Here’s something most dog owners don’t think about until it’s too late.
If your dog bites someone and you’re found legally responsible, you can be on the hook for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Dog bite liability laws vary by state — some hold owners strictly responsible, while others require proof the owner knew the dog was dangerous — but in most cases, there’s no built-in dollar cap protecting you from a large judgment.
The thing that protects most people is insurance. Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability — usually up to $100,000 to $300,000. That coverage handles the legal costs and pays out if the victim wins. Without it, all of that falls on you personally.
And renters insurance isn’t just for homeowners. If you’re renting an apartment, you can get a renters policy too — and it typically covers the same dog bite liability. It’s usually pretty affordable, especially compared to what a lawsuit could cost you.
So if you’ve got a dog and you don’t have any coverage, that’s worth fixing sooner rather than later.