How Pets Can Affect Home Insurance Claims and What Coverage Options Are Available

Pets bring joy, companionship and emotional support to millions of households, but they can also have a significant impact on your home insurance. Whether you own a playful pup, a curious cat or a more exotic animal, it’s important to understand how your furry (or scaly) friend could influence your insurance coverage and claims.

How Pets Affect Home Insurance Claims

One of the primary concerns for insurers is liability. If your pet injures someone or damages their property, you could be held financially responsible. Dog bites are among the most common pet-related claims, and some insurance providers may deny coverage or increase premiums based on the breed or history of aggression. Even well-behaved pets can cause accidents, like a dog knocking over a guest or a cat scratching a visitor, which could lead to costly liability claims.

Property damage is another consideration. While most home insurance policies don’t cover damage your pet causes to your own property (like a chewed-up couch or scratched hardwood floors), they may cover damage caused to others’ property. However, repeated claims or high-risk pets could lead to policy cancellation or nonrenewal.

Coverage Options Available

To protect yourself, it’s essential to explore the following coverage options:

• Liability coverage—Most standard homeowners policies include personal liability coverage, which typically helps cover injuries or damages caused by pets to others. However, coverage limits vary, and some insurers exclude certain breeds or exotic animals.

• Pet liability endorsements—If your policy excludes your pet or offers limited coverage, you may be able to add a pet liability endorsement.

• Umbrella insurance—For broader protection, consider an umbrella policy. It extends liability coverage beyond your home insurance limits and can be especially useful for pet owners with high-risk animals.

• Pet insurance—While not part of home insurance, pet insurance may help cover veterinary costs if your pet is injured or ill, depending on the policy. It doesn’t affect home insurance claims but can reduce overall financial strain.

Learn More

Contact The Sims Group Insurance Agency to review your home insurance policy and any potential coverage gaps.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.