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oes renters insurance cover dog bites

Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites? (2024 Guide)

Many dog bites will be covered under your renters insurance liability coverage, but there are exclusions. Read on to learn more.

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via Lemonade
Updated: Apr 16, 2024
Written by
Jacqueline DeMarco
Written by Jacqueline DeMarco Author

Jacqueline DeMarco is a contributor for Quartz Advisor who has worked with more than two dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, American Express, Chime, Bankrate, CreditCards.com, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual. She provides thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.

Edited by
Kelly Larson
Edited by Kelly Larson Senior Editor

Kelly is an editorial leader and collaborator with over 14 years of experience creating and optimizing data-driven, reader-focused digital content. When he’s not helping readers make more informed financial decisions, Kelly enjoys running, taking on DIY projects, and trying to make his kids laugh.

If you have a feisty pooch, you may be wondering—does renters insurance cover dog bites? The good news for nervous pet owners is that thanks to the liability coverage included in their renters insurance policy, pet owners have protection against injuries and damages that their pets cause to others. There can be coverage limitations surrounding certain breeds or if your dog has a history of biting, so double-check what your policy covers. Let’s take a closer look at how this liability coverage works, common exclusions and restrictions, and alternative options for protecting yourself financially.

Renters Liability Coverage for Pet Incidents

While no one policy is the same, standard renters policies include liability protection—usually between $100,000 to $300,000—for injuries or property damage the renter’s pet causes others. If you want more than the standard amount of coverage, you can inquire about purchasing higher amounts of liability coverage. This coverage encompasses dog bites, scratches, and other harm that your dog can inflict on guests or passersby. Note that service dogs receive different treatment as they aren’t considered pets, so you need to confirm whether or not your policy covers their actions.

These are some examples of pet-related incidents commonly covered by a standard renters insurance policy:

  • Dog bites inflicted on a visitor in the rental property
  • Scratches caused by a pet to a neighbor while walking in common areas
  • Damage that your pet caused to others’ property, such as chewing on furniture or carpet
  • Injury to a passerby caused by a pet jumping on them or knocking them over
  • Damage to another tenant’s belongings by a pet in a shared space

Common Exclusions and Restrictions

Unfortunately, not all dogs receive the same treatment by renters insurance companies. Pay close attention to whether or not your dog’s breed is eligible for liability coverage. Insurers commonly exclude certain dog breeds deemed high-risk —pit bulls, rottweilers, and German shepherds, for example —from liability coverage. Location-specific laws may also prohibit some breeds, voiding protections. Commonly excluded dog breeds under renters insurance policies include:

  • Pit bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • German shepherds
  • Doberman pinschers
  • Akitas
  • Chow chows

There are also certain pet incidents that aren’t included in liability coverage like your dog biting you or damaging your own furniture. Other common exclusions are:

  • Damage to your own personal property by your pet
  • Injuries sustained by the renter or their immediate family members due to their own pet’s actions
  • Damage caused by the renter’s pet in violation of local ordinances or regulations

Before purchasing any type of renters insurance policy, make sure you have a clear understanding of any common exclusions or restrictions. Doing so will help you find the right coverage for your needs. If you fear your policy won’t give you the liability coverage you need, chat with an insurance agent about potential add-ons or endorsements that can help round out your policy.


Importance of Disclosing Pet Ownership to Insurers

Even the sweetest dogs can get scared and lash out. You may think your dog would never hurt a fly, but you need to prepare for unexpected events. If you have a dog, don’t leave your insurer in the dark. You need to notify your renters insurance provider that you have a dog and should confirm your breed isn’t excluded from liability protections.

If you fail to notify the insurance company of your dog, they may deny future claims. Be as upfront with your insurance provider as possible to avoid running into hiccups if you ever do need to file a claim. After all, you want to make sure your renters insurance is worth it by getting the most out of it.


Alternative and Supplemental Pet Policy Options

If you own a commonly excluded dog breed, you can explore standalone pet liability policies or umbrella insurance to fill coverage gaps left by standard renters insurance breed restrictions. These specialized policies are designed to provide liability protection specifically for pet-related incidents. They offer coverage for injuries or damages caused by pets that may be excluded under traditional renters insurance policies. Umbrella insurance policies can also provide additional liability coverage beyond what is offered by renters insurance, offering further financial protection in case of pet-related incidents.

You can also consider getting your dog their own pet insurance policy. You won’t get liability coverage with it, but you will receive protection for illnesses and accidents so your pet can get the medical care they need if something goes wrong. Lemonade insurance offers the unique opportunity to bundle renters and pet insurance at a discounted rate so that you, your furry friend, and your belongings are all covered.


Frequently Asked Questions About Renters Insurance and Dog Bites

Does renter insurance cover pet bites?

In most cases, a renters insurance policy covers pet bites under its liability coverage. However, certain limitations may apply based on factors like breed and bite history. Pet owners need to disclose their pet ownership to the renters insurance company if they want to avoid future claim denials and should confirm that their dog’s breed is eligible for liability coverage.

What insurance covers dog bites?

Most renters insurance policies cover dog bites if the policy includes liability protection (which is typical). If you’re looking for extra coverage, you can buy a standalone pet liability policy or umbrella insurance policy. Both of these insurance policy types can provide coverage for dog bites, including for breeds commonly excluded by renters insurance.

Will my medical insurance cover a dog bite?

If your dog bites you, your medical insurance should cover any related medical care you require such as a hospital visit, surgery, or medication.

Why are some pets excluded from renters insurance?

Some pets are excluded from renters insurance coverage if their breed has a reputation for having aggressive behavior. To help mitigate their potential risk, a renters insurance company may exclude those breeds from renters insurance due to the perceived higher risk of causing injuries or damages to others. Insurers often base these exclusions on statistics and historical data related to pet-related incidents.