If you own a house and you have a dog, or if you’re thinking about getting one, it’s essential to have a homeowners insurance policy that covers your pet. You might have to shop around to find the coverage you need at an affordable rate.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dogs?
It depends. Some breeds are more likely to bite than others. For that reason, man insurance companies refuse to cover homeowners with dogs of certain breeds. In some states, insurers are not allowed to discriminate based on dog breed.
If you already have homeowners insurance and you want to get a dog, contact your insurance company or agent to find out if your pet would be covered. If your current insurer won’t cover a dog, you’ll have to find another company that will.
What Kinds of Dog-Related Claims Will Homeowners Insurance Cover?
If your policy covers your dog, the insurer can pay a claim if your pet bites someone or if it jumps on a person and causes injuries. Your policy can cover a claim even if the injuries occur somewhere other than your home, such as at a park or a friend’s house.
Your homeowners insurance can also cover property damage caused by your pet. For example, if your dog damages your neighbor’s fence or chews up a visitor’s belongings, you’ll be able to file a claim.
Note that your homeowners insurance policy will only cover dog-related injuries if your pet hurts someone who doesn’t live in your house. If your dog injures a member of your household, you’ll have to seek coverage through your medical insurance policy. Your homeowners insurance company also won’t pay if your dog damages your house or items that belong to someone who lives there.
If you submit a covered claim, the amount that the insurer will pay will depend on the liability limits you select. If you want additional liability coverage, you can take out an umbrella policy.
Will Having a Dog Lead to Higher Homeowners Insurance Rates?
Dogs can cause serious injuries and significant property damage. That’s why homeowners insurance companies generally either refuse to cover dogs or charge dog owners have higher premiums.
Insurers consider numerous factors when setting rates. Your pet’s breed, your location, your claims history, and other factors can influence the amount you pay.
If your dog hurts someone or causes property damage and you file a claim, your homeowners insurance premiums can increase. The insurer might even cancel your policy or refuse to renew it when your current coverage period ends.
Get the Coverage You Need
As a dog owner, you need to have appropriate insurance coverage. Not telling your homeowners insurance company about your dog might save you money now, but it can backfire. If your dog hurts someone or causes property damage and your insurer refuses to pay, you can be sued.
