Understanding Dog Bite Liability If You Are A Homeowner
Saturday, March 4th, 2017 by Robert Messey, MD, JD | Posted In: Dog Bites
When you are a Connecticut homeowner, it is important to have adequate coverage on your homeowners policy. Your homeowners policy does not just protect against natural occurrences like hurricanes or flooding, but it also covers you for liability should your pet injure another person.
The State of Connecticut’s dog bite laws are strict liability which means the dog owner is responsible for the actions of their dog even if they are negligent. The exceptions to this statute are if the victim is a child, trespassing, or if the dog was being teased or taunted.
According to US Insurance Agents, the average cost of a dog bite claim is $29,000 with $470 million in annual costs to insurance companies. There are also breeds that may get your policy denied with your insurance company: Wolf Hybrids, Siberian Huskies, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Chow Chows, Alaskan Malamutes, and Akitas.
If you are a homeowner, regardless of the breed of your dog, make sure your insurance company knows you have a dog living at your property.