What Every Dog Owner Needs To Know About Their Personal Liability Coverage

by Anna Glendenning | More from this Blogger

30 Aug 2007 09:33 AM

Dog Bite Liability has become a major concern for homeowner insurance companies who generally oppose any new legislation requiring changes to the way insurance companies deal with some dog breeds. The insurance companies believe government public health studies and company claims statistics indicate some breeds of dogs are more dangerous than others and are higher loss risk.

Dog owners living in 33 states are currently legally liable for deaths or injuries caused by their dogs. There are several states with laws or pending laws that restrict an insurance company from canceling or denying insurance coverage based on the specific dog breed a policyholder owns.

The bottom-line is that dog owners are liable for any injuries their dog may cause if the owner knew there was a tendency for their dog to cause injury. Some state laws hold a dog owner liable, whether or not the owner knew the dog had a tendency to cause injury. Instead of cancelling or denying insurance coverage for owner's of those known breeds, insurance companies are instead limiting their exposures.

If you have a dog here are some important things to remember about your liability insurance.

Homeowners and Renters insurance policies include liability coverage which will cover dog bite liability. The average liability limit is between $100,000 and $300,000. When a dog bite claim exceeds the policy limit, the dog owner will have to pay the additional costs for damages and legal expenses.

Most Homeowner and Renters insurance polices will offer insurance to customers with dogs but, once a dog has bitten any one, insurance companies do have the right to consider the increased risk.

An insurance company may:

• Ask the policyholders to place the dog in a new home.
• Charge a higher premiums.
• Nonrenew the homeowners or renters insurance policy.
• The insurance company may exclude the dog from the policy coverage.

Even before a dog bites some insurance companies may require dog owners to:

• Sign liability waivers for dog bites and exclude this risk from the insurance policy.
• Insurance companies may charge a higher premium for policyholders with the known biting breeds such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
• Insurance companies may also decide to not offer insurance to any dog owner at all.
• Some insurance companies will offer insurance coverage when a pet and owner take classes for obedience and modifying aggressive behavior.
• Insurance companies may also be willing to offer coverage when a dog is restrained with a muzzle, chain or cage.
• Dog bite insurance isn't likely to be offered even on the specialty insurance policies, the cost of such risk generates

Related Blogs:

• House Fire Hero's Cause Cancellation of Homeowner Insurance
• Dog Bite Liability
• Personal Liability Umbrella Insurance

Glossary of Insurance Terms:

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Families.com Blogs are for informational purposes only. Families.com assumes no responsibility for consumer choices. Consumers are reminded that it is their responsibility to research their choices properly and speak to a certified insurance professional prior to making any decision as important as an insurance purchase.

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