Home and Umbrella Insurance – Dog Bite Concerns
I have a small dog weighing under 20 pounds who has bitten before, including an incident at the vet when they attempted to treat an area that was causing him pain. While he has drawn blood, I don’t believe he would inflict significant harm due to his size. His breed isn’t typically aggressive, and I’m actively working on his behavior through a vet behaviorist and trainer.
I currently hold a home insurance policy with GEICO, but I can’t recall if there was a specific question about my dog’s biting history. Even if there was, I find the question somewhat subjective, as it’s fairly common for many dogs—especially puppies—to bite without causing serious injury.
Additionally, I have an umbrella insurance policy that didn’t explicitly ask about dog bites; however, the application did ask whether I or anyone in my household was aware of any facts, circumstances, incidents, or accidents that could potentially lead to a claim or lawsuit, regardless of its validity. Once again, this feels subjective, as there are countless everyday situations that could result in a real claim.
I’ve noticed some skepticism among agents in this forum, but I’m seeking objective advice on how to proceed. It’s important to me to ensure I’m adequately covered in case my dog does bite and injures someone. While he’s unlikely to cause serious harm, I understand that people may pursue legal action when given the chance.
It’s great that you’re being proactive about understanding your insurance coverage, especially with your concerns about your dog’s behavior. Here are a few steps you might consider taking to ensure you’re adequately protected:
Review Your Policies: Start by carefully reviewing both your home and umbrella insurance policies. Look for specific language regarding dog bites or pets. Some policies may have exclusions for certain breeds or may require disclosure of past biting incidents.
Contact Your Insurer: Reach out to GEICO and your umbrella insurance provider to clarify your coverage regarding dog bites. Ask them directly about how previous incidents might affect your coverage. It’s better to get this information straight from the source rather than relying on interpretations.
Document Training Efforts: Since you’re already working with a vet behaviorist and a trainer, ensure to document these sessions. This can demonstrate that you’re taking steps to manage your dog’s behavior, which could be beneficial if any issues arise in the future.
Consider Increased Liability Coverage: If you’re concerned about potential liabilities, consider increasing your liability limits on your home and umbrella policies. This might offer additional peace of mind.
Stay Informed: Keep up with any changes in insurance regulations or policies that might affect pet ownership and liability. Laws can vary significantly by state.
Consult with a Legal Professional: If you’re particularly worried about your exposure, consult with a lawyer who specializes in insurance or personal injury. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
It’s always better to address these concerns ahead of time rather than waiting until a situation arises. Taking these proactive measures will help you feel more secure about your coverage.