Many people may be surprised to hear that their home insurance does not cover their pets in the way they’d expect. As a rule, pets are not viewed as property under home insurance, meaning they will not be covered under your personal belongings coverage. If your pet passes away due to a fire in your home, for example, you will likely not receive compensation for their passing. This also applies to sudden illnesses and injuries your pet may suffer. If your pet is injured or falls ill, their vet bills will not be covered under home insurance.
However, another area of home insurance does include your pets: liability.
How Home Insurance Liability Works with Pets
Liability insurance under your home insurance policy protects you from accidents concerning bodily injury and property damage. If someone is injured on your home’s property, for example, home insurance will cover the victim’s medical bills and also protect you in case of a lawsuit. This liability also extends to damages and injuries caused by your pets.
For example, say your friend visits your home and your dog decides to tear up their purse along with everything inside, including jewelry, makeup, a charger, etc. In this case, your home insurance may provide compensation for the items.
Home insurance can also cover similar accidents that occur off of your property. If your dog gets into a fight at the dog park and injures someone or another pet, home insurance can help pay for the medical bills and cover your legal fees in case of a lawsuit.
Exclusions for Pets Under Liability Insurance
Unfortunately, not all pets are covered under home insurance. Exclusions may vary depending on your insurer, but most home insurance policies exclude exotic pets such as bird, pigs and reptiles as well as certain dog breeds.
Dog breeds commonly excluded under home insurance include:
- Huskies
- German shepherds
- Dobermans pinschers
- Akitas
- Pit bulls
- Rottweilers
- Staffordshire terriers
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Certain wolf breeds
Be sure to ask your insurance agent if you are unsure whether or not your pet will be covered by home insurance. If an accident occurs concerning a pet that is not covered by insurance, you could face medical bills, property damage and/or legal expenses out of pocket. Also keep in mind that home insurance will not cover the damage your pet causes to the home or your personal belongings.
Get A Quote