Are Dog Bites Covered By Rental Insurance?

Are Dog Bites Covered By Rental Insurance?

If you are bit by someone else’s dog, your medical expenses and other losses should be covered by that person’s homeowner’s insurance (unless you were trespassing or provoking the attack). However, more and more people are renting instead of owning the place in which they live. So if the owner of the dog has renter’s insurance, will that cover your losses? Here is what you need to know.

According to the CDC, there are more than four million dog bites that occur each year in the United States. The Insurance Information Institute provides another revealing fact. When the attack is covered by insurance, the average payout is more than $40,000. It is important to realize that only about 20% of people who are attacked by a dog require medical care. So most of the time, there are no significant losses incurred.

As far as renter’s insurance is concerned, it should cover a dog bite, just as homeowner’s insurance would. However, it is up to the owner to know what the policy covers. Some policies do not cover larger dogs (which are likely to do more damage), or they may exclude certain breeds.

Getting the Help You Need Following a Dog Attack

If the owner of the dog is liable for the attack, you may be due compensation for medical bills, missed workdays, emotional distress, and more. However, whether the owner is insured or not, you need the help of a personal injury attorney. If you live in southern California, then Petrov Law Firm can help. Call us today at 619.344.0360 to get your case started.