Dog Bite Claims are No Joke. Stay Protected in 2014!
Your dog is your best friend—until it bites. Even typically docile dogs may bite when they are frightened or when defending their puppies, owners, or food. Dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2013, says the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) and State Farm. Those claims cost more than $483 million.
According to an analysis of homeowners’ insurance data by the I.I.I., the number of dog bite claims nationwide increased 5.5% in 2013, while the average cost per claim for the year dropped 6.4%. These figures may be attributable to non-bite injuries captured in the analysis, including scratching, tripping, knocking down, or frightening a person. These types of claims are typically less costly than dog bites, which sometimes require reconstructive surgery, says I.I.I.
Despite dropping in the past year, the average cost per claim nationally has been rising the past decade. The average cost has risen more than 45% from 2003 to 2013 due to increased medical costs and the size of settlements, judgments, and jury awards given to plaintiffs, says Loretta Worters, vice president of I.I.I.
Are you cynophobic yet? Don’t be! As I.I.I. notes, the best way to protect yourself from a dog bite claim is to prevent your dog from biting anyone in the first place. The most dangerous dogs are those that fall victim to human shortcomings such as poor training, irresponsible ownership, and breeding practices that foster viciousness. Positive reinforcement training methods can lower the likelihood that a dog will bite.
While Florida is not amongst the top 10 states in dog bite claims, we still understand that having the most comprehensive coverage and the correct homeowners’ policy that covers liability claims could be the difference between you spending or saving a fortune on your insurance policy! For larger claims, having a personal umbrella policy could also absolve you from reaching deep into your pockets or savings account. Get a quote from BBIMI today!
BB Insurance Marketing is a full-service insurance agency located in South Florida that specializes in business, personal and benefits insurance. Childcare, gas stations, pest control and restaurants are just a few of the niche markets we work in. BBIMI’s insurance expertise extends all across the state, so we’ve got you covered with a quality policy you can depend on!