When you have a dog in the family, you may worry about the possibility of facing problems in courts as a result of a bite or other action by the pet. Although a home policy may provide coverage for a dog bite in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, companies have different regulations that may prevent a dog from being covered under the current plan.

Typical Coverage

Many insurance plans in Northampton County will provide some protection for homeowners when a dog bites visitors to the home for any reason. The basic liability plan may cover hospital expenses and a potential court case that results from the actions of a pet.

While the general plan will cover the situation, certain pets might be excluded from protection due to the higher risk of bites than other dogs.

Exclusions

Although different insurers will have various plans available, some insurance companies will exclude certain breeds as a result of the higher risk of bites. Dogs that may be excluded from a plan include wolf hybrids, Pitt Bulls, Boxers, Great Danes and German Shepherds.

Before assuming that the company will provide liability protection if your dog bites another individual, look through your policy and find out if the breed is excluded from coverage. The company might exclude certain breeds or it might not, depending on the plan and the insurer.

Bites from a pet are often included as part of a liability protection plan in your home coverage, but the exact coverage that you have will impact the possible options. Since certain dogs might be excluded from liability protection, read through your policy and call the company to ask questions before you assume that you are protected. To learn more about liability protection for pets, contact us to talk to an independent agent.

When ice has accumulated in your pool, you may worry about the removal cost. Although your pool may be covered under a home insurance policy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, it may not always pay for the removal of ice that accumulates during the winter months.

Maintenance Exclusion

During the winter months, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to winterize your pool and prepare it for the upcoming changes in the weather. If you do not take proper measures to protect your pool from ice and frost damage, then it may not be covered under your policy.

In many cases, an insurance policy has exclusions related to the cost of regular maintenance. If the damage to your pool is the result of your negligence in Northampton County, then you may be responsible to pay for any repairs or expenses.

Differences in Policies

While many companies will exclude maintenance costs, situations arise that do not allow you to take proper measures to protect your property. In that situation, you may be covered for the expense as long as your insurer allows you to make a claim.

The ability to make a claim will vary based on the situation and the policy that you purchased. Read through the documentation that was provided when you obtained coverage to determine if you are eligible to make a claim as a result of the current situation.

Insurers have different guidelines and policies that determine whether you qualify to make a claim in certain situations. Although many insurers will not remove ice accumulation from your pool, you may be covered if it is not related to regular maintenance. To learn more about protecting your home, contact us to talk to an independent agent.