By Karla Sullivan
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million Americans are bitten each year by dogs with half of them being children. The Insurance Information Institute highlights that one third of homeowners insurance liability claims were paid out in 2013 costing more than $483 million due to dog bites.
· California is the highest state with the number of claims averaging almost 2,000
· New York coming in second with 965 claims
· Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania reporting over 900 claims
Homeowners and renters’ insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits (typically $100,000 to $300,000).
If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount. Some insurers do not ask the breed of a dog owned when writing or renewing homeowners insurance and do not track the breed of dogs involved in dog bite incidents.
However, once a dog has bitten someone, it poses an increased risk. In that instance, the insurance company may charge a higher premium, non renew the homeowner’s insurance policy, or exclude the dog from coverage.
Unfortunately, there is no law that requires homeowners and renters insurance policies to provide coverage for injuries, damages and losses inflicted by dogs. Consequently, there are homeowners and renters policies that exclude injuries caused by a dog or any animal. Other policies exclude injuries caused by certain breeds of dog.
Examples of costly family canines:
· Doberman Pincher
· German Shepherd
· Pit Bull
· Rottweiler
· Siberian Husky
· Great Dane
Although small, feisty terriers and poodles have been know to bite people too.
The American Kennel Club is a good place to start in researching resources to assist the dog owner on homeowners insurance. The following is some of their suggestions:
· Ask your dog-owning friends which company they use
· Contact the insurance commissioner in your state. Existing laws may already prohibit insurance companies from discriminating by breed, especially if you live in Pennsylvania or Michigan
· Agents within the same company may have different policies
· Show that the dog has completed some type of obedience training program
· Check into a separate liability policy or separate rider to your existing policy that is directed toward dogs.
Create a dog profile to highlight the animals accomplishments to receive the best rate but that also includes any history of bites and attacks. Vet records that show they are spayed, neutered and up to date on shots will help in the biting department. Specialized trainings will also help. For example, has the dog graduated from obedience school?
Tips for training your puppy not to bite:
· Consistency is the key
· Always a loud no when the bite occurs and walk away
· A high pitched yelp, as if you are hurt, may also help
· Time outs
· Encourage great behavior with cuddles and treats
· Talk to a breeder if a problem with biting doesn’t stop
· Alleviate fear and frustration for the animal
Your dog may be a therapy dog or service animal and a prescription from the vet can be included to verify this. If you have a disability, you have the right to keep support dogs and should not be a problem with this addition to your homeowners policy.
