Dogs are beloved members of many Missouri families, but even the friendliest dog can sometimes bite. When a dog bite occurs, homeowners often have two big questions:
- Will my homeowners insurance cover the claim?
- Could a dog bite incident affect my future premiums or renewal?
Understanding how insurance handles dog bite liability, what to expect during and after a claim. Will help you protect your family, your finances, and your furry friend.
How Common Are Dog Bite Claims?
Dog bites are one of the most frequent homeowners liability claims. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), dog bite and dog-related liability claims are consistently among the top causes of homeowners liability payouts in the U.S., with claims often costing tens of thousands of dollars or more once medical bills and legal defense are included. You can read more about dog bite liability statistics and trends here:
👉 https://www.iii.org/article/spotlight-on-dog-bite-liability
Knowing this helps explain why insurers pay close attention to dog bite incidents — and why you should, too.
What Your Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers
Homeowners insurance generally includes personal liability coverage, which is designed to pay for:
- Medical expenses for someone injured on your property
- Legal defense if you are sued over a dog bite
- Settlement costs if the injured party is entitled to compensation
Liability coverage limits vary by policy, usually starting at $100,000 but often higher (e.g., $300,000 or $500,000) depending on your coverage. If costs exceed your liability limit, you could be responsible for the remainder — which is why choosing adequate limits is critical.
Important: Liability coverage applies whether the bite occurs:
- On your property
- Off your property (if the dog is under your care)
- During a walk, visit, or any place your dog is present
However, not all policies cover every situation, some carriers now exclude animals, or specific dog breeds, past bite history, or certain activities (like dog training for pay) may affect coverage.
What to Expect During a Dog Bite Claim in Missouri
If your dog bites someone and the injured party files a claim:
- Notify your insurer immediately.
You or your agent should report the incident to your insurance carrier as soon as possible. - Provide accurate details.
The insurer will ask for information about the bite, where it occurred, and any prior incidents. - Medical and legal documentation may be requested.
The injured party’s medical bills, photos of injuries, and statements are common. - The insurer investigates the claim.
They will assess liability and whether the claim falls under your policy’s coverage. - If covered, the insurer pays defense and damages up to the policy limit.
Most policies include legal defense costs in addition to the liability limit.
Cooperating with your insurer and providing clear, accurate information helps ensure the best possible outcome.
Does a Dog Bite Claim Affect Your Renewal or Premium?
Yes — a dog bite claim can affect your insurance going forward, depending on several factors:
1. Claim Severity
Higher payouts and serious liability exposure can lead insurers to view your policy as higher risk, which may result in:
- Higher future premiums
- Required restrictions (e.g., mandatory training or leash requirements)
- In many cases, non-renewal
2. Breed or History
Many insurers have breed restrictions or exclusions, especially for dogs with a history of biting. If your dog is identified as higher risk, your insurer may:
- Restrict coverage for that dog
- Increase your premiums
- Non-renew your policy at renewal time
3. Your Insurance Carrier’s Policies
Each company evaluates risk differently. Some insurers are more tolerant of dog bite claims; others may tighten underwriting standards after a claim.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Dog
Here are proactive steps that can help reduce the likelihood and impact of a bite claim:
Choose Adequate Liability Limits
Don’t settle for minimum liability limits. Larger limits (e.g., $300,000 or more) can give you more peace of mind.
Practice Responsible Pet Ownership
- Train your dog consistently
- Supervise interactions with children and strangers
- Use leashes and secure fencing
- Avoid high-risk situations that could lead to aggression
Communicate With Your Agent
Tell your agent about your dog, its breed, and its behavior. Full disclosure helps avoid surprises at claim time.
Consider Umbrella Insurance
An umbrella policy can provide excess liability coverage beyond your homeowners limits, adding extra financial protection.
Need Help Reviewing Your Homeowners Insurance in Missouri?
If you live in Missouri and want to ensure your home insurance protects you — including dog bite liability — MBG Insurance can help you choose the right coverage and limits for your needs.
👉 Learn more or request a quote:
https://www.millenniumbrokers.com/home-insurance-mo/
Bottom Line
A dog bite incident can be stressful — but having the right homeowners insurance in place can protect you from financial harm. Most homeowners policies include personal liability coverage that can help pay for medical bills and legal defense, up to your policy limits. However, claims can affect your premium and renewal, and certain breeds or histories may impact how insurers view your risk.
Being prepared and understanding how your policy works can make all the difference — for your wallet and your peace of mind.
Short answer: Not automatically — but it is possible.
Most homeowners insurance carriers do not immediately drop you just because a dog bite claim occurs, especially if it’s a first incident. However, a dog bite claim does put your policy under closer review at renewal.
What typically happens:
During the claim:
Your homeowners insurance will usually respond under your personal liability coverage, paying medical costs and legal expenses up to your policy limits (assuming the claim is covered).
At renewal:
Your carrier will reassess risk based on:
Severity of the injury
Cost of the claim
Whether there is a prior bite history
Breed restrictions or underwriting guidelines
Possible outcomes at renewal include:
No change (for minor, first-time claims)
A premium increase
A requirement to exclude the dog from coverage
Non-renewal (less common, usually for serious or repeat incidents)
Important: Non-renewal is more likely if:
The injury was severe
The dog has a bite history
The breed is restricted by the carrier
Safety steps were not taken after the incident
What you should do now:
Notify your insurer promptly and cooperate fully
Take documented steps to reduce future risk (training, fencing, leashes)
Review your liability limits
Talk to your agent before renewal, not after
Bottom line:
A dog bite doesn’t automatically mean you’ll lose your insurance, but it can affect your renewal. Working proactively with your agent can often prevent surprises and help you stay properly covered.
If you’re concerned about your current policy or future options, MBG Insurance can review your coverage and help you plan ahead.