Homeowners Insurance-Your Insurance Company Needs to Know About Fido

When purchasing homeowner’s insurance, it’s important to remember our four-legged friends. We all love our dogs. They’re family! They snuggle with us on the couch, greet us with wagging tails, and somehow know exactly when we need a little extra comfort. But as much as we adore our four-legged friends, there’s one important thing dog owners often overlook—telling their insurance company about their pup. And trust us, you don’t want to fetch trouble by forgetting this crucial detail!

Dogs bring endless joy, but they can also be unpredictable. Even the sweetest, most well-behaved dogs can have a bad day. Maybe they’re startled by the mail carrier, overwhelmed at a backyard barbecue, or simply don’t like the look of a guest. Whatever the reason, if your dog bites someone or causes an injury, you could be financially responsible for the damages.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites and related injuries cost homeowners insurers over $1.1 billion in 2023. That’s a lot of chew toys! If your dog is involved in an incident and you didn’t disclose them on your homeowners insurance policy, your insurer might not cover the claim. That could leave you handling costly medical bills, legal fees, and a whole lot of stress—without any help from your insurance.

When you apply for homeowners insurance, the company will likely ask if you have a dog. It may seem like a minor question, but it’s actually a big deal. If you don’t disclose your pup, it’s considered a ‘material misrepresentation’—which is a fancy way of saying you left out an important detail that affects your coverage. If an incident occurs and the insurer finds out you didn’t mention your dog, they could deny your claim, refuse to defend you in court, or even cancel your policy altogether.

How to Keep Your Coverage and Your Canine Happy

Being upfront about your dog is the best way to ensure you have the right coverage. Here are a few tips:

• Answer Insurance Questions Honestly – When applying for or renewing your policy, always disclose your pet.
• Check Breed Restrictions – Some insurers have restrictions on specific breeds, so it’s good to know what your policy covers.
• Consider an Umbrella Policy – If your dog is a social butterfly who loves interacting with people, an umbrella policy could provide extra liability protection.
• Invest in Training – A well-trained dog is less likely to act out, reducing risks for everyone involved.

Your dog is part of your family, and keeping them covered means keeping your home and finances protected too. By letting your agent at Boufford Insurance know about your beloved pet, you ensure you have the right coverage in place.