Dog-bites-and-home-insurance-FAQs

Dog bites and home insurance: FAQs

For many dog owners, the prospect of their pet biting someone seems completely implausible. Unfortunately, accidents do happen so it’s important to know where you’d stand should an incident like this occur. We’ve put together a short list of FAQs to help fill you in.

How much could a dog bite cost?

The injuries sustained from a dog bite can range from relatively minor to very serious so it follows that damages awarded can vary greatly. In incidents towards the more severe end of the scale, victims have been awarded hundreds of thousands of euro.

What kind of insurance covers dog bites?

Generally speaking, your home insurance policy will cover damage caused to a member of the public by a domestic pet.

Are all dogs covered?

No. In Ireland there are ten breeds of dog currently listed as “dangerous” under the Control of Dogs regulation. They are as follows: Bull Mastiff, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Doberman Pinscher, American Pit Bull Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, English Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bandog, Japanese Akita and Japanese Tosa.

Most insurance companies will not insure these types of canine.

How can I prevent an accident from happening?

It’s perhaps not the most attractive method but muzzling your dog when out in public is a sure fire way of preventing an unfortunate incident like this from ever taking place. Keeping them on a short, strong lead when out walking is also recommended, especially for larger or more excitable dogs. It’s also crucial that he or she is well-trained and well-cared for. A happy dog is more likely to make friends than find trouble.

For more information on this and other topics, check out our blog or get in touch with one of our experts today.

All the best,

The Team at GMIB.ie