Dog Liability

April 07, 2016

Homeowners Insurance, What’s New,

You know that dog in the neighborhood who looks all cute and cuddly, but really likes to try to make a snack out of every jogger that runs by? Maybe that’s your dog? If so, it’s in your best interest to make sure your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers your furry (possibly devilish) pal. That’s where Kasmann Insurance Agency has you covered.

Your Dog, Your Problem

In Missouri, dog owners are responsible for everything their dog does. This responsibility rolls over into misbehavior, including biting or damaging people and property. The Missouri state statute says dog owners are strictly liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, and for any damage to property or livestock proximately caused by their dog. Basically if your dog breaks it you buy it.  

You and your dog could be covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

Homeowner’s policies often insure for the liability of dogs. Which means, If you have homeowner’s insurance and your dog ChiChi bites the neighbor, and your neighbor decides to sue, your insurance will cover the damages. While many insurance plans cover dog liability, the Progressive Home Advantage program unfortunately does not. But Kasmann Insurance Agency keeps you covered and offers a write-in to all Progressive policies covering your dog too. If you don’t own property but do own a dog, consider renter’s insurance.  Then if your neighbor sues you for ChiChi’s naughty mouth, you’re renter’s policy will cover damages.  Renter’s insurance may also cover damage to the property being rented. If you have renter’s insurance and your dog Rex bites through the garage door and the property owner is making you cover the damages, your renter’s insurance could cover the costs. Unfortunately, there are some dogs that won’t be covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Certain breeds are often excluded, so be sure to check with your agent to make sure your dog is in the clear. We don’t support the discrimination of dog breeds but unfortunately it’s not our call.  Also, if your dog has a prior bite history, your eligibility for future homeowner’s liability coverage will most likely be affected.

What should I do if my dog is bad?

If your dog presents a potential danger to others and their property, we highly suggest covering yourself with homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Remember, you are liable for your dog’s actions, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. In the case that you think your dog is a great danger to others and their property, we suggest going for an extra umbrella liability policy. It goes above and beyond homeowner’s and renter’s liability insuring you for a million dollars or more. Really, well behaved dogs are the best option.

Insure with the people you trust.

We want our customers to know we have their best outcome in mind when looking at whether they need dog liability coverage. Let Kasmann Insurance Agency make sure there’s no need to worry about whether or not you’re going to have to pay for the damages your dog created. If you have any questions about your liability for your dog, or if you want to get an estimate on a policy to cover you and your furry friend, feel free to contact our office. We’re only a phone call away!