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If you’re a renter and a dog owner, you may wonder if your renters insurance covers dog bites. Dog bites can lead to costly medical bills and potential legal issues, making it essential to understand your coverage options.
This article explains how renters insurance may help with liability for dog bites, what factors influence coverage, and how to protect yourself and others.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here to support you if you’ve experienced a dog bite incident or are navigating liability concerns. With experience in liability cases, our team can guide you through your options to ensure you’re fully protected.
What is Renters Insurance?
Also known as tenant insurance, renters insurance is an insurance policy designed to provide much of the same benefits as a homeowners insurance policy but does not include coverage for the dwelling or structure.
It provides limited liability insurance, and the tenant's personal property is covered against certain damages, including fire, theft, and vandalism. It also pays expenses when the dwelling becomes uninhabitable.
Related Article: Top 10 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds in the US
Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Renters insurance can provide liability coverage for dog bites, but this coverage is often subject to specific limitations and exclusions. Understanding these aspects is crucial for renters who own dogs or may have dog-related incidents occur in their rented properties.
Coverage Limits and Typical Payouts
Knowing the coverage limits and potential payouts for dog bite incidents under your renters insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you’re adequately protected.
Liability coverage typically covers bodily injury or property damage caused by your dog, but limits and payouts depend on the specifics of your policy and the severity of the incident.
- Liability Coverage: Most policies offer liability coverage ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 to cover injury or damage caused by the policyholder’s dog.
- Typical Payouts: The payout amount varies widely based on injury severity:
- Minor Injuries: Claims may pay out between $5,000 and $20,000.
- Moderate Injuries: Serious injuries could result in payouts from $20,000 to $100,000.
- Severe Injuries: For major injuries requiring extensive treatment, payouts can exceed $100,000.
Key Coverage Limitations to Watch For
Understanding the limitations of your renters insurance policy is essential to avoid surprises if an incident occurs. Certain exclusions can affect your liability coverage in specific situations, particularly when it comes to pets.
Here are some common exclusions to be aware of:
- Breed Restrictions: Many policies exclude coverage for breeds considered high-risk, like Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and Doberman Pinschers, meaning liability may not apply if a bite from one of these breeds occurs.
- Intentional Harm: Claims may be denied if the incident is deemed intentional or if it resulted from the owner’s negligence, such as failing to secure the dog.
- Exotic Animals: Coverage generally does not extend to exotic pets or non-traditional household animals, limiting protection for incidents involving these types of pets.
Essential Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
After a dog bite incident, taking the right steps can significantly improve your safety, document the event, and protect yourself legally and financially. Acting promptly helps clarify the incident and can support your case in case of a liability claim.
Here’s what to do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize immediate care for any injuries from the dog bite.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of the injury and the scene, and gather contact details from any witnesses.
- Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement, especially if there are concerns about the dog’s behavior or rabies risk.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: Contact your renters insurance company to report the incident and begin the claim process, if needed.
How to Document Breed Restrictions?
When dealing with renters insurance and dog breed restrictions, it's crucial to have clear documentation to avoid surprises. Knowing exactly what your policy covers can save you from unexpected liability issues.
Here are a few steps to ensure you’re fully informed and prepared:
- Review Your Policy: Look over your renters insurance policy for breed restrictions, usually found in the exclusions section.
- Contact Your Insurer: Reach out to your insurance agent to clarify any specific breed limitations and how these may affect your coverage.
- Keep Records: Document all conversations and written communications with your insurer about breed restrictions and coverage limits so you’re ready if you ever need to file a claim or dispute a denial.
While renters insurance can cover liabilities related to dog bites, it is essential to understand the specific coverage limits, common exclusions, and steps to take following an incident.
By being informed about your policy details and documenting any relevant information regarding breed restrictions, you can better navigate potential claims related to dog bites.
If you have further questions about your renters insurance coverage or need assistance with a claim, consider consulting with an insurance professional or legal expert.
What is Breed Specific Legislation?
Breed-specific legislation is an ordinance that restricts ownership or possession of certain breeds of dogs. The ban lists the physical characteristics of prohibited breeds, specific prohibited breeds, or both.
Historically, breed-specific legislation has restricted ownership of breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers.
How Many States Have Dog Breed Restrictions?
Breed-specific legislation is present in many U.S. cities and counties in one form or another. As of 2016, at least 36 states have breed-specific legislation. This included 1,052 towns, 38 counties, and 292 military bases, which imposed breed-specific laws.
Which States Prohibit Dog Breed Restriction Legislation?
The following states prohibit local jurisdictions from passing breed-specific laws: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, Nevada, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Utah, and South Dakota. California prohibits most breed-specific laws but does allow breed-specific spay/neuter.
Which Dogs Are Typically Restricted?
When renting an apartment or house, it is important to know whether the property owner regards your dog as a restricted breed. Keep in mind that apartments may also prohibit dogs mixed with restricted breeds. Breed restrictions vary greatly from one location to another, but a restricted breed list typically includes:
- American Bulldogs
- American Pit Bull Terriers
- Boxers
- Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Akitas
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Mastiffs
- Malamutes
- Great Danes
- Cane Corso
- Chow Chows
- Huskies
- Wolf Hybrids
Will My Renters Insurance Drop Me if My Dog Bites Someone?
In most cases, renters insurance will pay for medical costs and legal expenses if your dog bites a person. However, restricted breeds are difficult to insure or excluded from coverage altogether. You may also be denied renters insurance coverage if your dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
Will My Insurance Go Up After a Dog Bite?
Once a dog has bitten someone, it poses an increased risk. When this occurs, the insurance company may charge you a higher premium, not renew your policy, or exclude the dog from coverage.
Filing a claim for a dog bite can lead to increased insurance premiums. Here are some statistics:
- After filing a claim related to a dog bite, renters insurance premiums can increase by an average of 10% to 30%.
- For instance, if your annual premium was previously $300, it could rise to between $330 and $390 following a claim.
Related Articles:
- My Dog Was Hit by a Car: Who Is Responsible?
- How to Negotiate a Dog Bite Settlement?
- Dog Breeds With Strongest Bite
See all related personal injury lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
FAQs
1. What Factors Determine if a Dog Bite Is Covered Under Renters Insurance?
Coverage depends on the dog's breed, policy terms, and location of the incident. Some policies exclude specific breeds or require additional riders for dog bite coverage.
2. How Does Filing a Dog Bite Claim Affect Renters Insurance Premiums?
Filing a dog bite claim may increase your renters' insurance premiums, as insurers often view claims as a higher risk, potentially leading to higher rates or non-renewal of the policy.
3. Are There Any Exclusions to Dog Bite Coverage in Renters Insurance Policies?
Yes, exclusions can include specific dog breeds, prior bite history, and incidents occurring off the insured property. Reviewing your policy details is crucial to understanding these exclusions.
4. What Happens If My Dog Bites a Delivery Person?
If your dog bites a delivery person, your renters insurance liability coverage may cover medical expenses and potential legal fees, as long as there are no breed restrictions on your policy. Be sure to report the incident to your insurer and gather any relevant documentation, including medical reports.
5. Does Coverage Extend to Dog Parks?
Coverage may extend to dog parks, but each policy is different. Liability coverage often extends beyond your home, so check with your insurance provider to confirm whether incidents at dog parks are included.
6. How Do Breed Restrictions Affect My Premium?
Breed restrictions can affect your premium, as some insurers may increase rates or exclude specific breeds entirely. If your dog’s breed is considered high-risk, you might face higher premiums or need to explore insurers offering specialized coverage.
7. Will My Landlord Be Notified If I File a Claim?
Landlords will not be notified if you file a claim unless they are listed on the policy or involved in the incident. However, if the claim affects property or tenant responsibilities, the insurer might inform the landlord as needed.
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If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.