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If your dog bites someone, you can probably count on your homeowners or renters insurance to help cover some of the expenses. (And that’s good news, because those costs could add up quickly.)
But there may be limits on what your insurer will pay based on the type of coverage you have, who is injured, your dog’s breed, and whether your dog has a history of aggression.
Read on for a look at what your renters or homeowners policy might cover if you have to make a dog bite claim, and how, as a pet owner, you can maximize your protection.
Key Points
• If your dog seriously injures someone and you’re held responsible, the costs could be substantial — especially if there’s a lawsuit.
• Homeowners insurance will usually help cover medical expenses and legal costs if your dog bites someone who isn’t a member of your household.
• Renters insurance may also cover a dog bite injury if you’re held responsible, but coverage limits are typically lower.
• Your insurer or state may have restrictions on which dog breeds can be covered by your policy.
• If your dog has a history of aggressive behavior or has bitten someone before, your insurer may deny dog bite coverage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
If you have a standard homeowners insurance policy, two types of coverage could kick in if your dog bites (or otherwise injures) a person who isn’t a member of your household.
Personal Liability Coverage and Dog Bites
Personal liability coverage may apply if you’re found responsible for a serious injury caused by your dog on or off your property. If your claim meets your insurer’s criteria, this part of your policy can help pay for medical and lawsuit expenses associated with the injury, up to a predetermined limit that’s usually between $100,000 and $500,000, subject to specific exclusions and coverage limits.
Medical Payments Coverage and Dog Bites
Medical payments coverage pays for medical costs no matter who is at fault when a dog bite occurs on the dog owner’s property.
The payout limit for this coverage is generally much lower than personal liability coverage. (It usually falls between $1,000 and $5,000.) But it can offer some financial help if the person’s injury is minor or if it’s unclear who was liable for what happened.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
The dog bite coverage offered by renters insurance is often similar to what homeowners insurance provides. If your dog bites a visitor on your property and you’re found responsible, that person’s medical expenses may be covered. Also, if the person decides to sue you, your policy may cover some legal fees.
The payout limits are typically lower even when renters insurance does cover dog bites, however.
Your landlord may ask you to get renters insurance to help cover various potential liabilities, including dog bites. And if your renters policy doesn’t offer this type of coverage, you may have to purchase it as an add-on, which can affect how much renters insurance costs.
Recommended: Why Do Landlords Require Renters Insurance?
What Factors Affect Dog Bite Coverage?
Though dog bite protection is usually included in a homeowners or renters insurance policy, it can be a good idea to confirm the specifics of your coverage. To help you understand the details of your policy, you might want to refer to a homeowners insurance glossary.
Factors that could determine whether your insurer will cover a dog bite claim may include the following.
Dog Breed Restrictions
When you’re getting a quote or renewing your homeowners or renters policy, it’s important to be truthful if you’re asked about the pets you own.
Some states allow insurance companies to exclude designated “high-risk” dog breeds from their coverage. Restrictions can vary depending on the insurer, but Doberman pinschers, pit bulls, Rottweilers, chow chows, and German shepherds are among the breeds that are commonly disallowed. If your dog’s breed is on your insurer’s restricted list, your dog bite claim could be rejected.
Bite History and State Laws
A growing number of states have passed laws that prevent insurance companies from basing their liability coverage on a dog’s breed. This means your application for insurance or a dog bite claim may be evaluated based on your dog’s past history instead of its breed. But if your dog has exhibited aggressive behavior toward other people or pets in the past or has already bitten someone, coverage may be denied or limited.
Recommended: Does Renters Insurance Cover Injuries?
Does Umbrella Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Umbrella insurance can add another layer of liability coverage to your existing homeowners or renters policy, which can help protect your assets if you’re sued for damages that exceed your primary coverage limits. This is particularly important because legal settlements and judgments related to a personal injury, including a dog bite, can be significant. (According to the Insurance Information Institute, liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries cost homeowners insurance providers $1,862 million in 2025.)
If your homeowners insurance covers dog bites and you’ve gone over that policy’s eligibility limits, you can likely count on your umbrella policy to cover the remaining costs, up to that policy’s coverage limit. But if your homeowners insurance excludes dog bites or specific breeds, your umbrella policy may have similar restrictions.
Another option may be to look at specialized dog bite liability insurance, which may offer coverage for a pet that’s considered a higher risk.
The Takeaway
Both homeowners insurance and renters insurance can help cover your costs if your dog bites or otherwise injures someone who isn’t a household member. But there are limits on how much you can expect a claim to pay, and there may be coverage restrictions based on your dog’s breed and/or past behavior and where the incident occurred. That’s why it can be a good idea to understand the details of your policy — and to be up front with your insurer about any pets you own.
If your homeowners or renters insurance doesn’t cover the potential damage your dog might do or if you think you might need more coverage, you may want to consider purchasing a specialized dog damage insurance policy. Or you could look at using an umbrella policy to add an extra layer of protection to your liability coverage.
If you’re a new homebuyer, SoFi Protect can help you look into your insurance options. SoFi and Lemonade offer homeowners insurance that requires no brokers and no paperwork. Secure the coverage that works best for you and your home.
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FAQ
What dog breeds are commonly excluded from homeowners insurance?
Doberman pinschers, pit bulls, Rottweilers, chow chows, Akitas, and German shepherds are among the breeds that are commonly restricted by homeowners policies.
Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites that happen off my property?
When it comes to homeowners insurance and dog bites, your policy’s personal liability coverage will likely apply if you’re found responsible for a serious injury caused by your dog on or off your property.
Will a dog bite claim raise my homeowners insurance premium?
In terms of homeowners insurance and dog bites, a dog bite claim could cause your premium amount to go up, especially if your insurer decides your dog’s behavior makes you a higher risk.
What if my dog bites a family member who lives with me?
Insurance coverage for dog bites generally does not apply to family members or others who reside with you.
Can I get coverage if my insurer excludes my dog’s breed?
If your dog is among the breeds affected by your state or insurer’s restrictions, you may have to purchase a specialized dog bite liability policy or umbrella insurance to get coverage. Some states require owners of dogs that are considered “dangerous” to carry a certain amount of liability insurance.
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