Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Yes, renters insurance typically covers dog bites, unless your dog is on the restricted breeds list or has previously bitten someone. Renters insurance is a good idea for most dog owners, because it covers dog bites and other damage your pet might cause.

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What's next

Does renters insurance cover dog bites?

Yes, your renters insurance personal liability protection should pay the medical bills if your dog bites someone. But there are some exceptions.

Coverage usually includes bites to guests or strangers, not to someone who lives with you. And not every policy will cover dog bites off your property, such as during a walk or at the dog park.

Most renters insurance policies exclude restricted breeds or dogs with a history of biting.

Does renters insurance cover dog bites for restricted dog breeds?

Most insurance companies exclude several large dog breeds or mixes. They will not cover any injuries or damage caused by a dog on that list. Many insurance companies view these dog breeds as a higher liability risk for more frequent and severe claims.

Commonly restricted dog breeds

Can I get dog bite coverage if I have a restricted dog breed?

Yes, but it depends on your company and state.

Some states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania, restrict insurance companies from denying coverage by breed.

Some pet-friendly insurance companies, such as State Farm, don't restrict breeds but will consider whether the dog has previously bitten or attacked anyone. You might even be denied renters insurance altogether if you have a dog with a bite history.

What should I do if my dog is a restricted breed?

Before you get a new policy or a new dog, find out if your dog is covered by your renters insurance. Some companies won't even offer coverage at all to renters with certain dog breeds.

It's in your best interest to notify your insurance company if your dog is on the excluded breed list or has bitten or attacked someone. If you omit either of these, your insurance company might deny any future claims or cancel your policy altogether.

Renters insurance is cheap, but a cancellation or nonrenewal on your record can be damaging. It could mean higher insurance rates or being denied coverage from other companies due to fraud.

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How to file an insurance claim for a dog bite

Treat a dog bite claim like any other renters insurance liability claim for an apartment or single-family home. Whether you need to file depends on the severity of the injury and if you're eligible for coverage.

The bite victim's insurance company might work directly with yours, or they could choose to pursue a lawsuit. Either way, your renters insurance personal liability protection should cover the cost, up to your policy limit.

Dog bite statistics

About 65 million US families have at least one dog, according to a survey by the American Pet Products Association. And those pets result in a surprising number of bites. Roughly 4.5 million people are bitten each year in the US, and about 885,000 — half of whom are children — require medical attention. Many of these dog bites result in liability insurance claims.

A 2023 collaborative study by the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm found that one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out were related to dog bites, totaling more than $1.1 billion. The number of dog bite claims increased by 8%, compared with 2022, but the average cost per claim fell 9% to $58,545

Are other pets covered for bites?

Your dog or cat may be covered for biting or scratching someone, but renters insurance typically doesn't cover other types of pets.

Exotic farm or saddle animals are usually excluded from renters insurance liability coverage. This includes birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, horses, mini pigs, rabbits, reptiles and other exotic animals.