Insurance Read Time: 2 min

Dog Bites Neighbor. Now What?

In 2020, there were 16,991 dog bite claims nationwide totaling aggregate damages of about $854 million, according to the Insurance Information Institute.1

For most homeowners (and renters), a standard policy generally covers any legal liability that may result from their dog biting or harming another individual. Typically, this coverage is designed to extend to places outside the home (e.g., a walk in the park), but may not include what happens inside a car.2

However, this coverage is not unlimited. There is a cap to liability coverage (check your policy for the limits of your coverage), and your policy may limit such coverage to one bite.

Canine Considerations

Many insurers may either cancel the policy or add a canine exclusion after paying such a claim, which means that you will be responsible for all damages in the event of a second bite.

Some policies exclude certain dog breeds from the outset, so be sure to review your coverage to ensure that your dog is not among the excluded breeds.

Also be aware of a business exclusion that may not pay on claims arising from a dog bite that occurs while you are conducting business in your place of residence.

Finally, it is important to let your insurer know if your dog bites someone or is declared dangerous under local law. Failure to inform them may affect liability coverage for subsequent injuries caused by your dog.

1. III.org, April 6, 2021
2. The information in this material is not intended as legal advice. Please consult legal or insurance professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?

Risk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?

Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.

The Half Million Dollar Baby

The Half Million Dollar Baby

The true cost of raising a child may be far more than you expect.

Test Your Life Insurance Knowledge

Test Your Life Insurance Knowledge

How much do you know about one of the most important tools you have to help protect your and your family’s financial future?

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Pickleball in Retirement

Learn about the latest sport to sweep the nation with this informative article.

Estate Management Checklist

Is your estate in order? This short quiz may help you assess your overall strategy.

The Cost of Medical Care

Learn about the risks of not having health insurance in this informative article.

View all articles

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

How Much Home Can I Afford?

With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.

Paying Off a Credit Card

Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.

View all calculators

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

View all presentations

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Questions to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home

Doing your research is key before buying a vacation home.

Stay Safe with a B.O.P. At Your Back

Learn about the advantages of Business Owner Policies with this highly educational and fun animated video.

View all videos