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Editor: Jeffrey Harlan Penneys, Esq.
Profession: Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorney

Category: Dog Bite Insurance Issues

Homeowners and renters insurance liability policies usually cover dog bite liability. Most such policies usually provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. If your claim is worth more than that amount, then the dog owner is held personally responsible for all damages above that amount.

Most insurance companies insure homeowners who own dogs. However, after the dog has been involved in a dog bite/attack, there is an increased risk to the insurance company. In that case, the insurance carrier may suggest that the dog owner find a new home for the dog, or may charge a higher insurance premium, may exclude the dog from coverage, or refuse to renew the policy altogether.

Many insurance companies are taking steps to limit their exposure to dog-bite claims. Some companies require dog owners to sign liability waivers for dog bites/attacks, while others surcharge owners for possessing breeds that are considered aggressive/dangerous (e.g., Pit Bulls and Rottweilers).

Others insurance companies are not offering insurance to dog owners at all. Some will cover a dog if the owner takes it to dog obedience/training classes aimed at modifying its behavior, or if the dog is restrained with a muzzle, chain or cage. It is unlikely that insurers will begin offering specialty insurance policies just for dog bites since the cost of such policies would be prohibitive.

-State Farm, the nation's largest homeowners carrier, welcomes all dogs, unless the dog in question has a history of biting.

-American Family Insurance has a list of five breeds it won't insure, saying they cause more liability claims than others.

-Farmers Insurance Group has dog-by-dog restrictions and has a no-tolerance policy for bites.

-Prospective Farmers policyholders are asked to report whether they have a "vicious animal" on the premises, which leaves some discretion to the homeowner. But once there is a claim, the pet is specifically excluded from coverage. The company also won't take new business from people who have had dog-bite claims in the last three years, even if the family no longer owns the pet.

-Mercury Casualty Company offers a 10 percent discount on homeowners insurance for families that don't own a dog or are willing to take their dog off their policy.