Pet Liability Insurance: Why Renters Need It
As a renter and pet owner, securing pet liability insurance is a crucial step in safeguarding your financial well-being. Pet-related mishaps, such as unexpected dog bites, are unfortunately a common occurrence across the country. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, U.S. insurers paid out more than $1.12 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2023. The average claim cost a staggering $58,545, highlighting the significant financial risk involved.
Without adequate pet liability insurance, a single incident involving your pet could easily escalate into a financial crisis. You could be responsible for covering medical expenses if someone is injured, repairing property damage, and potentially legal fees if a lawsuit arises.
What Exactly Is Pet Liability Insurance for Renters?
Pet liability insurance is specifically designed to cover expenses incurred due to injuries or property damage caused by your pet. For instance, if your dog accidentally knocks someone over at the park, resulting in injuries, this insurance would help cover the medical bills. Similarly, it could cover costs if your cat damages your neighbor’s outdoor furniture. Essentially, this coverage steps in when you’re legally liable for the incurred costs.
Keep in mind that pet liability insurance doesn’t directly pay you. Instead, it covers the expenses related to the incident, and may include your legal fees if you are sued as a result of your pet’s actions.
Does Renters Insurance Typically Include Pet Liability Coverage?
The majority of standard renters insurance policies come with liability coverage, which often extends to incidents involving pets. However, it’s important to check the specifics, as some insurers may exclude certain dog breeds, exotic pets, or even all animals. Always review your policy details with your insurance company to confirm how your pet is covered.
If your current renters insurance doesn’t provide pet liability coverage, you might have the option to purchase a separate pet liability insurance policy.
The Difference: Pet Insurance vs. Pet Liability Insurance
It’s important to understand that pet insurance does not include pet liability coverage. Pet insurance is designed to help cover your pet’s medical expenses if they become injured or sick. It does not cover injuries your pet causes to other people or pets, nor does it protect you from property damage caused by your pet. This is where pet liability insurance comes in.
For those interested in pet insurance, several insurers offer discounts if you bundle renters and pet insurance. For example, some companies offer a discount when you purchase both pet and renters insurance.
What Renters Pet Liability Insurance Covers
The personal liability coverage within your renters insurance policy typically addresses pet liability in three key ways:
- Bodily Injury to Others: This covers situations where someone outside your household is injured by your pet. For example, if your dog jumps on a visitor and injures them, your renters insurance liability coverage can pay claims related to the injured person’s medical bills.
- Property Damage to Others: This protection covers damages your pet causes to someone else’s property. For example, if your dog chews up your guest’s phone, your renters insurance would pay to fix or replace the phone.
- Legal Expenses: Renters insurance provides financial protection against legal fees. If someone sues you because of an incident involving your pet (e.g., a dog bite), the policy helps cover your legal expenses. The policy may also cover settlement costs if the court rules the lawsuit valid.
Pet Liability Coverage Limits
Pet liability coverage is usually included within your overall renters insurance liability limit, which typically starts at $100,000. Pro Tip: if possible, consider higher liability limits to adequately address the potential expenses.
If you have concerns about your pet’s potential to cause liability issues, increasing your liability limits to $300,000 or $500,000 and considering an umbrella insurance policy may be wise steps.
What Isn’t Covered by Renters Insurance Pet Liability?
It’s important to understand the limitations of renters insurance pet liability:
- Damage to your belongings or your rental: Renters insurance won’t cover the cost of repairs or replacement for damages your pet causes to your property or the rental property itself (e.g., your cat scratching the sofa’s upholstery or the dog scratching up the door).
- Injuries to Household Members: Pet liability won’t cover injuries your pet causes to you or other members of your household (e.g., if your child needs medical care after being bitten by your dog).
- Injuries to your pet: Pet liability coverage doesn’t extend to your pet’s injuries; you would need pet insurance to cover those types of costs.
Pet Exclusions in Renters Insurance
Many renters insurance policies feature exclusions, and these can be specific to certain pets. Commonly excluded are exotic or large animals and some dog breeds seen as having potentially aggressive behaviors. The specific exclusions vary by insurer.
Dogs Excluded From Coverage
Insurers often consider dogs with a history of aggression or biting to be higher risk. Some companies have banned dog breed lists for which they will not offer renters liability coverage.
Frequently excluded dog breeds include:
- Akitas
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Chow Chows
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Mastiffs
- Pit Bulls
- Presa Canarios
- Rottweilers
- Siberian Huskies
- Staffordshire Terriers
- Wolf Hybrids
Regardless of your dog’s breed, if it has a history of aggression or biting, confirm coverage with your insurer.
Exotic Pets Excluded From Coverage
Exotic pets are usually excluded from renters insurance coverage. Generally excluded animals include:
- Alligators, crocodiles, and caimans
- Bears
- Foxes
- Jackals
- Non-domesticated felines
- Primates
- Venomous snakes
- Wolves
What If Renters Insurance Doesn’t Cover Your Pet?
If your renters insurance policy doesn’t provide adequate coverage for your pet, you have several options:
- Change Insurance Providers: Compare coverage options from various renters insurance companies to determine if another insurer will cover your pet under its renters liability insurance.
- Seek Separate Pet Liability Insurance: Look for a separate, stand-alone pet liability policy from another company. This is particularly useful if you don’t want to change your renters insurance provider.
Adding a Pet to Your Policy
Insurance companies typically ask about pets when you apply for coverage. Generally, renters liability coverage automatically includes pets, unless specific exclusions apply. Always review your policy for potential banned dog breeds or other animal exclusions. If your pet is excluded, investigate a separate pet liability insurance policy, or seek a different insurer that offers coverage.
If you acquire a pet after your renters insurance policy is already in place, immediately contact your insurance agent to notify them of the change and verify coverage details.
Cost of Renters Insurance With Pets
According to our analysis, the average cost of standard renters insurance is around $13 per month. This often includes $15,000 of personal property coverage, $100,000 of liability coverage, and a $1,000 deductible. You’ll pay more if you opt for higher insurance limits.
Tips for Obtaining Pet Liability Insurance
Compare Quotes From Multiple Companies
To find ways to save, compare renters insurance quotes from at least three different companies. Verify that each quote incorporates pet liability coverage, and that you are comparing equivalent limits, coverage options, and deductibles across all companies. This allows you to find the most suitable company for your needs and budget.
Select Appropriate Limits
Personal liability coverage typically starts at $100,000, but it’s generally best to opt for a higher limit depending on the type of pets you own. Dog bite claims can result in high medical expenses and potential lawsuits.
Confirm Pet Coverage
Don’t automatically assume your renters insurance covers your pet. Carefully review the policy to confirm your pet is covered, as some companies have bans on certain dog breeds and exotic animals or may exclude all animal liability coverage.
Seek a Separate Policy
If your current policy excludes your pet but you don’t want to change companies, search for an insurer offering a separate pet liability policy. Compare costs from companies that offer separate policies to find the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need pet liability insurance when renting? While it’s not legally required, landlords may mandate renters insurance, which usually incorporates pet liability coverage within the personal liability section. Pet liability insurance is a smart choice, protecting you financially from unexpected pet-related incidents.
- Does renters insurance cover pet damage? Renters insurance liability coverage pays for damages your pet causes to the property of others, but it will not cover damage to your own belongings nor your rental unit.
- Does renters insurance cover pit bulls? Some companies provide coverage for pit bulls, while others do not. Check for specific pet or animal exclusions during purchase—especially a banned dog breed list, since pit bulls are often on such lists.
- Does an umbrella policy cover dogs? Umbrella insurance liability coverage generally extends to pets like your dog if the limits of your underlying policy (renters insurance) are insufficient to cover a claim. Umbrella insurance provides liability coverage above the limits of your renters insurance. When buying umbrella insurance, ensure it covers your dog or pet, particularly if your renters liability policy has exclusions.
