Will my insurance go up if my dog bites someone?

Asked by: Katherine Ledner  |  Last update: February 13, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (27 votes)

That depends. If it's a minor incident, you might consider paying out of pocket for any medical expenses in an attempt to avoid the claims process and a potential increase in your premiums.

Does insurance go up after dog bite?

Dog bite liability and homeowners insurance

However, once a dog has bitten someone, it poses an increased risk. In that instance, the insurance company may charge a higher premium, nonrenew the homeowner's insurance policy or exclude the dog from coverage.

Can homeowners insurance drop you because of a dog bite?

However, most homeowners insurance policies will cover off-property dog bites because they threaten your home. Dog bite victims will look for compensation for their injuries. A good source of compensation for the damages they can recover is in the equity you have put into your home.

What happens if your dog bites another person?

In California, if a dog bites someone, it is a strict liability issue. “If there is a bite, the owners are liable,” says attorney John Montevideo. “There are some exceptions to the rule, but, for the most part, it's the owners fault for it simply having happened.

Does a dog have to be put down if it bites someone?

In California, a dog that bites someone is not required to be put down since the owners of the dog are held liable for your injury – not the dog itself. Many of our clients would never open a dog bite case if they knew the animal was at risk of being euthanized.

What Happens if my Dog Bites Someone? A Legal Perspective

18 related questions found

What is a Level 4 dog bite?

Level 4: One-four deep punctures from a single bite and lacerations or bruising from the dog holding on or shaking. Level 5: Multiple bite incident with more than 2 Level 4 bites. Level 6: Victim death.

What is the one bite rule for dogs?

Does California have a “One-Bite Rule”? California law does not apply the “one bite rule” for most dog bite cases. Instead, state law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the animal has never previously bitten someone or shown aggressive tendencies.

How do I prove my dog didn't bite?

What You Need to Provide to Prove Your Dog Is Not Dangerous
  1. An alibi, if the dog was not even responsible for the bite. ...
  2. Proof of rabies vaccination status and the address of your veterinarian. ...
  3. A certificate proving that the dog has been through training. ...
  4. Any DNA testing that proves your dog's breed.

What happens if my dog bites someone while on a leash?

You will be financially responsible for injuries if your dog bites someone. The only exceptions are if the victim was trespassing on your private property at the time of the dog bite or if the victim instigated the attack.

What breed of dogs are not covered by homeowners insurance?

The most common types of dog breeds that are not allowed on most homeowners insurance include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Akitas, Siberian Huskies, Mastiffs, and more. Insurance companies do not want to risk insuring these breeds as they tend to be aggressive, which would result in more expenses for the company.

Does having a dog raise homeowners insurance?

Owning a specific breed can raise your homeowners insurance premium. Because certain dog breeds are known to bite and create other liabilities, there's a greater chance that you would need to file an insurance claim. Your insurance company raises your rate to compensate for that potential claim and payout.

Does House insurance Cover dog accidents?

Cover for contents damaged by pets varies across insurers. Many will say they cover accidents caused by domestic animals but will have exclusions such as chewing, scratching, tearing up or fouling in the home, which are most of the ways a pet can damage property.

What percentage of homeowners insurance claims are related to dog bites?

Share this article

The average cost paid out for dog bite claims was $49,025 in 2021, compared with $50,245 in 2020. Dog bites and other dog-related injury claims totaled $881 million in 2021, over 33% of all home liability claims.

Does owning a pitbull raise insurance?

According to HomeInsurance.org, “Dog breeds that are typically associated with higher insurance premiums include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, and wolf-dog hybrids.” Forbes.com adds Chows, Great Danes, Presa Canarios, and Alaskan Malamutes to their list.

Why does home insurance ask about dogs?

Your policy's liability insurance is intended to protect you financially by covering medical expenses if someone is injured on your property. The breed of dog is a key factor when it comes to determining your homeowners insurance premium.

How do you apologize for a dog bite?

Please accept my sincere apologies for the incident today. My dog had never bitten any outsider in my knowledge so far. However, she bit you for some reason. I know how traumatic an experience it is and what pain you must have endured.

Who is liable for a dog bite injury?

If a dog bites you or a family member, the owner of the dog is liable. Dog bite claims are covered by the principle of strict liability. This means the dog's owner is legally responsible for the damage or loss caused by the dog. There's no requirement that the claimant prove fault, negligence or intention.

What states follow the one bite rule?

Sixteen states currently have the one-bite rule: Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New York*, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota**, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming.

What states have strict liability for dog bites?

California holds dog owners strictly liable for dog bites. This means victims of dog bites can recover compensation from the dog's owner even if the owner did nothing wrong.
...
Nearby states that use the one bite rule include:
  • Nevada, ...
  • New Mexico, 2 and.
  • Wyoming.

What is a Level 2 dog?

Level 2 Dogs. Level two dogs will do well in a majority of homes. In general they are highly social with people and other animals. They tend to be fairly tolerant of restraint, handling and having things taken from them. They can be easily excitable and may accidentally knock small children and objects over.

What is a Level 5 dog?

Level 5 (Very Serious) Multiple-bite attack with deep. punctures, or multiple attack.

What is Category 2 dog bite?

Category II: Nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding. Category III: Single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, licks on broken skin or contamination of mucous membrane with saliva licks.

Does homeowners insurance cover a dog biting another dog?

Usually, dog bite injuries are covered by the liability or medical payments coverage in your homeowners insurance policy.

Does pet insurance cover if your dog bites another dog?

Some insurers don't exclude coverage for dog bites until it becomes a problem. If your dog bites someone, your insurer may exclude dogs from your liability coverage when it's time to renew your policy.

Does home insurance cover damage by animals?

Does homeowners insurance cover wild animal damage? Homeowners insurance generally only covers wildlife damage caused by animals like deer or bears. Damage from smaller pests like squirrels and other rodents generally isn't covered by your home insurance policy because the infestations are considered preventable.