Does your homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

Dogs are often called ‘man’s best friend’ and, in many cases, they are exactly that. But the reality is that dogs are still animals and they have instincts that humans simply cannot truly understand. That means that even the most docile and ‘tame’ dog can have a change in behavior that, to us, would seem uncharacteristic but to the dog, it may just be their instinct given a certain situation or environment.

If you own a dog and understand their sometimes unpredictable nature, you may be concerned about what happens if he or she decides to bite someone or another animal. One of the most common questions that dog owners have is “does my homeowners insurance cover a dog bite?”

The answer to this question really depends on where you live and what sort of homeowners insurance policy you have. Generally speaking, the liability provision in a homeowners insurance policy will pay out if someone is injured due to the homeowners negligence. In 2019, insurance companies collectively paid out around $800 million in liability claims resulting from dog bites.

Even if your insurance policy doesn’t specifically mention ‘dog bites’, these injuries are generally rolled into the liability provision of your policy. If you are concerned about a possible dog bite, or just want to make sure you are covered, talk to your insurance company about your policy.

Remember, California law almost always holds the dog owner/homeowner liable for injuries caused by their pet. That means that you will be on the hook for any medical, legal, or ongoing bills that the victim has. It is a good idea to make sure that you have adequate liability coverage in case an accident or dog bite happens.

Have Questions about Dog Bite Laws?

If you have questions about dog bite laws in California or are the victim of a dog bite, contact Abogados Campeones to learn more about dog bite laws and insurance coverage. We can help you understand your rights and the options you have to obtain compensation for your injuries and related expenses. Call us at 323-613-2113 for a free consultation.