How much have you thought about civil liability insurance for dogs? If you own a breed of dog that is known for its aggressiveness, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dalmatians, and others, there is always a chance that something could happen…no matter how well trained you think your dog is.
Having dog liability insurance could mean the difference between getting caught up in a legally and financially strained mess and having peace of mind.
While common owner policies cover most dogs and the problems that come with them, many of them exclude the breeds mentioned above, as well as a few others. By owning these dogs and not being protected against devastating bites, burrows, and even unprovoked attacks, you could leave yourself very vulnerable to devastating lawsuits.
In this article, you’ll learn why dog liability insurance is so important, what the costs are, and where you can get the cheapest and most comprehensive insurance for your loved one.
Don’t get exposed…
It is a fact that many apartments do not even allow you to have certain breeds while you live in their complex. These breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Wolf breeds, Akitas, and sometimes Dalmatians, some Terriers, and others.
Even mixed breeds of these dogs are not allowed. The reason for this is simple: these dogs are a liability due to their aggressive nature. They don’t want to be sued by other tenants or even by people who walk by where they fight dogs.
Owners of these dogs may curse how well they have been trained or how friendly they are, but ultimately, the dog’s instincts can kick in and, within a few seconds, disaster can strike. Sometimes it is beyond our control.
That’s also why homeowners insurance policies don’t cover these breeds. By owning these dogs, you expose yourself to expensive lawsuits… this is the plain and simple truth, no matter how much you feel to the contrary.
How much is it?
Typical dog liability insurance can cost anywhere from $8 to $12 per month. Of course, they can be higher depending on how dangerous your dog is considered, where he lives and what the local laws are. If your dog has actually bitten someone in the past, thus increasing the dog’s liability, then in some cases insurance could cost up to $85 per month. This is the exception, so the lower amount is a good estimate to aim for.
You can expect to be covered for most types of dog aggression, such as dog bites and emotional damage from unprovoked attacks. Coverage can reach up to $100,000 and more with deductibles as low as $1,000.
Considering the cost of a potential lawsuit, getting dog liability insurance is a very smart investment, especially if you know your dog has aggressive tendencies and you want to protect yourself.
Where to find the cheapest insurance…
There are plenty of places where you can find low-cost dog liability insurance, but you also don’t want to get sucked into a seemingly good deal and end up paying too much for a small amount of coverage.
If you do a search online, you’ll be able to find websites that offer the best price comparisons on this specific type of coverage (remember, this is specialty coverage and many companies don’t even offer it).
You will be able to find decent prices and you will be able to compare things based on your location, your dog’s breed, your dog’s history and whatnot. Consider the fact that, while unfortunate, people are happy to sue, especially if they can get someone in a “dangerous dog” suit. Make sure you are protected with dog liability insurance so you can have peace of mind and get the most out of dog ownership.