Your pet is like any other member of your family. You care for it. You spend time with it. But, what happens when your pet causes injury to another person? Suddenly, you have to consider what to do with that pet.
In most cases, any dog can react negatively in the wrong situation. It could bite another person. It is rare for a single incident like this to lead to the removal of the pet. But, you may face consequences related to your home insurance.
The First Time Your Pet Bites
Many home insurance policies provide protections if a dog bites someone else. The policy is generally meant to protect you when the dog bites someone who isn't related to you.
Your insurance policy’s general liability coverage generally offers the protection. In most cases, there are no initial concerns about such a claim. The insurer pays the claim. You don’t have to worry about it.
However, your home insurance agency may determine after that first bite that your dog is a high risk. As you may know, when high risks exist, insurers charge more for coverage.
After a dog bite, your insurer may label your pet high risk and give you several options. These may include:
- Canceling your policy or not renewing it at the conclusion of the coverage period.
- Requiring you to obtain additional coverage. This is where umbrella insurance comes into place.
- Raising your risk level, raising your premium, and limiting coverage for additional dog bites.
What Should You Do?
As a homeowner, you have to decide what is right for your situation. Some pet owners buy a secondary policy, called an umbrella insurance policy. This policy generally provides significant, additional liability insurance and can be quite affordable. It is separate from your home insurance.
You do not have to specifically have dog bite insurance. However, you will need to be clear with the insurer about previous claims.
Umbrella insurance extends further than just potential dog bites. It can provide additional financial coverage for any liability claim made against you.
You sometimes don't have to keep policies long-term. Your insurer may allow you to return to your umbrella policy if no other bites occur in a specific amount of time.
In the meantime, keep your assets protected with an umbrella insurance plan. HIG Henrich Insurance Group can help you choose the umbrella policy that is right for you. Explore our website to learn more, and call us today at (713) 349-0400.