dog bite law

Dog Liability Insurance

With so many beautiful outdoor locations–from the hiking trails of Big Cottonwood Canyon to the slopes of Park City–Utahns love bringing their dogs with them on adventures. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Even the most gentle dogs can become reactionary in certain circumstances. While many dog owners have coverage for their dogs under homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, it might not be enough. 

That’s where dog liability insurance, also known as pet liability insurance, comes in. This type of insurance coverage is designed to protect dog owners in case their dog injures someone or damages their property. 

Here are some of the key aspects of dog bite insurance: 

• Coverage: Dog liability insurance provides coverage for incidents involving your dog, such as dog bites, scratches, or injuries caused by your dog. It can also cover property damage caused by your dog, like damaging someone’s belongings or injuring another person’s pet. 
• Medical expenses: It typically includes coverage for medical expenses incurred by the injured party, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, and related medical costs. 
• Legal protection: In the event of a lawsuit from a dog-related incident, the insurance can cover your legal fees and expenses of defending yourself in court. 
• No-fault coverage: Many policies offer coverage without determining who is at fault. This means it can provide protection even if your dog’s actions were unintentional or unexpected. 
• Customizable: Many policies allow dog owners to customize their coverage to suit their needs and budget. You can typically choose the coverage limits that you feel comfortable with. Policies often start at $25,000 and go up to $500,000 of coverage.
• Separate from homeowner’s insurance: Dog liability insurance is distinct from your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. A dog bite claim won’t affect your homeowner’s insurance rates or coverage. 
• Not health insurance: Another distinction is that pet liability insurance is different from pet health insurance. This coverage is focused solely on compensating a third, injured party for the losses caused by your dog. 

Things To Look For

While your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance might cover your pet, some policies have a much lower limit when it comes to dog bite injuries. Buying a dedicated pet liability insurance policy can ensure you’re fully protected. You can purchase a policy from a number of sources, including traditional insurance providers or specialized pet insurance providers. You’ll want to find a company that offers coverage in the state of Utah.   

When considering where to buy dog liability insurance, it’s essential to do the following: 

• Compare policies and coverage limits to ensure they meet your needs. 
• Consider your dog’s breed, as some providers have restrictions or premium differences based on breed. 
• Understand the terms and conditions of the policy, including any exclusions or waiting periods. 
• Obtain and compare quotes from different providers to find the best coverage at a reasonable price. 

The availability and terms of dog liability insurance can vary, so it’s important to conduct thorough research to find the right policy for your needs.  

Benefits of Dog Liability Insurance

For pet owners in the Beehive State, there’s no law requiring the purchase of dog bite insurance. However, because of Utah’s strict liability statute, it’s often a good idea to seek protection. Dog bite insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents. Here are the key benefits of pet liability insurance for your dog: 

• Financial protection: One of the main benefits of dog liability insurance is financial protection. If your dog injures a third party or damages someone else’s property, the insurance will cover the costs of medical bills, property damage, and compensation. This can save you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. 
• Liability coverage: Dog liability insurance provides liability coverage specifically for incidents involving your dog. This means it won’t affect your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, and you won’t risk losing coverage for other aspects of your life. 
• Peace of mind: Having a dog bite insurance policy can provide you with peace of mind. You can enjoy your time with your pet without constant worry about potential financial consequences if an accident were to happen. 
• Legal protection: In the event of a lawsuit related to a dog bite or injury, dog liability insurance typically includes defense coverage so you can hire a lawyer to defend yourself in court. 
• Breed considerations: Certain dog breeds, like pit bulls, rottweilers, great danes, huskies, and akitas, among others, are considered higher risk due to their reputation for aggression. Many home homeowner’s or renter’s insurances won’t cover these breeds. Dog liability insurance can be especially beneficial for owners of these breeds, as it can be hard to purchase coverage for them through traditional insurance. 
• Rentals: In some cases, landlords might require pet liability insurance before allowing you to bring certain breeds on the property you’re renting. Having dog bite insurance can make it easier to rent a home while owning a dog.