Sergio Flores of NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 discusses the crucial steps to take if your dog bites someone and how it impacts your homeowners or renters insurance.
While your dog might be your loyal companion, not everyone shares that sentiment. If your dog bites someone, the aftermath can be both emotionally and financially challenging. Homeowners and renters insurance often provide coverage in these scenarios, but many pet owners are unaware of the specifics of their policies.
Dominic Chumich, a regular at a local dog park in North Park, is among those who may be less informed. Chumich frequently visits the park with his dog, Cecee, a rescue he adopted from Tijuana three-and-a-half years ago. Despite Cecee’s friendly demeanor, Chumich remains cautious, understanding that her past trauma could lead to unpredictable behavior.
Chumich emphasizes his vigilance around other dogs and children, noting that he tries to ensure Cecee’s comfort to avoid potential incidents. However, he admits uncertainty about whether his renters insurance would cover him and Cecee in the event of a bite.
“Insurance policies can have breed restrictions and specific exclusions,” explains Pete Moraga from the Insurance Information Institute (III). Moraga points out that many dog owners fail to review their insurance policies to verify coverage, which is critical given that dog bites can occur unexpectedly.
The III reports that in 2023, there were over 19,000 dog bite claims in the U.S., totaling approximately $1.1 billion, with an average claim of over $58,000. This marks a significant increase of 110% over the past decade.
Moraga warns that if Cecee were to bite someone, Chumich could see changes to his policy. “The insurer might raise your premiums or even exclude your dog from coverage,” he notes.
San Diego County also experiences a high volume of dog attacks. San Diego County Animal Services handles over 6,000 dog bite or attack cases annually. The U.S. Postal Service ranks San Diego as the sixth highest city for dog attacks on postal employees.
To prevent adding to these statistics, the county advises spaying or neutering pets to reduce the likelihood of aggression and roaming. Additionally, ensure your dog is securely fenced or enclosed, always use a leash, and never leave your dog unattended with children or in unfamiliar situations. Most importantly, review your insurance policy.
Chumich reflects, “I definitely need to be more aware of these issues moving forward. I appreciate the visit and the information.”
It’s essential to know that your homeowners or renters insurance should cover dog bites even if they occur away from home. If your dog causes a traffic accident, those damages may also be covered under your policy.
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