Make Sure Your Four-Legged Friend Doesn't Become an Insurance Foe
IFM Offers Advice
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Dog owners need to be sure they do more than put food and water out each day for their pooch. They need to understand their potential liability if their dog bites someone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites per year. These bites cost over $1 billion, with the property/casualty insurance industry paying roughly $345.5 million in 2002. That year, almost 1/4 of all homeowners insurance liability claims were dog- bite related.
"As a responsible pet owner, there are steps a dog owner should take to minimize the risk that their dog might bite someone. One important step is to have a homeowners insurance policy with adequate liability coverage limits," said Al Parsons, Insurance Federation of Minnesota President and CEO. "Talk to your agent to make sure you are properly protected."
DOG OWNER'S LIABILITY
Any dog can hurt someone. Even normally docile dogs may bite when they are frightened or when protecting their puppies, owners, or food.
If your dog bites someone, you are responsible for the expenses and damages. Most insurance companies sell homeowners and renters insurance policies that cover dog bite liability, with most policies providing $100,000 to $300,000 in coverage. If the claim is under your limit, your policy will pay. If it exceeds your limit, you are responsible for all damages above that amount, including legal expenses.
The Insurance Information Institute warns against getting a dog for the purpose of guarding your home. Deadbolt locks and home security systems are good burglary deterrents and often will get you a discount on your insurance premium.
PREVENTING BITES
Tips for dog owners:
-- Have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that dogs are three
times more likely to bite if they are NOT neutered.
-- Socialize your dog so it knows how to act with other people and
animals.
-- Play non-aggressive games with your dog such as "go fetch." Playing
aggressive games like "tug-of-war" can encourage inappropriate
behavior.
-- Avoid exposing your dog to situations in which you are unsure what the
dog's response will be.
Tips to review regularly with children:
-- Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
-- Do not run from a dog and scream.
-- Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an
unfamiliar dog.
-- If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be
still like a log").
-- Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
-- Immediately report stray dogs or dogs showing unusual behavior to an
adult.
-- Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
-- Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
-- Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
-- If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
The Insurance Federation of Minnesota is a state trade association whose members primarily are Minnesota-based insurance companies. The Federation also sponsors the Insurance Help Line, which offers free answers to questions about insurance. Questions are taken 24 hours a day at (651) 222-3800 in the Twin Cities metro area and at 1-800-642-6121 in Greater Minnesota. You can also visit our website at: http://www.insurancefederation.org/ and click on the Insurance HelpLine link.
