Insurance Talk: Dog bite liability

© Gene Chutka

With summertime comes entertaining, which may stress an otherwise friendly pet or increase the frequency and intensity of bites by more aggressive dogs. Do you own a dog, and if so, are you insured for liability if your pet bites a guest? If you’re thinking of buying or adopting a dog, will your insurance cover the breed you’re considering?

Your choices could cost you a lot of money. Personal injury lawyers in Colorado and across the nation stand ready to take dog owners to court. They actively recruit bite victims in their online advertising. And it’s become a lucrative business. Insurance Information Institute (III) found that dog bites account for more than one-third of all homeowners’ insurance liability claims, costing $412 million in 2009, up 6.4 percent from 2008. An analysis of homeowners’ insurance data by the III found that the average cost of dog bite claims was $24,840 in 2009, up slightly from $24,461 in 2008. Since 2003 the cost of these claims has risen nearly 30 percent.

Colorado law (HB04-1279) allows for civil penalties against owners of dogs that bite, and a judge may order euthanasia.

Insurance policies offer you liability protection, but they vary, and certain breeds may be excluded under the policy or, at least, cost more to insure.

“Homeowners liability typically provides limits of $100,000 to $300,000. Pet owners are held personally responsible for the remainder of a claim resulting from a dog bite, or other loss, and a claim could exceed liability limits of a homeowner policy,” says Jim Rookard, Director of Insurance Services for AAA Colorado.

Rookard also suggests having a Personal Umbrella policy, “which provides higher limits of liability protection, generally between $1 million and $5 million.” Meet with your insurance agent to discuss your particular situation and needs.

Reduce your liability

Take these proactive measures:

Spay or neuter your dog. Unsterilized animals are three times more likely to bite.
Socialize your dog to react appropriately to other people and animals.
Play non-aggressive games such as “fetch” and avoid more aggressive games like “tug of war.”
In choosing a dog, match its personality with your family’s. A home with young children should consider a dog that can tolerate lots of noise and commotion.

AAA Connection

AAA Colorado is a full-service insurance agency. If you’re thinking of switching your homeowners coverage or would like to see what we offer, visit AAA Insurance for more information and a quote.
How much insurance is enough? Read this article to make sure you’re fully protected against auto theft or other situations.

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