What Happens If Your Dog Bites Someone? How to File a Pet Liability Insurance Claim

This guide is part of our series on pet liability coverage and tenant insurance. 

Living with pets has its share of trials and tribulations. From messy accidents, to finding fur scattered across the house, they often keep us on our toes. But what happens when one of our companions goes a little too far?

A dog lashing out because they’re scared and biting isn’t uncommon. But if the person they attack is hurt, they could decide to press charges against you. For owners who are renters, you may be covered by the personal liability coverage part of your tenant insurance policy under this kind of circumstance. 

What is pet liability insurance?

If your dog injures someone or damages their home, this pet liability insurance can help pay for the resulting costs – things like medical expenses, legal fees, or settlements, depending on the situation.

Renters don't always purchase this coverage as a standalone product. It's typically included as part of the personal liability section of a tenant insurance policy, alongside other liability protections like accidental damage to someone else's property. However, if your pet’s breed isn’t covered as part of tenant insurance, or they have a personal history of becoming violent, you may need to get standalone coverage instead.

What can count as a dog bite liability claim?

If you have tenant insurance, a dog bite liability claim can be made if your dog injures another person or animal, whether the incident happens in your home, in a shared space like a building hallway, or in public – as long as your specific breed of dog is covered. 

Common scenarios may include:

• An injury at your home. This might be a visitor to your home who’s bitten or scratched. For example, a guest, delivery person, or maintenance worker who is injured while on your property.

• An incident in a park. Situations that happen off your property, such as during a walk or at a dog play park, can still potentially fall under your liability coverage, depending on your policy and the scope of your coverage. 

• An injury to another pet. You may also be covered if your dog injures someone else's pet. This could include vet bills or other costs the other pet's owner incurs as a result of the bite or scratch. 

• Property damage. Your tenant insurance might also cover you if your dog caused damage to a neighbour's belongings, rental unit, or shared building property.

Insurers typically assess these claims based on the specific circumstances, including whether there was any history of aggressive behaviour and whether local bylaws around pet ownership were followed. The breed of your dog will also be taken into account. 

What often is or isn't covered by tenant insurance after a dog bite

Coverage can vary between providers, so it's worth reviewing your specific policy wording to understand what your tenant insurance will or won’t cover. Again, this will be different for every provider, but here’s a rough breakdown of what usually is or isn’t included. 

Because breed exclusions and prior-incident clauses differ by insurer, confirm the specifics of your own policy rather than assuming coverage applies.

A step-by-step guide to filing a claim

If your dog has bitten someone and you believe you’re covered, here's a general sense of what the claims process can involve:

1. Check on the injured person first. Make sure they get any medical attention they need before anything else.

2. Document the incident. Note the date, time, location, and circumstances. Take photos if relevant, and get contact information for anyone involved or who witnessed it.

3. Report the incident if required. Depending on your municipality, dog bites may need to be reported to local animal control or public health authorities.

4. Contact your insurance provider. If you’ve received notice that you’re being sued, speak to your insurance provider or broker. Let them know what happened as soon as possible – most insurers have a window in which claims should be reported. They’ll also be able to guide you through the application process, and explain whether you’re actually covered or not. 

5. Provide requested documentation. This may include incident reports, medical records from the injured party, or witness statements.

6. Cooperate with the investigation. Your insurer will typically review the details to determine whether the claim is covered and, if so, how much may be paid out.

Every claim is different, and processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the incident. The more information and evidence you’re able to provide, the easier it could be for the claim to be processed. 

The information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice, a recommendation, or an offer to sell insurance. Every individual's insurance needs are unique and depend on personal circumstances. We encourage you to consult with an independent licensed insurance broker in your province who can assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate coverage.