As a homeowner with pets, you might be surprised to learn that dog-related injury claims have become one of the most expensive liability issues facing property owners today. Recent data from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm reveals a startling trend that every pet owner should understand.
The Staggering Cost of Dog-Related Claims
Dog bite incidents resulted in $1.6 billion in insurance payouts during 2024, representing a significant financial burden on both insurers and homeowners. This figure isn’t just a one-time spike—it reflects a concerning upward trend that has been building for years.
The statistics paint a clear picture of escalating risk:
- 22,658 dog-related injury claims were filed across the United States in 2024
- Claims increased by 19% from 2023 alone
- Over the past decade, incident frequency has jumped 48%
- The average claim now costs $69,272, representing an 18% increase from the previous year
- Most alarmingly, average claim costs have surged 86% over the past decade
Why Dog Bite Claims Are So Expensive
The financial impact of dog-related injuries extends far beyond simple medical bills. Nancy Germond, Big “I” executive director of risk management and education, explains that courts and juries increasingly recognize the severe psychological trauma and permanent disfigurement that can result from dog attacks.
“Dog bite cases are difficult to defend due to many jurisdictions’ strict liability standard on dog-bite liability,” Germond notes. Under strict liability laws, homeowners can be held financially responsible even if they weren’t directly at fault for the incident.
A recent Georgia case illustrates this reality: a jury awarded $4.2 million to an elderly woman bitten by a 130-pound presa Canario mastiff. Such verdicts demonstrate why homeowners insurance coverage is crucial for pet owners.
The Scope of the Problem
With 46% of U.S. households owning dogs according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the potential for liability is widespread. Particularly concerning is that more than 50% of all dog-related injuries happen to children, often resulting in higher settlement amounts due to long-term care needs and emotional trauma.
Contributing factors to rising claim frequency include:
- Loose or unsupervised dogs
- Dogs with aggressive temperaments
- Irresponsible breeding practices
- Inadequate owner supervision and training
Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
“Almost all dog bites are preventable and prevention begins with education,” says Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. Responsible pet ownership not only protects others but can also help reduce your insurance liability risk.
Essential safety practices include:
- Never leaving children unsupervised with dogs, even family pets
- Maintaining regular veterinary care and health checkups
- Using positive training techniques consistently
- Always walking dogs on a leash in public areas
- Properly socializing pets from an early age
Insurance Considerations for Pet Owners
When applying for homeowners insurance, full disclosure about pet ownership is essential. Insurance agents need to understand your dog’s breed, history, and any previous aggressive incidents to properly assess risk and provide adequate coverage.
Important insurance considerations:
- Some states restrict insurers’ ability to deny coverage based solely on dog breed
- Homeowners should discuss their pet’s history honestly with their agent
- Standalone dog liability policies are available for additional protection
- Regular policy reviews ensure adequate coverage limits
Protect Your Family and Financial Future
Don’t let a dog bite claim devastate your financial security. At San Tan Insurance, we understand the unique risks pet owners face and can help you find comprehensive homeowners insurance coverage that protects your family, your pets, and your assets.
Get a free quote today and speak with one of our experienced agents about:
- Homeowners insurance with pet liability coverage
- Standalone dog liability policies
- Risk assessment for pet owners
- Coverage options that fit your budget
Contact San Tan Insurance now for personalized protection that gives you peace of mind as a responsible pet owner.
Call us at (480) 391-3883 or fill out the form on our contact page to secure your coverage today.