PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Does renters insurance offer coverage if my dog bites someone?
My dog just bit a neighbor who needed five stitches in her arm. Will I be covered by my renters insurance if my neighbor decides to sue me?
Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! Hopefully, your neighbor will recover quickly with no complications. You may be covered—but a lot depends upon the particulars of your policy.
Let’s review renters insurance and dog bites:
- Even if you feel your dog was provoked, many states have laws that place all blame for dog bites on dog owners. However, if you feel there are mitigating factors, be sure to tell your insurer.
- Some insurers do not cover certain dog breeds. While some insurers don’t make distinctions among breeds, others do. If you adopt a dog after taking out a policy, you’re responsible for reporting this fact to your insurer.
- Assuming your dog breed is covered, your personal liability coverage should pay for your neighbor’s medical care should she sue.
The important thing at this point is to notify your insurer just in case your neighbor decides to take legal action against you. Unfortunately, if you are sued, your dog will be flagged as a liability, and your rates will likely go up.
Best wishes on dealing with this accident.
Have questions about renters insurance, pets, and liability coverage? Turn to
car insurance
and renters insurance super app Jerry
to get those answers. Jerry’s friendly agents are available 24/7. They can also help you find the best car and renters insurance policies for your budget. View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies