Insurance Companies pay out over $530 million in dog related claims each year.
In the last ten year, this figure has risen from $320 million to $530 million.
The average dog related claim costs the insurance company over $30,000.
Dog related claims include dog bites and dogs knocking down children, cyclists, and elderly folks, all of which can result in very serious injuries.
4.5 million people are injured each year.
Insurance claims are paid under the Coverage E Personal Liability part of a Homeowners policy.
How do insurance companies try to minimize the number of dog related claims?
- Some choose to not issue policies for clients who own certain breeds of dogs known to be potentially vicious.
- Some choose to issue a policy for such client but will exclude coverage for any animal liability claims.
- Some choose to provide insure for most animals but limit their liability to say $10,000 or $25,000.
- Some will issue policies as long as the pet as never bitten anyone.
Is C. T. Lowndes & Company able to provide homeowners insurance for owners of Great Danes?
As an independent insurance agency, C. T. Lowndes & Company represents many insurance companies who issue homeowners policies in South Carolina. Some of these companies have no problem with Great Danes as long as there is no biting history, others limit the liability, and some exclude the liability for Great Dane claims. Thus the answer is “Yes”.
A dog owner should consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy that provides an additional $1,000,000 liability insurance.
It is best to prevent claims in the first place. Do not put your dog in new or uncomfortable situations.