Are Dog Bites Covered Under my Home Insurance Policy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

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.