If your dog bites someone else, don’t be surprised if they sue you. Your homeowner’s insurance policy will generally pay the lawsuit.

You will be financially responsible if your dog bites someone. Some things that they may try to sue for are pain and suffering, medical bills, and out-of-pocket expenses. All of these can add up quickly. Apart from that the trauma along with pain and suffering can quickly add up if translated into a dollar amount. But trying to fill a form and getting the damages isn’t possible. You need to ensure that

Your insurance policy will pay for a variety of issues resulting from dog bites. Some of these include:

Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Homeowner’s insurance policies tend to cover dog bites and resulting injuries. The exception is if your dog has been excluded from coverage because it belongs to a dangerous breed. Excluded dogs include rottweilers, pit bulls, and Dobermans.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies tend to have liability limits of between $100,000 to $300,000. Keep in mind that your insurance policy declarations page will list the limits. You can rest assured that your insurance coverage will pay for the bitten person’s medical expenses, property damage, and other losses that result from the dog bite.

You can count on your insurance company to defend you if you file a claim through them. They’ll even hire a lawyer for you. However, you will be paying for any amounts of the claim that exceed your policy limits yourself. That is why it helps to stay abreast of your policy limits.

Remember that most insurance companies will only pay for the first dog bite. If your dog is a continual biter, the insurer will consider the dog to have a dangerous propensity. You’ll be on the hook for any financial damages that result.

Other types of Insurance

Sometimes other insurance policies will cover if your dog bites someone. If your dog was in a car when he or she bit someone else, then your car insurance policy will pay. Pet or animal insurance may pay claims when homeowner’s insurance doesn’t.

You can also expect dog owner’s renter’s insurance to cover dog bites. The rationale will be that you, the dog owner, and not your landlord, is responsible for your dog’s behavior. Usually, landowners are not held responsible for dog bites on rental properties unless they are aware that the dog is dangerous and it was negligence that caused the dog bite.

If your dog has bit someone, in most cases, you will need to pay the damages. That is why it is good to consult with a personal injury lawyer in St John’s to know your liabilities and rights, in case a claim is filed.