Dog bites are the number one claim by some of our nations leading home insurances companies! Yes "home" insurance companies. Did you know your pet could be covered by your renters or homeowners policies? This article is to inform you of some of the experiences we are aware of and to spark your interest enough to find out about your personal situations. Knowing what is covered can give you relief and if it turns out your not covered, then will have added some options for you below.
- Most homeowners/renters policies cover your pet. However there can be breed restrictions. Call your carrier to see if you are covered.
- If your pet is on the restriction list, you still have a few options. You can ask them to write "exclusion clause" this in general means your homeowner policy covers everything "except" said pet.
- It would then be up to you to find a policy of liability for you pet.
- If your company doesn't write exclusion clauses then you may need to seek a new insurance company.
- If your homeowners/renters policy covers your pet, then in general;
- You are covered up to your limits of liability. (Typically $100,000.00)
- If you carry an umbrella policy then your coverage follows those maximum allowances.
- Your homeowners/renters covers "your" pet biting someone, weather on your property on another.
- If a friend comes to your house with their pet and you get bitten it is up to there liability policy to cover, though we may suggest you still contact your carrier.
- They typically do not cover your pet biting your own children. That would be covered by medical insurance.
- They typically hold the right to investigate the cause of the injury.
- With many companies these days this includes, exotics. Please ask your insurance agent for their rules and regulations.
If your insurance company has a breed restriction that effects you and you can not get an exclusion clause written. Or you are just happy with the insurance company you have and don't want to change. You can search for canine liability policies or Pet liability polices to assist you with your needs.
If you have a "therapy dog" your therapy dog organization should also carry liability insurance for you. These insurance policies are good for "organized visitation" visits. This means if you are a part of program that your therapy dog program started and is aware of, you are covered. But if your there on a Thursday to say hi before Sunday's meeting or if you just "doing it on your own." You would not be covered!
Be upfront about your risks and discuss your options with the companies concerned. In the long run "if" the unexpected happened you will be much better suited then if you do nothing at all.
For more information please contact your homeowners or renters liability policy handlers.
Emma Zen Foundation
www.facebook.com/emmazenfoundation
www.emmazenfoundation.com
If you have a "therapy dog" your therapy dog organization should also carry liability insurance for you. These insurance policies are good for "organized visitation" visits. This means if you are a part of program that your therapy dog program started and is aware of, you are covered. But if your there on a Thursday to say hi before Sunday's meeting or if you just "doing it on your own." You would not be covered!
Be upfront about your risks and discuss your options with the companies concerned. In the long run "if" the unexpected happened you will be much better suited then if you do nothing at all.
For more information please contact your homeowners or renters liability policy handlers.
Emma Zen Foundation
www.facebook.com/emmazenfoundation
www.emmazenfoundation.com
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