insurance could definitely be helpful in considering all the potential risks that come along with owning a dog of any breed. It goes without saying we all love our pets. As a part of our families, we would do anything for them. Spoiling them with treats, rides in the car, and taking them on vacations, there is much to be said that they deserve to be insured within our homes as well.
Additionally, it’s understandable that your dog is likely a lovable guardian for your home. However, the entrance of any guest can be scary or anxious for any pet, leading to various events that could cause injuries that end up in your insurance claims.
These claims could be of a questionable nature and may not necessarily be easily covered under the personal liability portion of your homeowners or renters’ insurance. Dog liability insurance can take the risk out of these situations much more easily.
However, it’s important to be aware that having a dog can lead to increased premiums for dog liability insurance and, in certain cases, even the cancellation of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Additionally, owning a dog comes with certain responsibilities and potential risks that insurance companies consider. Factors such as the breed, size, and history of the dog may affect the insurance premiums. Some breeds may be categorized as higher risk due to their reputation or past incidents.
It’s crucial to understand the implications of dog ownership on insurance coverage to ensure you have adequate protection and avoid any unexpected financial consequences.
Why Do You Need Dog Liability Insurance in Addition to Home Insurance?
Given the thousands of dog bites that can occur annually and the average cost per claim often ranging well over $60,000, you may be limited in the coverage available in your existing insurance. Personal liability coverage within home insurance policies typically offers annual payouts starting at $100,000 these claims would be covered initially, though additional expenses like dog-related lawsuits and additional expenses could cost you far more.
Something as simple as your beloved golden retriever jumping up to greet a neighbor woman as she welcomes you to your new home, and she could fall and break a hip or other bone. If she needs surgery or other long-term care, expenses could reach six digits and the costs could fall into your hands through a lawsuit or not.
With the cost of these claims, it is important not to wait till you have a claim to find out you are not covered. Many insurance companies ban specific breeds completely and some drop households with a high-risk breed. In today’s insurance world, there are very few insurance companies that have zero breed restrictions.
Interesting Fact About Dog Bites:
Did you know, dog bites account for one-third of all homeowner insurance liability claims?
What is Dog Liability Insurance and How Does It Work?
Dog liability coverage is a third-party coverage that protects you in the event of damage or injuries caused by your dog or other pet that you own. It compensates others who are determined to be victims of your pets for medical bills or the cost to repair or replace their property.
With great coverage of a separate animal liability insurance policy, it is quite useful if your dog has a bite history or belongs to a breed your home insurer refuses to cover.
Dog liability insurance can fill the gaps within your homeowners or renters’ insurance, helping to provide coverage for any of those claims that may arise. You can also purchase a specific policy based on your dog’s breed, behavior history, and other specific factors. So, in addition to dog liability insurance, you can also train your dog early on to prevent behaviors like biting, attacking, and other anxious responses to visitors that may lead to injuries and insurance claims.
Consider the Need for Dog Liability Insurance
Various insurance claims on your homeowners or renters’ policies could be declined due to various injuries and other damage that are caused by your dogs. Therefore, various events or other accidents could easily result in very high out-of-pocket expenses for pet owners.
With a pet liability insurance policy, some events like the following could be more likely covered and save you a great deal of money:
- Medical expenses if your dog injures someone
- Others’ property that is damaged by your dog
- Legal expenses if you are sued for dog injuries or damages
- Additional off-leash coverage may be available
Consider Insurance Coverage with No Dog Limitations The good news that is Greg Fay Insurance loves dogs and we have homeowners insurance carriers that have NO breed restrictions for dog liability insurance for the state of Ohio.
Please contact the Fay Insurance group of agents closest to your home so we can sit down and evaluate your individual dog liability insurance situation. We are Family-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Independent Insurance agents in Centerville (Dayton) Ohio, West Chester (Cincinnati) Ohio, and Northwood (Toledo) Ohio.
