Home insurance provides protection to homeowners for a wide range of risks. As a property owner, you may recognize the importance of a plan with liability protection.

General liability insurance can help to cover certain losses you incur from claims made against your home insurance as a result of accidents. Dog bites are one of them. However, who receives the bite matters significantly in how insurance covers them.

When Home Insurance Covers Dog Bites

Home insurance policies often provide protection to property owners for dog bites associated with third party individuals who visit the home. For example, if a neighbor reaches out to pet your dog and the dog bites, this insurance covers this type of loss. It will provide financial protection such as paying for any medical bills and lost time at work. In addition, your home insurance might also provide coverage for legal defense associated with fighting claims like this.

However, this same type of coverage does not apply to those living within the home. General liability focuses specifically on protecting you from claims from third parties. It does not protect you from injuries sustained by your family or others living within the home.

What Happens When Dogs Bite Family Members?

If your dog bites you, your child or another adult living in your home, home insurance is unlikely to provide any support. Your health insurance may cover medical bills in this case. Keep in mind that home insurance does not cover injury expenses associated with it if your pet gets hurt.

As a homeowner, take the time to look at your existing home insurance plan. Speak to your agent about dog bite coverage. Some policies list exclusions for this type of loss. Other companies require that you report having a dog, as well as any incidents in which the dog has bitten someone inside or outside of the home. Not doing so may lead to limited, or no coverage, for dog bites to any party.

The right home insurance can give you peace of mind as a pet owner. Don’t expose your family to financial loss for an accident associated with your pet.