Do I Need Public Liability Insurance For My Dog?

When you have a dog, it is important to be prepared for the worst. No matter the size or temperament of the animal, accidents do happen. Maybe your dog gets excited and runs into the street, causing an accident.

Fortunately, most homeowners and renters insurance policies have some pet liability protection included in them. However, if your dog is aggressive or has a history of biting people, you may need additional coverage through a separate policy.

How much does public liability cover cost?

Public liability is a type of third party insurance that covers any vet bills or legal expenses you might incur in the event that your dog causes injury or damage to someone else. This cover can be particularly helpful if you work as a dog walker or in a similar profession, where your dog might be in the company of clients.

It can also be a useful addition to a home business, for example, if you have staff who are on your premises. This can be especially vital if you are a vet and they have a tendency to get into trouble.

Does it include a time limit?

Most third party pet insurance policies don’t include a time limit. This can be a problem if your pet develops a condition that requires treatment over a long period of time. This is why Perfect Pet offer pet insurance with a time limit that allows you to claim for treatment costs up to 12 months from diagnosis.

What are the best dog insurance companies?

If you are a pet owner, you should take the time to shop around for the best dog insurance policy. Pawlicy Advisor makes it easy to compare plans from top providers side-by-side and find the best fit for you and your pet.

Can I add my dog to my home insurance?

Most homeowners and renters insurance policies are designed to cover both your personal property and other people’s properties. If your dog is involved in an incident that results in damage or injuries, your policy should pay to repair and replace the property, as well as compensate you for medical expenses incurred.

Does my home insurance cover pet bites?

While many homeowners and renters insurance policies include some pet liability protection, these policies rarely offer specific dog-specific coverage. They usually offer liability and medical payment limits of up to $300,000 per policy.

Does my homeowners insurance cover a lawsuit?

The only way to avoid a lawsuit in the case of a dog bite is to ensure you have adequate liability insurance. This can be an expensive option, but it is an important one if you want to protect yourself from costly legal fees and other expenses should your dog cause harm to another person or their property.

You can always set aside money each month in an easy-access savings account to help you pay for these expenses if they arise. But this can be risky, as you’ll never know how much you will need to cover the medical bills and the resulting legal fees.