Does homeowners insurance cover cat bites?

Asked by: Skyla Will  |  Last update: September 18, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (46 votes)

Unless your policy comes with pet-specific endorsements, an insurance company may deny any coverage for damages inflicted by pets occurring on your property. Learn more about excluded pet breeds.

Are cat bites covered by insurance?

Often, both automobile insurance and homeowner's insurance policies will provide animal bite coverage. In this case, both insurance companies will have to resolve who is responsible for covering the injury. In most cases, an agreement can be reached without further burdening the injured person.

Does homeowners insurance cover pet bites?

Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits (typically $100,000 to $300,000). If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount.

Does having a cat affect homeowners insurance?

Your child's hamster or your family cat probably won't affect your insurance premiums, but if they damage your furniture, don't expect to file a claim. What your insurance provider is concerned with is how your pet can damage the property of others or cause bodily injury.

Does insurance cover bite?

Personal liability coverage and medical payments coverage on your homeowners insurance policy may pay for injuries, legal expenses, and hospital bills if a dog you're responsible for bites someone.

Should I Sue The Owner After a Dog Attack?

42 related questions found

Is an animal bite considered an accident?

Dog Bite Injuries and Car Insurance

While a dog bite case is not like a car accident, often automobile insurance will cover an animal bite that occurred in a car. If the animal is in the back of a pickup truck when they injure a dog bite victim, then the auto insurance policy may apply to the incident.

Is bite correction covered by insurance?

Does Medical Insurance Cover Orthodontics? In general, medical insurance does not cover standard orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners. However, it may cover orthodontic procedures if they are necessary to correct medical issues, such as: Severe Jaw Misalignment.

Does insurance cover cat damage?

Pet damage is normally excluded from personal property damage coverage, but coverage does vary. Liability coverage: most standard homeowners policies may provide at least some coverage if your pet damages somebody else's property, but it depends on your individual policy.

What voids homeowners insurance?

Common exclusions in even the most comprehensive homeowners policies include: earth movement, such as earthquakes; sinkholes or landslides that damage your home; water damage, such as floods or sewer back-ups that leak through a pipe or seep through the foundation causing damage to your home; damage resulting from ...

What is a cat deductible for a homeowner?

Catastrophic or “CAT” deductibles are the deductible amounts you pay in event of a loss caused by a catastrophic event, which can include named-storm wind, tornado, hail or flood.

What types of animals are covered by homeowner's insurance?

In this case, if you're found liable for the damage, i.e., veterinary bills, your home insurance policy may step in to cover the cost. Generally, most insurance companies define a “pet” as a dog or cat. If you have an exotic pet, you might not enjoy the same coverage. See here for more details.

Can you sue a homeowner if their dog bites you?

Victims can file an injury lawsuit after a dog attack seeking fair and full compensation for their injuries, damages and losses. The average insurance payout for dog bite injuries in California is approximately $59,900, according to State Farm Insurance. If the injuries are severe, the damages are often higher.

What is a Level 3 dog bite?

In a level 3 dog bite, the victim experiences minor tearing of the skin but no significant tissue damage. Level 3 bites can leave lacerations in a single direction, caused by the victim pulling their hand away, the owner pulling the dog away, or the dog's motion.

What is the one-bite rule for cats?

The one-bite rule for cats in California is a law that states that cat owners are not liable for any damage caused by their pet if it can be proven that the cat has never bitten or scratched anyone before.

Do cat bites have to be reported?

In many jurisdictions, your physician will be required to file a report with the local department of health. If the cat's rabies vaccine status is known and is current, the cat will usually be placed under a short quarantine, ranging from 10 to 14 days.

Do you have to go to ER after a cat bite?

Cats and dogs bite people as a way to defend themselves. Nonetheless, animal bites can pose a real danger to people who fail to act quickly after they have been bitten. These reasons explain why it is imperative that people go to the emergency room after they have been bitten by a dog or a cat.

What should you not say to homeowners insurance?

Avoid any admissions of fault or liability when talking to your adjuster. Such statements can be used to shift blame, potentially decreasing the amount you might be compensated. Instead, focus on describing the damage and the events as they happened, without inserting personal opinions about who might be at fault.

What is usually not covered by homeowners insurance?

Earthquake, flood, mold, earth movement, and “wear and tear” are some of the perils that are usually excluded.

What three 3 things does homeowners insurance cover?

Standard HO-3 home insurance policies cover damage to your home's structure, other structures on your property and your personal belongings, as well your liability as a homeowner and the cost for things like food and a hotel if you are displaced after a covered loss.

Does insurance cover hitting a cat?

Car Insurance and Accidents Involving Animals

In most cases, drivers who carry comprehensive car insurance coverage file a claim based on this policy after hitting an animal. This policy will pay out for your vehicle repairs and some other expenses if you hit: A dog or cat. Livestock, such as a cow, sheep, or goat.

Does homeowner insurance cover pet damage?

While your homeowners insurance policy is designed to protect you financially in the event of damage to your property, your pets aren't covered the same way your couch or your television are covered under your policy.

What if my cat is injured and I have no money?

If your animal requires emergency veterinary care and you can't afford treatment, contact nearby veterinary colleges to see if they have any emergency assistance programs. If you are unsure what qualifies as emergency veterinary care, call your veterinarian and describe the symptoms.

How much does a bite adjustment cost?

Dental Code D9951: Occlusal adjustment - Price Range & Savings. On average, patients pay $200 for this D9951 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $100 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $250 in more expensive cities.

Do I really need to fix my bite?

Malocclusion (or a “bad bite”) means your upper and lower teeth don't align when you close your mouth. Left untreated, it can cause tooth erosion, gum disease and other oral health issues. Providers usually treat dental malocclusion with braces or other orthodontics. Severe cases might require oral surgery.

How much does deep bite correction cost?

the average deep bite correction cost can be anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 2 lakhs.