What You Need to Know About Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Dogs

What You Need to Know About Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Dogs

Owning a home and having a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you’re a new pet parent or have had dogs for years, it’s important to understand how your homeowner's insurance policy covers your four-legged friend. Depending on your breed, location, and your current insurance provider, your pet may or may not be covered under your homeowner's policy.

At The Light Realty, we understand that buying a home comes with a variety of considerations, including pet coverage and insurance. If you're looking to buy a home in North Carolina or South Carolina, it's essential to understand how your insurance works with your dog. Here’s everything you need to know about homeowners insurance and dog coverage to make sure you're well-prepared.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dogs?

The short answer is: it depends. Homeowners insurance policies are not all the same when it comes to coverage for dogs. While some policies may cover your pet, others may exclude certain breeds due to their perceived risk of aggression or tendency to bite.

Many insurers will cover dogs if the breed is considered low-risk, but high-risk breeds (like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, or Dobermans) may be excluded. However, in some states, insurers are not legally allowed to discriminate based on dog breeds, so it’s essential to check the laws in your state.

If you’re already a homeowner with an existing policy and are considering getting a dog, it's best to reach out to your insurance company or agent for confirmation on whether your pet will be covered. If your current insurer doesn’t cover dogs, you may need to shop around to find a company that will.

What Kinds of Dog-Related Claims Will Homeowners Insurance Cover?

If your homeowner's insurance covers your dog, it can protect you in several situations, including:

• Dog Bites: If your dog bites someone, whether they’re a visitor at your home, a neighbor, or even a passerby at the park, your insurance can cover medical costs related to the bite.
• Dog Injuries: If your dog causes injury by jumping on someone or knocking them over, this can also be covered by your policy.
• Property Damage: If your dog damages property, whether it’s your neighbor’s fence or a guest’s belongings, your homeowner's insurance may help cover the damage.

However, there are some limitations. Homeowners insurance typically does not cover injuries to members of your household. If your dog injures someone who lives in your home, that would likely fall under your medical insurance rather than your homeowner's policy. Additionally, any damage your dog causes to your own home or personal items belonging to household members is generally not covered.

Will Having a Dog Lead to Higher Homeowners Insurance Rates?

While your dog might be a source of joy and companionship, it could also lead to higher homeowners insurance premiums. Since dogs can potentially cause serious injuries or property damage, some insurance companies charge higher premiums for policies that cover pets. High-risk breeds in particular may raise your rates, as insurers typically factor in the increased likelihood of incidents based on breed, claims history, and even your location.

In addition, if your dog causes a claimable injury or property damage, your premiums could go up. If the claim is significant enough, your insurer might even choose to cancel your policy or refuse to renew it when it expires.

Get the Coverage You Need

As a dog owner, ensuring that you have the right homeowner's insurance coverage is crucial. Not informing your insurance company about your dog might save you some money in the short term, but it can backfire badly if your dog causes an accident or injury. Without proper coverage, you could be liable for significant medical or legal expenses, and you may even face a lawsuit.

It's always better to be upfront with your insurer and get the coverage you need to protect both your home and your beloved pet. If you're buying a home in North Carolina or South Carolina, The Light Realty can help you navigate not only the home-buying process but also the nuances of insurance and pet-related concerns. We're here to ensure your new home is perfect for your family, pets included!