The essentials
- Certain damages aren’t covered by renters insurance — Injuries sustained by anyone who lives in your home or damage to your property generally aren’t covered.
- Some renter’s insurance won’t cover certain breeds — Some insurance companies exclude pit bulls, Dobermans, German shepherds, and Rottweilers.
- Pet liability insurance may not be included in your policy — Renters insurance may cover pet damage or injury, but for some providers, it’s a standalone policy.
Most of us pet owners think of our pets as members of the family. With 70% of households in the United States owning pets , making sure you’re covered for the unexpected can be a lifesaver.
Sometimes, our pets can be unpredictable. If you’re a renter, you know the headache it can cause if your pet accidentally injures someone or damages something. Without renters insurance with pet coverage, you may be responsible for all damages that occur from your pet.
Here’s everything you need to know about why pet parents need both renters and pet insurance.
Why pet owners need renters insurance with pet coverage
Most renter’s insurance covers pets as part of liability coverage. However, this varies depending on the insurance company. Renters insurance with pet coverage usually includes damage to someone else’s property due to pets, referred to as property damage liability.
Property damage liability doesn’t, however, cover if your pet damages the property — for instance, if they scratch the hardwood floors or chew up a door. But it may cover an instance where water damage or fire occurred which was started by something your pet did — like chewing on wires.
If your policy doesn’t cover certain pet damages, you can usually purchase a pet coverage policy separately.
Pet liability insurance financially protects dog owners in case their pet bites or injures someone. Also referred to as dog bite liability insurance, it usually covers medical bills, legal fees, and any damage the pet does if it bites someone.
Conversely, you can look specifically for renters insurance policies with pet liability coverage.
When it comes to renter’s insurance, knowing what’s included in your plan can be confusing, especially since coverage for pets varies between providers. Knowing the difference between property damage liability and pet liability insurance can help ensure you get the best protection and that you’re covered.
Property damage liability:
- Covers damage to someone else’s property caused by your pet
- May cover chewing up furniture or damaging landscape
- May cover damages from incidents resulting from your pet
- May cover water damage from chewing on piping
- May cover fire damage from chewing on wires
Pet liability:
- Financially protects you in incidents and injuries related to your pet
- May cover medical expenses for injuries resulting from your pet
- May cover legal fees associated with liability
- May cover damages if someone is injured or bitten by your pet
- Sometimes called dog bite liability insurance
Breed restrictions for renter’s pet insurance
While breed can impact a dog’s behavior, like whether they’re considered herding, hunting, or working, breed only explains 9% of that behavior. The behavior and personality of dogs depend more on a combination of factors than just their breed. Maternal behavior, the amount and quality of socialization, their environment, daily exercise, amount of training, and their owner’s personality all impact how a dog behaves.
Despite that, many insurance policies still restrict certain breeds, or at the very least, on a dog’s size. Here are some of the most commonly restricted dog breeds:
While the behavior of dogs is primarily a result of their environment and upbringing, some dog breeds are still perceived as more dangerous and more of a liability. So, insurance companies exclude them to minimize risks.
Check with your provider to see if your plan excludes these dog breeds or other types of pets.
What isn’t covered by a renter’s pet policy
Renters’ pet policies typically don’t cover damage or injuries to the policyholder’s property or themselves caused by their own pet. If your pet damages your couch, does any structural damage like scratching walls, or damages your TV, these will not be covered. But if this happens to someone else’s property or belongings, there’s a good chance it’s covered under the liability portion.
But for injuries to your pet that don’t occur at home, you would need a separate pet liability policy. A pet liability policy covers you and your dog on or off the property.
Pairing renter’s insurance with pet insurance
On top of renter’s insurance, it may also be beneficial to look for a pet health insurance plan. Pet health insurance is similar to human health insurance but helps pet owners cover the cost of veterinary bills if their pet is sick or injured.
This is not the same as renter’s insurance or pet liability insurance. If your dog gets injured or bitten by another dog at the dog park, on vacation, or on a walk, while your renter’s insurance may cover injuries another animal gets from your dog, your dog will not be covered.
Additionally, if your dog gets rowdy or into a scuffle with another dog, suffers an injury, and ends up knocking someone over, renters insurance and pet insurance can come in handy.
Renters insurance can cover any medical bills for injuries sustained by the person and their dog and may cover legal fees if needed. Pet health insurance plans can cover any injuries and diagnostic testing your dogs need. Some plans even reimburse veterinary bills up to 90%.
Costs for renter’s insurance and pet insurance
- The typical cost of renters insurance ranges from $10 to $23 per month.
Certain insurance companies will bundle rental insurance with pet insurance and usually offer discounts for doing so. Additionally, if your plan doesn’t cover pet liability and you choose to add this to your plan, it could range anywhere from an additional $10 to $83 per month.
- The average cost of pet health insurance ranges from $40 to $60 per month or more.
If you choose an insurance company like Lemonade, you can bundle both renters insurance and pet health insurance. Lemonade’s renter’s insurance plans start at $5 per month, and those who bundle with other plans like pet health insurance receive a 10% bundle discount.
While renters insurance covers some pet-related things, like dog bites and injuries to another person, opting for a pet liability insurance plan and pet health insurance might be best. This comprehensive coverage protects you and your pet against unforeseen circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Does renters insurance cover you if your dog bites someone?
Yes, renters insurance usually covers dog bites. However, check with your insurance policy to see if your dog is one of the “restricted breeds.” In that case, your policy will not cover you.
Are there certain dog breeds that might not be covered by a standard renter’s insurance policy?
Yes, unfortunately, certain insurance companies ban some dog breeds and won’t cover them. This usually includes Dobermans, German shepherds, Rottweilers, and pit bulls. Look for a policy that doesn’t exclude breeds, or choose a pet liability plan in addition to your renter’s insurance.
What does canine liability insurance cover?
Canine/pet liability insurance financially protects dog owners if their pet injures another person. For certain things like dog bites, it usually covers the bitten person’s medical costs, legal fees, and any damage done by the pet.
How much is liability insurance on a pit bull?
Liability insurance is typically higher for pit bulls. Despite the behavior of dog breeds mainly being a result of environment and upbringing, pit bulls are considered to be a greater liability than other dog breeds, making their insurance costs and risks higher.
Who determines if a dog is aggressive?
A veterinarian or animal behavioralist can determine if a dog is aggressive.
