Will homeowners insurance cover an injury caused by my pets?

Question

My 2 house dogs ran out front door to use the restroom after work last night and was jumping and playing in front of my  house in the street and caused a man to fall. Will my homeowners policy cover his injury?

Michael Heilmann · Answer

Yes.

David Hibbert · Answer

Yes.

Robert Lucky · Answer

Typically, homeowners insurance will cover injuries caused by your animal. However, you should contact your agent or your insurance company to determine whether the injuries will be covered.

Jeffrey Lapin · Answer

I cannot provide a definite answer to your question without reading your homeowners insurance policy. Each insurance company has it own basic insurance policy. In addition, insurance companies offer different "coverages," some of which are included in all policies and others that you have to request. Many policies would cover the man's injuries in the situation you describe. I would request a copy of the policy to read for yourself if you do not already have one.  You should report the incident to the claims department of your insurance company if you have not already done so. The first thing the insurance company is likely to do is determine whether your policy covers the incident. One reason this may be an issue is that the incident did not occur on your property. If the incident is covered, your insurance company will handle the claim with the injured man and you would have little to no further involvement.  If your insurance company denies coverage, you may want to consult with an attorney to determine whether there should be coverage. Insurance companies do not always get coverage decisions correct.

David Stoddard · Answer

Probably, but it depends on the policy language and exclusions.

Donald Broad · Answer

Without actually looking at a copy of your policy, it is impossible to state for certain whether there is coverage or not.  However, typically, homeowner's policies do cover injuries caused by pets.  You should notify your insurance agent (or company directly if no agent is involved) of the incident as soon as possible so the insurance company can begin an investigation.

James Osak · Answer

They should.  Check the policy or call your agent.

Melvin Franke · Answer

It depends upon the terms of your policy.

Willie Stephen Graves · Answer

Your homeowner insurance should cover it. Notify the carrier immediately; don't give them an excuse to deny coverage.

James Kelaher · Answer

Unless you have a specific exclusion in your homeowners' policy that excludes injuries caused by dogs, it will be covered.

Dean Esposito · Answer

Yes, unless your policy contains a specific exclusion which in all likelihood it does not.

Joseph John Ganz · Answer

It will always depend on the language of the insurance policy but generally speaking it will cover such events.

Jared Altman · Answer

Yes. I think so. But, you must report it to then right away.

Michael Yeksavich · Answer

It is quite possible your  homeowners will cover this.

Joan Durkin · Answer

Maybe. Most homeowners policies have a med pay provision that pays $1000 if somebody gets hurt on your property - regardless of fault. It is not clear if this man was on your property.   If you knowingly allowed your dogs off leash, off your property than you would be "negligent" and that is when your policy would pay - assuming he actually got hurt.  They will need to investigate and see if this was an aggressive attack, etc.. and that may impact whether they decide to cancel your policy.

Jon Buchholdt · Answer

Probably. Call your agent.

John Brennan · Answer

Generally yes, if you have general liability coverage.

Leonard Schwartz · Answer

Homeowners should cover the injury unless there is a specific exclusion which is not usually the case.

Thomas Patton · Answer

Yes, it should if you are held liable, which may or may not be the case. But if you report it to your insurance company, or provide your insurance information to the man who fell, they will take care of it one way or another.

William Spern · Answer

Yes. This is why you have insurance. Contact your carrier and let them know of the details.

Stephen Lombardi · Answer

Your homeowners policy should cover the mishap; just call your insurance agent right away to put them on notice.

Mark Leonardo · Answer

In all likelihood, yes.  Contact your insurance agent to find out.  I have had dog bite cases where the homeowner's insurance covered the case.  This seems similar.

David E. Frank · Answer

Yes, it should be covered.

Houston D. Smith III · Answer

Your homeowner's provides coverage to you for injuries and damages caused by your negligence.  It can be reasonably argued that you were negligent in allowing the dogs to run free and not be on a leash.  There is a good chance that your homeowner's coverage will apply.

Larry Klein · Answer

I can not say for sure without reading your actual insurance policy, but generally speaking homeowner's insurance will cover that type of claim.

Mark Smith · Answer

Yes it will cover the situation unless there is an exclusion in the  policy.

William Chaffin · Answer

It should unless the policy contains an exclusion.

Thomas Edward Gates · Answer

Yes, your home owner's insurance will cover this accident. Wait to see the extent, if any at all, of injury before you contact your insurance company.

Dennis P. Mikko · Answer

Your home owner's insurance should provide protection for this. This would be a good time to review your policy to make sure there are no exclusions for pets. If there are, you should contact your agent to make sure you have appropriate coverage.

Steven A. Schwartz · Answer

Homeowners coverage will normally cover you for injuries caused by your dog, unless you have it listed as an exception on your policy. Most likely you are covered. Check with your insurance agent.

Andrew Velonis · Answer

The insurance policy covers liability which you are legally obligated to pay. I assume you have reported this incident to them. They will investigate and if a claim is made against you, they will either negotiate a settlement or defend you.

Bradley Cornett · Answer

Generally speaking, homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage.  Check your policy.  If you have personal liability coverage as part of your homeowners policy, then you should be covered for any claim arising out of the dog incident.  When you review your policy, be sure to read all of the exclusions to the personal liability coverage.  Some policies have exclusions that may apply.

Kevin Habberfield · Answer

Yes. Turn the claim over to your insurance company.

Paul Whitfield · Answer

If on your property, probably. Read your policy. It is nothing more than a long complicated contract. See what the carrier agrees to cover for you. if you don't understand talk to a company rep or see a lawyer don't be bashful about it. that is what insurance is for, to cover folks from liability losses.

David Craig · Answer

Your homeowners insurance will likely cover any damages caused by your dogs that you are legally liable for.  The only exception would be if the insurance policy specifically excluded pets or dogs for some reason.  That is not likely.  You should immediately notify your insurance company.

Michael Dungan · Answer

You will have to read your policy to be sure, but that type of incident is typically and routinely covered by home owner's insurance. Contact your agent right away and let them know about the incident.

Bernard Huff · Answer

It may. You should report the incident to your insurance agent as soon as  possible.

Joel Selik · Answer

Yes. Unless they are specifically excluded (Often times Pitbulls and other dogs are excluded).

Richard Lowell · Answer

Under normal circumstances, the short answer is "yes." You should call your insurer and immediately report the incident.

Jeffrey Tuttle · Answer

It should. Contact them and inquire. if they say no....ask them to show where in your policy it excludes coverage.

Matthew Kober · Answer

Yes it should, unless there is a specific exclusion in your policy.

Stuart Nachbar · Answer

If your policy covers pet

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