If you are a dog owner, then there is something important that you need to know. Your home insurance policy may not provide liability coverage in case the dog would injure someone or bite them. It’s possible to have animal liability insurance for your pet (or pets) through a separate policy but this will depend on your individual situation and what type of coverage you already have. If you don’t currently have any kind of liability coverage for your animals, make sure to check with your home insurance company about whether they offer it as part of their policies before purchasing one separately!
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What is Animal Liability Insurance Coverage?
Animal liability insurance is a type of pet policy that covers you in the event your animal bites someone or injures them. The coverage pays for any damages, medical expenses, and sometimes even legal fees if it’s determined that what happened was due to negligence on behalf of the person who owns and/or cares for the animal.
In some cases, these policies will also cover prosecution costs when there are criminal charges filed against an owner because their animal bit someone without provocation.
A house insurance company may have this kind of coverage as part of its package (again depending on individual circumstances), but many people opt to purchase separate policies instead so they can use one insurer for all types of reasons: cost-effectiveness being one major point among others.
Types of animal liability insurance coverage
– Pet liability insurance: one policy for all your pets
– Dog liability insurance covers only the injuries caused by your dog(s)
The average animal liability policy costs in between $250 to $500 per year. It’s a great investment, considering that most home and renters’ policies don’t include coverage for this type of incident.
Animal owners should also be aware that their homeowners’ or renter’s insurance may not cover an injury incurred due to negligence on behalf of the person who owns and/or cares for the animal. This extends beyond just bites too – it includes other negligent acts like leaving doors unlocked so predators can get inside and attack or letting the animal loose to roam around.
– The good news is that there are many insurance companies that do offer pet liability policies and you should discuss this with your agent before purchasing a home or renter’s policy as these types of coverages are not included in every situation.
When discussing an animal risk program with your insurer, it is important to understand what does and doesn’t come standard from their perspective so that you can make sure they have all the necessary coverage for your needs.
What about dog bite claims?
The average cost for defending against a dog bite claim ranges between $30k-$40k+. But if you’re covered by homeowner’s/renter’s insurance then defense costs could be waived in many cases.
When discussing an animal risk program with your insurance company or agent, it is important to understand what does and doesn’t come standard from their perspective so that you can make sure they have all the necessary coverage for your needs.
Finally
If you would to like to discuss your options for animal liability insurance please call us at 561-732-9305 our quoting hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. In addition, you can request a quote online. Please remember, We Handle All the Work, While You Save!
Robert Macoviak is the President of Oyer, Macoviak and Associates. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates is the oldest independent insurance agency in Boynton Beach and has been in business since 1953. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates are vested members of the community who are committed to doing business face-to-face and being your insurance advocate in times of need.
