Dog Bite Insurance Claims Hit $1.6 Billion in 2024 — What Homeowners Need to Know

​Dog bite claims hit a record $1.6 billion in 2024.

​Learn what homeowners insurance covers — and what it doesn’t — with tips from Corin Insurance Group.

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Dog ownership is a source of joy for millions of American families, but it also comes with responsibility — especially when it comes to liability. In 2024, U.S. insurers paid out an estimated $1.6 billion in dog-related injury claims, marking a sharp increase in both the number and cost of dog bite incidents nationwide. (Monkeylink, 2024)

With rising medical costs, increased litigation, and a surge in new pet ownership during recent years, dog bite liability is an issue every homeowner should understand — even if your dog has never shown aggressive behavior.

📊 The Growing Cost of Dog-Related ClaimsAccording to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm:

• 19,062 dog-related injury claims were filed in 2023, up from 17,597 the previous year.
• The average cost per claim rose to $64,555 — a 31.7% increase from the previous year.
• Total claims topped $1.6 billion, the highest ever recorded in a single year.

This increase is largely attributed to:

• Rising medical costs for emergency treatment, plastic surgery, and physical therapy
• Legal settlements and jury awards in severe injury cases
• A greater number of incidents involving delivery workers, children, and guests

🐶 Are Dog Bites Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
In most cases, yes — homeowners and renters insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites and related injuries. This typically covers:

• Medical expenses for the injured party
• Lost wages
• Legal defense if you’re sued
• Pain and suffering settlements (up to the policy limit)

💡 Standard liability coverage often ranges from $100,000–$300,000. Anything beyond that may be your personal responsibility unless you carry an umbrella policy. Coverage is dependent on your carrier's underwriting guidelines and coverages included in your policy which may vary.

🛑 When Your Policy Might Not Cover a Dog Bite❌
Coverage may be denied or limited if:

• Your dog has a known history of aggression or prior incidents
• You own a breed excluded by the insurer (e.g., Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, etc.)
• You failed to secure or contain your dog properly (such as a broken fence or no leash)
• The incident occurred while intentionally encouraging aggression (i.e., unlawful behavior or dog fighting)

📌 Some insurance companies in Texas and other states use breed restrictions, while others focus on behavioral history.

🧠 What Homeowners Should Do

1. Disclose Dog Ownership
   Always tell your insurance provider if you own a dog — withholding this can void your policy.
2. Understand Your Liability Limits
   Review your policy to ensure it covers at least $300,000 in personal liability, or consider adding a personal umbrella policy.
3. Know Your State Laws
   Texas follows a "one bite rule," meaning owners may be liable if the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner was negligent.
4. Take Preventive Action
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   • Use fencing and leashes
   • Avoid unsupervised interactions with children or visitors
   • Enroll in behavioral training if needed

🛡️ How Corin Insurance Group Can Help
At Corin Insurance Group, LLC, we help homeowners understand their full liability exposure — including dog ownership risks. Whether you're shopping for new coverage or reviewing your current policy, we’ll make sure you have:

• Adequate liability protection
• Coverage for pets (when available)
• An umbrella policy recommendation if risks are high
• Insight on breed limitations or exclusions among our network of carriers

We work with trusted companies like:

• ASI Lloyds
• Foremost
• Safeco/Liberty Mutual
• Progressive
• Openly
• Lemonade
• And more…

🧠 Final ThoughtsDog bites are more common — and more costly — than ever. Even the friendliest dog can bite if startled or provoked. As a homeowner or renter, it's essential to understand your liability and make sure you’re protected if the unexpected happens.