Can Your Dog Scare Someone into a Homeowners’ Insurance Claim?

If you own a dog, you may be aware you are responsible for its actions. Of course, that means if your dog bites someone, you can be held liable, especially when it is not under your control . But what if your dog just frightens a visitor on your property? Can your dog scare someone into a home insurance claim?

If the dog is restrained and the visitor is never in danger (real or imagined), the odds are any liability claim will not be successful. There are, however, circumstances where you could be liable.

Let’s say, for example, you own two dogs. A delivery person pulls up to your home and the driver approaches your house on your property. Your two dogs bark and run toward the driver, causing him to stumble backwards and injuring himself. The dogs retreat, never biting or otherwise contacting the driver. Can you be held liable for his injuries?

It is likely.

But if you have homeowners’ insurance, you will be covered, right? That’s not necessarily true either. If you own a dog, it is important to confirm coverage before such an incident can occur.

Some insurance policies exclude liability coverage as the result of the actions of a pet. Some even limit coverage based on breeds. The point is it can be potentially costly to assume your home insurance will cover you due to the actions of your pet.

If it does not, we can help.

Our independent insurance agents work with a network of insurance companies, and if coverage for the actions of your pet is important to you, we can make sure your policy offers such coverage.

Not knowing is not good enough. Contact us for a no cost, no obligation homeowners’ insurance review and price quote. We can do the shopping for you, and remove any gaps you may have in your protection. Contact us today.