Dog Bites and Renters Insurance: Are You Covered for Personal Liability?

Dog bites are a surprisingly common occurrence in the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates that around 4.5 million dog bites happen every year, with nearly 800,000 requiring medical attention. As a renter, you might be wondering: if your dog bites someone, are you financially protected? The answer lies in understanding your renters insurance policy and its personal liability coverage.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Generally, yes. Renters insurance typically includes liability coverage that extends to dog bites. This means that if your dog bites someone, your insurance can help cover medical expenses, legal fees if you’re sued, and even settlements or judgments. This coverage is designed to protect you when someone is injured on your property or by your actions, which includes injuries caused by your pets.

For example, the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm found that in 2023, U.S. insurers paid out over $1.12 billion in dog-related injury claims, with the average claim cost of $58,545. Without pet liability insurance for renters, an incident involving your pet could lead to a financial crisis.

However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of your policy. Most policies have a maximum payout, and if the costs exceed this limit, you could be personally responsible for the remaining expenses. Liability coverage often starts around $100,000, but higher limits are available.

Breed Restrictions and Exclusions

One of the most important factors determining whether your renters insurance covers dog bites is the breed of your dog. Many insurance companies have a list of “restricted breeds” that they consider high-risk. These breeds are often excluded from coverage due to their perceived higher likelihood of causing severe bites.

Commonly restricted breeds include:

Pit Bulls
Rottweilers
Doberman Pinschers
German Shepherds
Akitas
Alaskan Malamutes
Chow Chows
Great Danes
Mastiffs
Presa Canarios
Siberian Huskies
Staffordshire Terriers
Wolf hybrids

If you own a restricted breed, your renters insurance policy might not cover any injuries caused by your dog, regardless of its temperament or history. Some companies may offer coverage for these breeds at a higher rate, while others might outright refuse coverage. State Farm, for example, is known to be pet-friendly and typically only considers a dog’s bite history rather than the breed.

It’s essential to check your policy or speak with your insurance agent to determine if your dog’s breed is covered. If your current policy excludes your dog, you may need to explore additional coverage options or consider a different insurance provider.

Other Exclusions and Limitations

Besides breed restrictions, other factors can affect your coverage for dog bites:

Prior Bite History: If your dog has a history of biting, your insurance company may deny coverage or increase your premium.
Location of the Bite: Some policies only cover bites that occur on your property, while others may extend coverage to incidents that happen off-premises, such as at a park or during a walk.
Injured Party: Coverage usually applies to injuries sustained by guests or strangers, not to those living in your household.
Intentional Harm: If your dog is trained to attack or is used for malicious purposes, your insurance will likely not cover any resulting injuries.

What to Do If Your Dog Bites Someone

If your dog bites someone, here are the steps you should take:

Ensure the Injured Party Receives Medical Attention: The well-being of the person bitten is the top priority. Make sure they receive immediate medical care, and document all treatment received, as medical records will be crucial for any potential claim.
Report the Incident to Your Insurance Provider: Contact your renters insurance company as soon as possible and provide all necessary details, including the injured party’s information, the circumstances of the bite, and any medical treatment received.
Take Photos: Document the injuries with photographs.
Cooperate with Authorities: If animal control or other authorities become involved, cooperate fully with their investigation.
Avoid Admitting Fault: While it’s important to be empathetic, avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you in a legal proceeding.
Consult with an Attorney: If the injuries are severe or if you anticipate a lawsuit, consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and obligations.

Filing an Insurance Claim

Treat a dog bite claim like any other renters insurance liability claim. Whether you need to file a claim depends on the severity of the injury and whether you’re eligible for coverage. If the medical costs for the injured person are less than your deductible, or if your dog is excluded from liability coverage, you won’t be able to file a claim.

What if Renters Insurance Isn’t Enough?

Even with renters insurance, you might face significant out-of-pocket expenses if the damages from a dog bite exceed your policy’s limits. In such cases, consider these options:

Umbrella Insurance: An umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your renters insurance. It can protect your assets from being seized in a lawsuit.
Canine Liability Insurance: This is a standalone policy that offers coverage for all breeds, even those excluded by renters insurance. It can also cover incidents that occur away from your home.

Dog Owner Liability Laws

It’s also important to understand the dog bite laws in your state. There are generally three types of laws that impose liability on dog owners:

Dog-Bite Statute: The dog owner is automatically liable for any injury or property damage the dog causes, even without provocation.
“One-Bite” Rule: The owner is not held liable for the first bite the dog inflicts. However, once a dog has demonstrated vicious behavior, the owner can be held liable for subsequent bites.
Negligence Laws: The dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because the dog owner was unreasonably careless (negligent) in controlling the dog.

Some states have “strict liability” laws, meaning that a dog owner is responsible for any damages the animal inflicts, even if the animal has never shown evidence of aggressive behavior. California, for example, uses the strict liability rule.

Landlord Liability

In some cases, a landlord may also be held liable for a dog bite if they knew the animal was dangerous, had the ability to remove the animal, or harbored or kept the tenant’s pet.

Responsible Dog Ownership

Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself from liability is to be a responsible dog owner. This includes:

Properly training and socializing your dog.
Keeping your dog on a leash in public areas.
Being aware of your dog’s behavior and taking steps to prevent bites.
Obeying all local leash laws and ordinances.

Conclusion

Owning a dog is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with responsibilities. Understanding your renters insurance coverage for dog bites is crucial for protecting yourself financially. Be sure to review your policy, discuss any concerns with your insurance agent, and take steps to be a responsible dog owner.