When we think about home owners insurance claims, we often think of bursting pipes, fire damage or robberies. But one that’s much more common is the pet liability claim, filed when one’s pet injures a visitor. It’s a claim none of us ever hope to file, but has unfortunately become common in recent years. Dog bite claims made up one-third of all homeowners liability claims in 2014, according to an article in the Tidewater Traveler. As a result, insurance companies are increasingly cautious about insuring homes with dogs in them. So what’s a homeowner and pet lover to do?
Luckily, there are several steps to take to prevent the need for a pet liability claim. Consider enrolling your dog in an obedience course. Even if your pooch isn’t especially hostile toward you, the ability to follow commands will come in handy should they feel threatened by any guests in your home. Giving your dog the chance to meet strangers and other pets in the course will also help socialize them and teach them to be friendly when meeting new people and animals.
Another step? Read through your insurance policy thoroughly! It sounds like common sense, but many people forget this crucial step. Some insurance companies have “one-bite” rules, where they can cancel your coverage after your dog bites more than once. Make sure your policy covers you just in case you need to cover the medical bills, property damage, time off work or pain and suffering of a dog bite victim. And be sure to determine how much liability coverage you have – typically it’s between $100,000 and $500,000.
Whatever you do, be honest with your insurance company about your pet ownership. You’ll be in trouble should there be contract exclusions for dog liability. Update the company if you adopt any new pets, too – you want to be sure you’ve got all your bases covered.
Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bites are serious business—they can severely injure their victims, and many dog bites are fatal, as well. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation—no owner should be negligent in keeping their dog contained. My Virginia-based personal injury law firm specializes in handling dog bite cases, and my lawyers and I know how to fight for you.
