Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bite injuries through its personal liability coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), dog-related injury claims cost U.S. insurers $1.57 billion in 2024. Coverage limits usually range from $100,000 to $300,000.
How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
When a dog bites someone, the owner’s homeowners insurance is usually the first place to look for compensation. Two parts of the policy come into play.
Personal Liability Coverage
This is the main protection. If the owner is legally responsible for the bite, liability coverage can help. Most policies carry $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage.
Medical Payments Coverage
This is a smaller, no-fault benefit. It can pay a bite victim’s basic medical bills regardless of who was at fault, usually up to a few thousand dollars.
The Owner Isn’t Protected
Homeowners insurance covers injuries the dog causes to other people, like a guest, neighbor, or visitor. It doesn’t cover injuries to the policyholder or their own household. If someone’s pet bit you, our dog bite attorneys can help you pursue their coverage.
When Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover a Dog Bite
Coverage is common, but it is not guaranteed. Insurers write policy exclusions to limit dog bite payouts.
| Exclusion | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Breed restrictions | Some insurers exclude or refuse coverage for certain breeds, like pit bulls or Rottweilers |
| Prior-bite exclusion | After a dog bites once, the insurer may exclude that specific dog |
| Policy limits | The insurer pays only up to the liability limit; costs above that fall on the owner |
| Intentional acts | Purposeful injury by the owner is not covered |
| Business or rental use | Bites tied to certain business or rental situations may be excluded |
Some states restrict an insurer’s ability to deny coverage based on breed, while others allow it. Because the average dog bite claim now tops $65,000, a denied or excluded claim can leave serious bills unpaid.
Even if the owner’s insurance policy does not cover the dog, you may still be able to recover money. The insurer may also deny the claim. You can still sue the owner directly. An exclusion limits the insurer’s duty, not the owner’s responsibility.
Determining Liability for a Dog Bite in Alabama
Whether insurance pays often depends on who is legally liable, and that depends on your state’s dog bite law. States generally follow one of two approaches.
Strict Liability vs. the One-Bite Rule
In “strict liability” states, an owner is responsible for a bite even if the dog never showed aggression before. In “one-bite” states, the victim must usually show the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
Alabama’s Two-Track System
Alabama uses both strict liability and the one-bite rule. Under Ala. Code § 3-6-1, an owner is strictly liable when their dog bites someone, without provocation. The person must also be lawfully on the owner’s property.
But there is a catch. Damages may be limited if the owner didn’t have reason to believe the dog was dangerous.
For example, the survivor may recover actual costs, like medical bills. But full damages, like pain and suffering, generally require showing the owner knew of the danger. This “one-bite” concept is also found in Ala. Code § 3-1-3.
Alabama follows pure contributory negligence. If a victim is found even 1% at fault, like by provoking the dog, they may recover nothing.
What to Do If the Insurance Company Won’t Pay
Insurers may not pay you fairly, even with clear coverage. They may dispute liability, delay, or offer far less than a claim is worth. They may even argue that a breed exclusion applies to the claim.
But you have legal options. Insurers count on victims giving up. Our article on why you need a dog bite attorney after an attack explains how legal help can change the outcome.
Do you believe that an insurer has wrongly denied or underpaid your valid claim? By handling insurance disputes, our team can hold the company accountable. In Alabama, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit under Ala. Code § 6-2-38, so don’t wait.
Common Questions About Dog Bites and Homeowners Insurance
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover dog bites?
Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites through personal liability coverage. Personal liability coverage pays a victim’s medical bills, and lost wages. Medical payments coverage may also cover minor injuries regardless of fault.
How much does homeowners insurance pay for a dog bite?
It depends on the policy limit and the severity of the injury. Most homeowners policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average dog bite claim was about $65,450 in 2025. If damages exceed the policy limit, the dog owner can be personally responsible for the rest.
Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites from certain breeds?
It depends. Some insurers do not cover breeds they see as high-risk, like pit bulls or Rottweilers. Other states may charge more or set limits. A few states even restrict breed-based denials.
If a policy excludes the breed, a victim may still recover by suing the dog owner directly.
What if the dog’s owner doesn’t have insurance?
You may still have options. If the owner has no insurance, you may file a claim against them. This can cover medical bills and other losses. Some victims also have coverage through their own health insurance or, in limited cases, other applicable policies.
Does homeowners insurance cover a bite to the owner’s family?
Not usually. Homeowners insurance covers bites to other people, such as guests and visitors. It doesn’t cover the policyholder or members of their family. Instead, the owner’s family typically covers injuries through health insurance.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
In most states, you have one to three years. In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the bite under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Claims against a government entity may carry shorter notice deadlines.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
A dog bite can cause lasting scars, high medical bills, and real trauma. With the average insurance claim now topping $65,000, insurers fight hard to pay less. Our firm knows how to take on insurance companies and dog owners alike to pursue what you deserve. Schedule a free case review today.
Reviewed by Alexander Shunnarah, Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys on 2026-07-28.
