For most of us in Spokane, our dogs aren’t just pets—they are family. Whether they are hiking with us at Riverside State Park or guarding the backyard, they are a huge part of our lives. But from an insurance perspective, a dog represents a significant financial risk.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of a dog bite claim has skyrocketed to nearly $60,000. If your dog bites a guest, a delivery driver, or a neighbor, are you covered? The answer is generally “yes,” but there are critical exceptions regarding breeds and bite history that every Washington homeowner needs to understand.
How Standard Coverage Works
In a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy, pet incidents fall under your Personal Liability coverage. This is the part of your policy that pays for legal defense and damages if you are sued because your dog injured someone or damaged their property.
- Liability Coverage: Pays for the injured party’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you are found legally responsible.
- Medical Payments: A smaller limit (usually $1,000 to $5,000) designed to pay for minor medical bills (like stitches) for a guest, regardless of who was at fault.
Important Note for Washington Residents: Washington is a “Strict Liability” state (RCW 16.08.040). This means you are legally responsible for injuries caused by your dog even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and you had no reason to believe they were dangerous. The old “one free bite” rule does not apply here.
The “Excluded Breed” List
This is the most common reason claims are denied. Many insurance carriers have a list of “restricted breeds” that they consider too high-risk to insure. If you own one of these breeds, your policy may either exclude animal liability entirely, or the carrier may refuse to write your home insurance altogether.
While every carrier is different, the most commonly restricted breeds include:
- Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Chow Chows
- Akitas
- Wolf Hybrids
If you own a mixed breed: Be careful. If your dog has dominant characteristics of a restricted breed, an adjuster may still deny a claim or cancel your policy.
The “Bite History” Red Flag
Even if you own a Golden Retriever (a breed rarely restricted), your coverage could be in jeopardy if your dog has a “bite history.”
If your dog has bitten someone in the past—even a minor nip that required medical attention—insurance companies generally view them as a known hazard. Failure to disclose a previous bite when applying for insurance constitutes material misrepresentation and can lead to your claim being denied and your policy being voided immediately.
What If My Breed Is Restricted?
If you have a “dangerous” breed or a dog with a bite history, you are not out of options. You simply need to be strategic.
- Shop Around: Not all carriers have the same lists. Some carriers, like State Farm, look at the individual dog’s behavior rather than the breed. As a brokerage, we can check multiple carriers to find one that accepts your breed.
- Canine Liability Policies: You can purchase a standalone “Dog Liability” policy. These are specific policies just for your pet that cover you if the homeowners’ policy won’t.
- Umbrella Insurance: If you own a large dog of any breed, we highly recommend an Umbrella Policy. This provides an extra $1 million+ in liability coverage. In a serious attack where damages exceed your standard $300,000 limit, the umbrella policy kicks in to save your assets.
Don’t Guess—Verify Your Coverage with Boyd Insurance
The worst time to find out your dog isn’t covered is after an accident happens. If you have added a new puppy to the family recently, or if you are worried your breed might be on a restricted list, let us review your policy.
At Boyd Insurance Brokerage Inc., we love dogs and want to help you keep yours without risking your financial future. We can check your current carrier’s breed list and, if necessary, move you to a “dog-friendly” carrier.
To review your pet liability coverage, call us today at (509) 340-2693.
