How to Find Out If a Dog Owner Has Insurance for a Dog Bite
A serious dog bite can leave you with medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. If someone else’s dog has bitten you, one of your first concerns is whether the owner has insurance to cover your damages. In Texas, liability for a dog bite often falls on the owner, but determining whether they have coverage requires a few key steps.
Most dog bites are covered under homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or umbrella policies. To find out if the owner has a policy that applies to your situation, you can start by asking them directly, reviewing any information they provide, and working with an attorney if they refuse to cooperate. If the bite happened away from the owner’s home, their homeowners insurance policy might still apply, depending on the terms of their coverage. Many policies extend liability protection beyond the property, but some have restrictions.
Ask the Dog Owner About Their Insurance Coverage
After a dog bite, the simplest way to learn about insurance coverage is to ask the owner directly. Many people carry homeowners or renters insurance, which may include liability coverage for dog bites.
If the dog owner is cooperative, request the name of their insurance company and policy number. A liability claim must be filed with the insurer, so immediately getting this information speeds up the process. If they claim they do not have coverage, you may need to pursue other avenues for compensation, such as filing a lawsuit or seeking coverage under your own policy.
Some owners may not know whether their policy covers dog bites. In that case, encourage them to contact their insurance provider to confirm coverage. An attorney can gather the necessary information if they refuse to provide details.
Finding Homeowners Insurance After a Dog Bite
When a dog owner denies having homeowners insurance, there are still ways to determine whether coverage exists. Insurance records can be traced through property ownership, even if the dog owner is uncooperative.
- Check county property records. Lenders often require homeowners insurance when the owner gets a mortgage to buy the home. If the dog owner owns the property, you can search public records to see if they have a mortgage—which often means they have insurance.
- Ask your insurance company. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, your insurer may assist in investigating the other party’s coverage.
- Attorney assistance. A lawyer can send formal requests for insurance disclosure. If necessary, they may file a lawsuit to force the disclosure of policy information.
Insurance coverage can be challenging to confirm without the owner’s cooperation. However, these steps can uncover the information you need.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Renters insurance can provide liability coverage for dog bites, but not all policies include it. If a dog owner lives in a rented home or apartment, their renters insurance may apply. However, some insurers exclude certain breeds. If a dog bit you in a rented home, ask the owner if their renters policy covers liability claims. If they refuse to provide details, your attorney can request this information.
If a renters insurance policy applies, you will need to file a liability claim with the insurer. Document medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering to strengthen your case.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites Off Property?
Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites that happen on the owner’s property, but what happens if the bite occurs elsewhere? The answer depends on the policy.
Some homeowners insurance policies extend liability coverage to dog bites that happen off-property, such as at a park or on a neighborhood sidewalk. The insurance policy may still apply if the dog was under the owner’s control during the incident.
However, some insurers exclude off-property incidents or require additional coverage for pets. If you were bitten away from the owner’s home, determining whether their insurance applies requires reviewing their policy terms. If the dog owner is unwilling to cooperate, a lawyer can request this information from the insurer.
What to Do If the Dog Owner Has No Insurance
When a dog owner has no insurance, recovering compensation becomes more complicated. You may still have options, but they require additional legal action.
- Check your own insurance policy. Your health insurance, homeowners insurance, or uninsured/underinsured coverage might provide assistance. Some policies cover medical expenses from dog bites, even if the injury occurred away from home.
- File a lawsuit against the dog owner. Texas law allows dog bite victims to sue for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. A lawsuit may result in financial recovery if the dog owner has assets from which to pay the judgment.
- Explore other sources of compensation. If the bite occurred on business property, the business’s liability insurance might apply. Additionally, some landlords carry umbrella policies that cover dog bites if they fail to enforce restrictions on dangerous animals.
Without insurance coverage, securing compensation requires legal action. Speaking with a lawyer ensures you explore every available option.
Why Legal Help Matters in Dog Bite Cases
Proving liability and securing compensation after a dog bite can be challenging, especially if the dog owner refuses to provide insurance information. A lawyer can handle the investigation, communicate with insurers, and take legal action if necessary.
Working with an attorney provides several key advantages when seeking compensation. They can access insurance records using formal discovery processes, ensuring you receive accurate information about the dog owner’s coverage. They also evaluate your claim, considering damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering to determine what compensation you deserve. Additionally, attorneys know how to negotiate with insurers, who often try to minimize payouts. Even if the dog owner refuses to take responsibility, legal representation significantly improves your chances of a successful claim.
Have You Been Attacked by a Dog?
If you, your child, or another family member was recently the victim of an animal attack, reach out to Daws Legal, PLLC, to learn more about your rights—including the right to pursue a claim against the animal’s owner. Attorney Judson Daws is committed to fighting on behalf of each of his clients, ensuring that their case receives the attention and consideration it deserves. As a board-certified personal injury attorney, Attorney Daws has the dedication, knowledge, and tenacity needed to handle even the toughest cases against some of the largest insurance companies in the country. To schedule a free consultation today, call or connect with us by filling out our secure online contact form.
About the Author
Judson is a dedicated and experienced Personal Injury attorney with a passion for justice and a commitment to helping clients navigate complex legal challenges. With 30 years of experience in personal injury, he has successfully represented countless clients, securing favorable settlements and verdicts.
