SEATTLE - Homeowners insurers encourage dog owners to get their pets properly trained to avoid unexpected attacks and costly dog bite claims.

Dog bites account for one-third of all Homeowners Insurance liability claims, costing $387.20 million in 2008, up 8.70 percent from 2007, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

The average cost of dog bite claims was $24,461 in 2008. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs bite nearly 4.5 million people every year, resulting in an estimated 885,000 injuries.

"Millions of positive interactions between people and dogs happen every day without bite injuries," said Karl Newman, president of the NW Insurance Council. "Fortunately, most dog bites can be prevented through education and responsible dog ownership."

Homeowners and Renters Insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability. Most policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. If the claim exceeds the limit of a policy, the dog owner is responsible for any damages above that amount, including legal expenses.

It's also important to contact your insurance agent to find out if your company insures your dog's breed. Most insurance companies insure homeowners with dogs. Some companies exclude certain breeds from coverage while many focus on the individual dog's behavior.

Once your dog bites someone, however, most insurance companies recognize it as an increased risk. Your insurance company then may charge a higher premium, suggest you find the dog a new home, non-renew your Homeowners Insurance policy or exclude your dog from coverage.

"Most dogs are a positive addition to a household," Newman said. "But a dog with a history of biting will be harder to insure or, at minimum, will increase your cost for Homeowners insurance."

NW Insurance Council offers these tips to help reduce the risk of your dog biting someone:

• Spay or neuter your dog. Studies show that dogs are three times less likely to bite if they have been neutered.
• Socialize the dog so that it understands how to act around people and other animals.
• Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
• Play non-aggressive games such as fetch. Playing aggressive games like tug-of-war can encourage inappropriate behavior.
• Do not approach a strange dog and avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.

For more information on dog bites and insurance, visit NW Insurance Council or call (800) 664-4942.

NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education organization funded by member insurance companies serving Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

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