What Insurance Will Cover After a Dog Bite
You were enjoying a walk in your California neighborhood when a dog lunged from behind a fence. The next thing you remember is pain, confusion, and maybe a trip to urgent care. Now you’re left asking questions no one wants to ask: Who’s paying for the medical bills? What happens if the dog owner won’t cooperate? Does homeowners’ insurance cover dog bites? And how does dog bite insurance actually work?
In California, dog bites are more than just frightening. They often result in serious injuries, unplanned medical bills, and lengthy recovery. Below, our team explains what insurance may cover after a dog bite to help you take control of the situation and focus on healing.
Who Pays After a Dog Bite Injury in California?
Under California law, the dog owner is strictly liable for bite injuries, even if the dog had no history of aggression and even if it happened in a private setting. That means the owner is financially responsible even if the bite was accidental.
But just because the law assigns liability doesn’t mean recovering compensation for your injuries comes easily. In most cases, payment is made through the dog owner’s insurance policy, which could include:
- Homeowners insurance,
- Renters insurance,
- Landlord insurance (liability insurance for property owners), and
- Umbrella liability policies.
When those policies deny or delay coverage, an attorney can step in to help protect your rights.
Skateboarder Attacked by Loose Dog – Beliz Law Firm Secures $300K Policy Limit Settlement
While skateboarding home from work in Compton, a 25-year-old man was viciously attacked by a pit bull that escaped through an open gate. The dog bit deep into his thigh, causing severe wounds that required emergency care, surgery, and left him with lasting pain and scarring. The Beliz Law Firm quickly gathered animal control records and medical documentation, then pushed the homeowner’s insurance company to act. Their swift and strategic approach led to a full $300,000 policy limit settlement—bringing justice and relief to the injured client.
What Insurance Covers Dog Bites in California?
The type of insurance that covers a dog bite depends on where the incident occurred and who owned or controlled the dog. Below is a breakdown of the most common policy types involved in dog bite insurance claims.
Homeowners’ Insurance and Dog Bites
In most cases, if a person’s dog bites someone, even off the property, their homeowners’ insurance will provide coverage for:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Legal costs (if the owner is sued).
However, some policies provide limits on coverage. Some exclude specific breeds or have dog bite exclusions altogether. Others cap liability coverage at $100,000–$300,000, which may not cover serious injuries.
In 2022, the average dog bite claim in the U.S. cost over $64,000, and that number continues to rise.
Does Renters’ Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Renters’ insurance may cover dog bites, but only if the tenant (dog owner) has a liability provision in their policy. Like homeowners’ insurance, renters’ insurance usually provides coverage even if the bite happens outside the rental property.
However, not all renters carry insurance, and certain breeds may be excluded from coverage in renters’ policies. You may need to pursue a direct claim or lawsuit if the dog owner is uninsured.
Landlord Liability in Dog Bite Cases
In rare cases, a landlord might be liable if:
- They knew the tenant’s dog was dangerous, or
- They had control over the property and failed to act.
This can be difficult to prove and often requires an attorney’s help. Landlords typically have property-focused policies, but umbrella or commercial coverage may apply in limited situations.
Other Possible Insurance Sources
In complex or high-dollar cases, additional insurance may apply, such as:
- Umbrella policies—which kick in once homeowners’ or renters’ policy limits are exhausted;
- Business insurance—if the dog was on a commercial property or owned by a business; and
- Auto insurance—in rare cases involving dogs in vehicles.
No two cases are the same, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney review all potential sources of compensation.
Does Insurance Always Pay?
Some common reasons dog bite insurance claims get delayed or denied include:
- The dog owner won’t report the claim,
- The insurance company says the breed is excluded,
- The insurer argues that you provoked the dog, or
- The company disputes the severity of your injuries.
When you’re dealing with pain, stress, and medical treatment, the last thing you need is an insurance battle. An attorney can help enforce California’s liability laws and hold insurance companies accountable.
Are There Dog Breeds That Homeowners’ Insurance May Not Cover?
Insurance coverage for dog attacks or bites often excludes certain breeds. Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are frequently listed as policy exceptions. If you are bitten by an excluded breed, you would typically need to file a lawsuit against the dog owner, because many insurance policies explicitly state that such incidents are not covered.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of injury. But waiting too long can impact your case.
Evidence like medical records, photos, and witness statements is strongest soon after the incident. A delay can give insurers more leverage to minimize your claim.
Local animal control can require owners of dangerous dogs to take specific actions. This may impact how insurance handles your claim and your case’s outcome.
How The Beliz Law Firm Helps with Insurance Claims
Working with our lawyer following a dog bite is about protection, not aggression. We help clients take meaningful steps to recover from their injuries and deal with stubborn insurance companies. Our team will:
- Find every applicable policy. Insurance coverage isn’t always obvious. To uncover potential compensation, we investigate homeowners’, renters’, umbrella, and commercial policies.
- Deal with insurers directly. There is no back-and-forth, no runaround. We handle the communication so you don’t have to.
- Push back on lowball offers. Insurance companies are profit-driven. We know how to counter delay tactics and press for a full and fair result.
- Document the full impact of your injury. Dog bites often involve nerve damage, scarring, and long-term trauma. We help you tell your full story with medical evidence and expert opinions.
We’re ready to file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to act in good faith. And we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you.
Strengthening Your Insurance Claim After a Dog Bite
If a dog has bitten you, here are a few key steps to help strengthen your insurance claim:
- Seek medical care right away. Delaying treatment can worsen your injury and weaken your case.
- Report the bite to local animal control. In California, this is often required. It creates an official record that insurers will take seriously.
- Document everything. Take photos of the wound, location, and the dog (if possible). Get witness names and contact information.
- Avoid recorded statements. Insurers may try to get you to downplay your injury. You don’t have to speak to them without legal help.
Each action you take or don’t take can affect the outcome. Working with a qualified attorney ensures you stay protected.
Questions About Dog Bite Insurance in California?
Dog bite injuries can be traumatic, painful, and financially draining. But you shouldn’t have to figure out what insurance covers dog bites or fight the insurance company while trying to heal. Let The Beliz Law Firm help.
Founded in 2011, The Beliz Law Firm offers bilingual legal services and a decade-plus of hands-on experience with California dog bite claims. Attorney Michael Beliz has worked on hundreds of personal injury cases across Southern California and is known for his client-first approach and strong results.
Whether your case involves homeowners’ insurance and dog bites, renters’ insurance, or a complicated situation, we’re here to guide you. We believe legal representation should be clear, compassionate, and focused on what matters most—your recovery.
Get started with a free consultation today. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.