Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?
Guide summary
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Usually, yes. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover liability for dog bites and other dog-related injuries, including legal costs, up to your policy's liability limit, which is typically $100,000 to $300,000, according to the Insurance Information Institute. But some insurers exclude certain breeds or dogs with a bite history, and if a claim goes over your limit, you pay the rest.
How much dog bite claims cost
Dog bites are among the most common liability claims for homeowners insurers. According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm:
| Year | Claims | Total paid | Average per claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 28,450 | $1.86 billion | $65,450 |
| 2024 | 22,658 | about $1.57 billion | $69,272 |
The number of claims jumped 25.6% in 2025. New York had the highest average cost per claim ($92,154), followed by Connecticut ($87,751). Medical bills and the size of settlements and jury awards keep pushing costs up.
What to check in your policy
- Is your dog covered? Some insurers won't cover certain breeds they consider high-risk (pit bulls are often named), while others judge each dog individually. Some will cover a dog that has completed behavior training or is kept restrained.
- Your liability limit. With average claims over $65,000, a $100,000 limit can be tight for a serious bite.
- Prior bites. A dog with a bite history may be excluded, or the insurer may raise your premium or decline to renew.
- Renters insurance. Renters policies also include personal liability, and many landlords require it if you have a dog.
- Tell your insurer the truth about your dog: not disclosing a dog or its breed can lead to a denied claim.
If your dog is excluded or your limit is low
- A canine liability policy: standalone insurance that covers injuries your dog causes. See dog liability insurance.
- An umbrella policy: extra liability coverage on top of your homeowners or auto policy, often in $1 million increments. Check that it doesn't exclude dogs.
- Shop around: insurers differ widely in how they treat breeds.
Owners of dogs officially declared dangerous may be required by law to carry liability insurance: see dangerous dog laws in the US.
How to reduce the risk of a bite
- Socialize and train your dog from a young age, using reward-based methods.
- Spay or neuter, and keep your dog's vaccines (especially rabies) up to date.
- Supervise dogs around children and visitors, and never leave a young child alone with a dog.
- Learn your dog's warning signs (stiffening, lip licking, growling) and give them space.
- Use a leash in public and follow local leash laws.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover my own dog's vet bills?
No. Liability coverage pays for injuries your dog causes to other people (and sometimes their property or pets), not your dog's own care. For that you need pet insurance.
Will my premium go up after a dog bite claim?
It might, and some insurers may exclude the dog or not renew the policy. Ask your insurer how they handle claims and prior bites.
Does it cover a bite that happens away from home?
Personal liability coverage usually follows you, so a bite at the park can be covered too. Check your policy wording.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet's health, call your vet clinic.
