Dog bites are a common problem throughout the United States, causing thousands of claims for injuries annually. If you’re a dog owner—or injured party of a dog attack—you may ask if homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites. Knowing how homeowners insurance policies work in dog bite cases can assist you in understanding more about liability, claims, and possible legal proceedings.
This article discusses the fundamentals of how homeowners insurance usually handles dog bite claims, what is and isn’t covered, and the most important factors that determine the outcome.
Understanding Homeowners Insurance and Dog Bite Liability
Homeowners insurance is designed to protect property owners from various liabilities, including certain personal injuries that occur on their property or as a result of their negligence. Most standard policies include personal liability coverage, which can cover medical expenses and legal fees if someone is bitten by a dog owned by the policyholder.
What Is Typically Covered?
If a dog bites someone and the owner is held liable, a standard homeowners insurance policy may cover:
- Medical bills for the injured person
- Lost wages if the injured person cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Legal fees if a lawsuit is filed
- Settlement or court-awarded damages
This coverage usually applies regardless of whether the bite occurred on or off the policyholder’s property, as long as the dog is owned or controlled by the insured.
s means that if their dog bites someone, they are likely to be held responsible for the victim’s injuries, damages, and related costs, even if the dog had no history of aggression.
However, when the dog bite occurs in a common area or when the HOA has prior knowledge of a problem, liability may expand beyond just the dog’s owner.
Common Policy Limits
Most homeowners policies have liability coverage limits, which can range from $100,000 to $300,000. If the damages exceed that amount, the dog owner is personally responsible for the remaining balance unless they have umbrella insurance, which offers extended liability protection.
For example:
- If the homeowner has a $200,000 liability limit and the dog bite claim totals $150,000, the insurance should cover all damages.
- If the claim reaches $400,000, the insurer may cover $200,000 and the owner would have to pay the remaining $200,000 unless they have additional coverage.
Factors That May Affect Coverage
Several factors can impact whether and how homeowners insurance applies to a dog bite claim:
Breed Restrictions
Some insurance companies have breed blacklists, meaning they may deny or limit coverage for certain breeds they consider “high-risk,” such as:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Dobermans
- German Shepherds
- Wolf-hybrids
If your dog is on a restricted list, your policy may exclude dog-related incidents altogether or require special endorsements.
History of Aggression
If your dog has a history of biting or aggressive behavior, your insurer may:
- Exclude the dog from the policy
- Cancel or refuse to renew your policy
- Deny coverage for any future incidents
Many insurers require you to disclose your pet’s history when purchasing or renewing coverage. Failure to do so may result in a denied claim.
Location of the Incident
Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites that occur:
- On your property
- Off your property, if your dog bites someone in a park or on a walk
However, coverage may not apply if the dog was not under your control or if it was in someone else’s care at the time of the attack (like a dog walker or boarding kennel).
Exclusions to Be Aware Of
Not all dog bite incidents are covered by homeowners insurance. Common exclusions include:
- Injuries to people living in the home (coverage is usually limited to third parties)
- Business activities involving the dog (like dog walking services or breeding)
- Criminal negligence, such as intentionally allowing a dangerous dog to roam free
It’s important to read your policy thoroughly or speak to your insurance agent to understand specific exclusions.
Filing a Dog Bite Claim Through Homeowners Insurance
If you or someone else has been bitten by a dog, here are the steps typically involved in filing a claim:
1. Notify the Insurance Company
The dog owner should immediately notify their insurance provider about the incident. Prompt reporting is essential to ensure a proper investigation and timely resolution.
2. Provide Documentation
The insurer will likely request the following:
- Medical records and bills
- Police or animal control reports
- Photographs of injuries
- Witness statements
3. Investigation by the Insurer
The insurer will conduct an investigation to determine:
- Whether the incident is covered under the policy
- Whether the dog has a history of aggression
- Whether the owner was negligent
4. Settlement or Lawsuit
If the insurer accepts the claim, they may offer a settlement to cover damages. If an agreement isn’t reached, the injured party may choose to file a lawsuit, in which case the insurer typically provides legal representation.
Importance of Umbrella Insurance for Dog Owners
Given the rising costs of medical care and litigation, many homeowners opt for umbrella insurance policies. These policies provide an extra layer of liability protection—usually starting at $1 million in coverage—and kick in after homeowners coverage limits are exhausted.
This is particularly important for dog owners with large or high-risk breeds, or those who frequently have guests or children on their property.
Alternatives to Homeowners Insurance
If a dog is not covered under your homeowners policy due to breed or bite history, you may need to explore alternatives such as:
- Canine liability insurance
- Stand-alone dog bite insurance
- Pet insurance with liability riders
These policies can provide specific coverage for pet-related incidents, although they come with their own terms and limitations.
What Victims Should Know
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, and the dog owner has homeowners insurance, you have the right to file a claim. Some important things to consider:
- You don’t need to sue immediately—many claims are resolved out of court
- Statutes of limitation vary by state, but most give you 1–3 years to file a claim
- You can still pursue compensation even if the dog bite occurred off the owner’s property
Consulting a personal injury attorney may help ensure that your claim is handled properly and that you receive fair compensation.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
