In the United States, nearly 40 percent of households today have dogs. From Akitas to Yorkshire terriers, dogs of all breeds and varieties, whether purebred or mixed-breed, provide millions of people with the simple pleasures that accompany a loyal canine companion. But for some pet owners, the joys of owning a dog can be overshadowed by the lawsuits and injuries that may occur in the event of a dog bite. Whether it’s a playful nip or an aggressive gash, a bite from your dog can cost you more than you might think. Understanding the laws and liabilities of dog bites will help you understand why you need dog liability insurance if you own a dog in today’s society.
Who is responsible for dog bite injuries?
You are responsible for your dog. Regardless of whether you are with your dog if he bites someone, you, as the owner, will be held responsible for any canine-inflicted damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property destruction. Nearly five million dog bites occur each year, making dog-related injuries the single largest cause of insurance claims for homeowners and resulting in millions of dollars in annual losses.
Keeping your dog safely contained in a fenced yard, obeying leash laws and properly training and socializing your dog are all great ways for you to minimize your risk of being held responsible for dog bite injuries.
Why you need dog liability insurance
Because dog bites are responsible for such a large number of insurance claims each year, many companies have begun to limit, or even exclude from the homeowner's policy, coverage of pet-related injuries or damages that result. Many dog owners, particularly those of breeds deemed “aggressive” or “vicious," are unable to get a homeowner's insurance policy at all because the companies believe the risk of a claim loss is too great to allow insurance coverage.
If you own one of the often-blacklisted breeds, which typically include pit bulls, Rottweilers, Akitas, chow-chows, German shepherds, Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes, Doberman pinschers and wolf hybrids, most insurance companies will refuse to provide you with a homeowner's insurance policy.
If your beloved pet is considered a dangerous or aggressive breed and homeowner's insurance companies refuse to provide you with a policy, purchasing dog liability insurance is a great way to get coverage for canine-related incidents or injuries that are often excluded from regular household policies. Having a good understanding of why you need dog liability insurance, socializing your dog and taking precautions are the best ways to protect yourself from being financially "bitten" by a dog-related lawsuit.
The main reason why you need dog liability insurance is to protect yourself and your dog if a claim should occur, no matter what breed you own. Most policies focused on dog liability will provide customized limits, deductibles and premiums to ensure you get coverage that fits both your needs and your budget.
