Dog Bite Prevention

Dog Bite Prevention Week

Nationwide, insurance claims from dog-related injury topped $1.12 billion in 2023

For so many of us, our dogs are family, and millions of times each day, people and dogs interact happily, without any negative consequences. And most of the time, dog bites can be prevented through education and responsible dog ownership.

April 7-13 is Dog Bite Prevention Week and insurers are encouraging dog owners to train and care for their pets properly to avoid tragic injuries and costly dog bite claims. Nationwide, home insurers paid $1.12 billion to settle dog bite (and related injury) claims in 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), an 8.3 percent increase from 2022.

With an estimated 65 million households in the U.S. owning dogs, it’s clear that for many Americans pets are “part of the family.” But dogs and other pets in your care can also be a source of liability if they injure people or other pets. And the cost of treating injuries and settling pet-related injury claims has jumped dramatically.

The overall number of dog bite and related injury claims in the U.S. increased by 8.3 percent in 2023, but the average cost per claim decreased by 9.3 percent to $58,545 from $64.555 the previous year.

In Washington state, the number of claims increased in 2023 compared to 2022 but the amount paid in claims decreased, according to data provided by I.I.I. In 2023, home insurers paid $20.4 million (an 18 percent decrease) to settle 411 dog injury-related claims (a 16.8 percent increase), with the average cost per claim at $49,596.

In Oregon, the number of claims increased in 2023 compared to 2022 but the amount paid in claims decreased, according to data provided by I.I.I. In 2023, home insurers paid $12 million (a 43 percent decrease) to settle 176 dog bite and injury-related claims (a 10 percent increase), with the average cost per claim at $68,013.

And in Idaho, both the number of claims and the amount paid in claims went down in 2023 compared to 2022, according to data provided by I.I.I. In 2023, home insurers paid $5 million (a 16 percent decrease) to settle 91 dog bite and injury-related claims (a 23 percent decrease), with the average cost per claim at $55,291.

More than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, children are the most common victims of dog bites with most incidents occurring during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.

Homeowners and Renters insurance policies typically include coverage for dog bite liability, which means that if a pet you own injures another person or pet and they suffer an injury and/or seek damages, your insurance will help pay the cost of your defense and pay damages up to the limits of the policy. 

Most Homeowners policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage, but that figure is much lower for Renters insurance. If the claim exceeds the limit of a policy, the dog owner may be responsible for any damages above that amount, including legal expenses.

Companies also offer Umbrella Insurance policies, which provide additional liability coverage above the limits included in a standard home or renter policy, for an additional premium.

It’s also important to contact your insurance agent to find out if your company insures your dog’s breed.

Most – but not all - insurance companies insure homeowners and renters who own dogs. Some companies exclude certain breeds from coverage, while many focus on the individual dog’s behavior. That means, if your dog bites someone or attacks a pet from outside your household, most insurance companies are likely to recognize your dog as an increased risk and may charge a higher premium, non-renew your Homeowners or Renters insurance policy or exclude your dog from liability coverage.

Every insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines,but a dog with a history of biting could be harder to insure or, at minimum, could increase your cost for Homeowners insurance.

NW Insurance Council and I.I.I. offer these tips to help reduce the risk of your dog biting someone:

• Dog bite liability laws and breed-specific statutes vary by state and municipality. As a dog owner, it is important to know your state and local laws as well as your insurance coverage.
• Spay or neuter your dog. Studies show that dogs are three times less likely to bite if neutered.
• Socialize your dog so that it becomes more comfortable around people and other animals. Take it slow and don’t rush your dog into crowded areas or dog parks. Also, always leash your dog in public so you are better able to maintain control.
• Teach your kids the basics of dog safety. Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping, for example, and always supervise children around dogs.
• Play non-aggressive games such as fetch. Playing aggressive games like tug-of-war can encourage inappropriate behavior from your dog.
• Always ask an owner for permission before petting their dog, and make sure your children do the same before petting an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog and avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.

For more information about property & casualty insurance, contact NW Insurance Council at (800) 664-4942.