Man’s Best Friend Needs Man’s Best Protection

18 Apr Man’s Best Friend Needs Man’s Best Protection

Furry friends are the ultimate companions. Since 44% of Americans are pet owners, pet liability insurance is something for a lot of us to think about. The average liability claim payout for a dog-related injury claim was $37,501 in 2017 which is up 93.4% from 2003. That being said, pet owners should be aware of the potential limitations and exclusions when reviewing or shopping for a homeowners or renters insurance policy. AWS knows that insurance can be a complicated subject, and we are here to make it easier to understand for you.

When assessing your homeowners and renters insurance, most people think about natural disasters, fire and theft. However, your dogs can pose a risk. Liability claims for dog-related injuries have steadily increased in recent years. In 2017, there were an estimated 18,522 reported incidents alone. The reason behind these higher costs stem from rising medical expenses, increased legal claims and judgments as states weigh in on owner’s liability. One of the most common problems are reports of dog bites, but bites aren’t the sole concern.

Looking into pet-related policy details may have bites as the headliner, but there are other incidents within this category. For example, if you have a friendly and energetic dog and they happen to knock your elderly neighbor over, then that incident goes down as the same type of event as a dog bite.

Some insurance companies have different policies for particular breeds. Also, depending on the state and the insurer, some breeds are referred to as blacklisted. These breeds include pit bulls, rottweilers, and wolf hybrids.

Remember, it’s always best to talk to your insurance agent openly about anything and everything when looking at policies. When filling out an application for home insurance, answer any questions about your pet including breed or any past claims. AWS Insurance will weigh your options for you to make sure you have the best plan for your budget, breed of animal, and more. If you are considering more coverage for your furry friends, AWS is here to help.