You know the saying, “dogs are man’s best friend?” Well, a dog might not be your home insurance’s best friend. We know that you love your dog, and that it is a part of the family, but it would be wise for you to know how your home insurance might be impacted by the presence of this animal. The following are some tips on how to get the proper home insurance and keep your dog at the same time. You might not have thought that a dog and home insurance are connected, but they are. You do not want your dog to accidentally send you in financial troubles, and also ruin your home insurance policy.

What are the Risks?

Did you know that a single dog bite could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in damages? If the bite was severe enough you could even go to jail! One-third of all liability claims on homeowner’s insurance are made up of dog bites. The average cost of a dog bite claim is up around $25,000, and it is rising annually. Over 4 and half million people are bitten by dogs every year, and 1/4 of those need some medical attention. You can see that a dog has a big impact on home insurance. Yes, we did say that you could even go to prison if your dog bites someone. In order for this to happen though you would need to be found negligent. Please pay attention to your dog and make sure it is not out of control.

How Will Your Insurance React?

You need to know that the home insurance company has taken notice of the rising claims on dog bites. It has gotten to the point where some insurance companies are refusing to insure certain breeds of dog. This list varies among different companies but usually includes: pit bulls, chows, rottweilers, dobermans, and others. There is a chance that your insurance will cover all breeds, but that coverage can change as soon as an accident is reported. Your premium can be raised, or you can be dropped completely. They might make you sign a waiver that says your dog is not included in the policy. If the home insurance company you choose is willing to work with you then you need to be able to work with them.

Limit Liability Quickly

You need to make sure that you prove to your home insurance company that your dog will not be trouble for you. This means that you need to research which breeds your home insurance company will insure, and then match up with the right company. If your dog does not have training, then get some. Training is a sign that you can show your insurance, in order to prove responsibility. Take precautions, like a locked gate, or not leaving the dog alone with strangers or children. Most importantly though you need to be honest with the insurance company about the dog and the role it plays within the family. This is the right thing to do. If your dog is too out of control, you may have to consider letting the pet go, or taking to the vet to figure out what is wrong. Keep your home insurance informed.

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