{"id":353509,"date":"2017-08-23T21:56:16","date_gmt":"2017-08-24T02:56:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/renters-insurance-and-dog-bites-what-you-need-to-know.html"},"modified":"2025-08-19T16:53:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T21:53:04","slug":"renters-insurance-and-dog-bites-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/renters-insurance-and-dog-bites-what-you-need-to-know.html","title":{"rendered":"Renters’ Insurance and Dog Bites: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Renters' Insurance and Dog Bites: What You Need to Know<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Renters’ insurance sometimes includes dog bite coverage. When the tenant’s pet injures someone, this policy can help pay for damages. But there are usually many exceptions and exclusions, so check the policy carefully.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

For many people, dogs are more than pets. They are best friends and family members.<\/p>\n

However, owning a dog includes risks. There is a chance that your furry friend may cause property damage. There is also the possibility that even the most well-behaved dog could hurt another person.<\/p>\n

Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself against damage or harm caused by your dog. Read on to learn more about renters’ insurance coverage of dog bite incidents and how having a policy can help you. Get more guidance from a personal injury lawyer<\/a> if you need help with an insurance claim dispute or a lawsuit.<\/p>\n

What Renters’ Insurance Covers<\/h2>\n

Renters insurance is a\u00a0type of home insurance<\/a> that protects those who rent a home against theft, loss, and liability. It covers personal property and will pay to replace stolen, damaged, or destroyed items.<\/p>\n

Renters’ insurance shields you from personally paying a victim if an injury occurs in your rental home or apartment. This coverage sometimes shields policyholders from injuries resulting from a dog bite<\/a>\u00a0within the rental.<\/p>\n

Does Renters’ Insurance Cover Dog Bites?<\/h2>\n

Only some types of renters’ insurance cover injuries due to dog bites. The\u00a0personal liability<\/a> section of renters’ insurance policies covers dog bites. You should read these terms carefully to understand what a specific policy may cover.<\/p>\n

Should I Carry Dog Bite Insurance Coverage?<\/h2>\n

If you own a dog, you should carefully consider the risks of being uninsured compared to the cost of a policy. Your personal exposure to damages resulting from a dog bite can be significant.<\/p>\n

Initial injuries from dog bites can be devastating. Even domestic breeds can disfigure, maim, or cause someone’s death. The extent of dog bite injuries is difficult to know based on the initial bite. Even what appears as minor injuries can lead to infection or nerve damage. That can result in extensive treatment, multiple surgeries, and high medical bills.<\/p>\n

You can see why it’s not uncommon for dog bites to result in personal injury lawsuits. Each state has\u00a0its own laws<\/a>\u00a0about dog bite lawsuits. Some states hold dog owners\u00a0strictly liable<\/a>\u00a0for dog bite injuries, regardless of the owner’s level of fault. Others follow the\u00a0one-bite rule<\/a> that allows, with few exceptions, a dog the ability to bite once without penalty. So if you have insurance coverage for this liability, you can protect yourself against the sudden expenses of a lawsuit.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The trick is that pet owners must have an active policy that covers animal bites before an accident occurs. Dog owners may believe their beloved family pets are harmless, but this assumption could mean they are solely responsible for the costs of a serious injury in the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Does Your Policy Cover Your Type of Dog?<\/h2>\n

Some insurance companies exclude certain breeds of dogs from renters’ insurance coverage. It’s important to read your policy<\/a>\u00a0completely or ask your insurance agent.<\/p>\n

This includes traditionally larger animals, including these breeds of dogs:<\/p>\n