Home insurance can cover a variety of liabilities faced by property owners, including the four-legged kind.
According to a recent report from the Insurance Information Institute, liability claims for dog bites amounts tied to these policies increased 8.7 percent from 2008 to 2009. The total costs for last year came to $412 million, with the average payout being $24,840.
“Since 2003 the cost of these claims has risen nearly 30 percent,” the III said. “Additionally, the number of claims has increased 4.8 percent to 16,586 in 2009 from 15,823 in 2008.”
Whether or not a homeowner is liable for damages tied to a dog bite may depend on their state and local statutes. Some municipalities may go so far as to ban certain breeds from their jurisdiction.
The III said that most home insurance policies provide between $100,000 and $300,000 of liability coverage for dog bites. However, some may restrict their policies by making their customers sign waivers or charge higher insurance rates for specific dog breeds, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers.
Consumers who are considering buying a particular dog breed may want to consult with both their insurance company and local government to make sure they are in compliance with rules and regulations.
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