No one wants to believe their dog could hurt someone. For most pet owners, dogs are family — trusted companions, not threats. But even the gentlest dog can act unpredictably under stress, fear, or excitement. Unfortunately, a bite or injury, while emotionally distressing in itself, can escalate into a lawsuit, a situation worsened by limitations and exclusions in personal insurance policies regarding dog bites.
In Georgia, a jury recently awarded $4.2 million to a woman attacked by a neighbor’s dog. It’s an unimaginable sum for a dog bite verdict — and a sobering reminder that pet-related incidents can carry devastating financial consequences, making it crucial for dog owners to be financially prepared for such situations.
With the increasing number of dog owners and the tightening of liability laws, every dog owner must assess their personal insurance carefully. Is your homeowners insurance coverage robust enough to handle the unexpected?
Dog Bite Liability: What It Means and Who’s at Risk
Dog bite liability refers to the legal responsibility a dog owner assumes when their pet injures another person. Your liability doesn’t just mean dog bites — owners may also be held liable for injuries caused by a dog jumping on someone, knocking them over, or initiating a chase.
Liability laws vary by state:
- In strict liability states, the owner is responsible even if the dog has no history of aggression.
- In states with the “one bite” rule, liability typically applies only if the dog has previously shown dangerous behavior.
Regardless of where you live, one dog bite situation can lead to costly legal battles, especially if your insurance doesn’t fully cover the claim.
Why Dog Bite Claims Are Rising
Several factors have contributed to the uptick in dog bite incidents and lawsuits recently:
- Pandemic-era pet adoption surged, with many pet parents knowing little about a pet’s needs.
- Increased delivery traffic means more people near your door, raising the odds of an incident.
- Greater public awareness has made people more likely to seek legal action. Larger settlements and jury awards reflect the high costs of medical care, emotional trauma, and lost income.
In this environment, even a minor incident can quickly escalate into a significant liability.
How Dog Bite Liability Affects Your Personal Insurance
Most homeowners and renters insurance policies include personal liability coverage, but it’s not always enough. Many pet owners are astounded to learn how limited that coverage can be.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Off-premises exclusions: If your dog bites someone at a park or on a walk, your policy may not cover the claim.
- Breed restrictions: Breed-specific concerns can lead insurers to exclude certain dogs from coverage or raise premiums.
- Coverage caps: — typically ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 — may not fully cover the costs of medical bills, legal fees, or a court judgment.
To avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, review your policy and ask your agent about breed-related exclusions in your state as well as an off-property liability restrictions.
When You Might Need More Than Basic Coverage
Certain situations elevate your risk and make a stronger case for additional protection:
- You own a large or historically restricted breed.
- You frequently have guests, contractors, or delivery workers in or near your home.
- You live in a densely populated area with frequent foot traffic or shared common areas.
- You have home equity or a net worth that ramps up the aggressiveness of personal injury attorneys.
A personal umbrella policy can provide additional liability protection beyond homeowners or renters insurance, covering dog bites and other incidents like accidental property damage or injuries on your property. When primary insurance limits are exceeded, this affordable coverage safeguards your assets against high-cost legal situations.
Tips for Reducing Dog Bite Risk
Prevention is key. While insurance provides critical protection, reducing the chance of an incident is always the best first step.
- Train and socialize your dog from an early age.
- Always supervise interactions with children or unfamiliar visitors to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Keep dogs leashed or in secured areas, especially outdoors.
- Post clear signage if a dog is on your property.
- Notify your insurance agent when you acquire or change pets — full disclosure protects you from denied claims.
Responsible ownership protects both you and others.
Don’t Let a Dog Bite Derail Your Financial Future
Dog bites may seem like rare events, but lawsuits related to them are becoming more common and more costly. In today’s litigious environment, your insurance needs to keep pace with the risk.
At Brooks, Todd & McNeil, we help pet owners navigate these challenges. Our independent agents are here to review your current homeowners policy, recommend adjustments, and explore umbrella coverage that fits your lifestyle and your dog.
Contact us for a personal insurance review tailored to pet owners.
About Brooks, Todd & McNeil
Since 1839, the independent agents at Brooks, Todd & McNeil have been pleased to offer our community the best and most affordable policies from a variety of providers. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today at (800) 448-4567.