Does pet insurance cover attacks on humans?

If your pet insurance policy has pet liability insurance, then yes, it will pay and cover for attacks on humans.

Also, you can look into third party insurance (under a homeowners or renters policy) for dogs that are classified or have proven to be vicious. These insurance coverages will pay for legally required amounts, up to a specified limit.

If the homeowners or renters insurance does not provide cover for dog attacks, you can still add this coverage by buying it as a rider.

The third party liability component of an insurance policy will pay for damages that are required of owners of pets who cause damage or injury to humans, as well as other animals or property. Under the law, a pet owner is responsible for the actions of his or her pet. Thus, he or she can be sued for damages or liability because of what his or her pet did.

By "harm", we refer to the damaged caused by attacking or biting. It can also refer to damage caused by a pet's excessive playfulness or aggressiveness.

There are some states, cities and insurance companies that have specified breeds that are classified as vicious. The list can include:

• American pit bull terriers,
• Siberian huskies,
• Chow Chows,
• Akitas,
• Mastiffs,
• Wolf hybrids and
• Doberman Pinschers, as well as their close relatives.

These are usually breeds that present a poor risk of third party liability claims. The classifications will vary from state to state so it is best to check these.

When applying for the liability coverage, the insurance company will look into the dog's breed, age, size and behavior, as well as its history - if it has bitten or attacked someone before. It will also look into proof of specialized training or of obedience training to see whether the pet owner is a responsible owner or not.

To file a claim, you need to submit the summons and court order (requiring you to pay), policy reports and other supporting documents related to your dog's attack.

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