State Farm: When good dogs have bad days who pays?

In 2022, State Farm paid nearly $211 million for more than 3,285 dog-related injury claims.

The number of claims increased by just 26 claims compared to 2021 data, while the amount paid increased by $49 million dollars, a staggering 30%. In fact, according to data compiled by the Insurance Information Institute, homeowner insurance companies in the U.S. paid a record high of $1.1 billion in 2022 for dog-related injuries.

While the number of dog-related injury claims in 2022 underscores the progress of educating dog owners to take responsibility for their beloved pets, the amount paid for these claims draws attention to the financial cost of a dog bite or injury claim. In addition to medical expenses, homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite legal expenses, up to the liability limits on the policy. If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount out of their own pocket.

Dogs are a member of the family and one of the worst things that can happen is your dog biting or injuring someone. Most dog bites or injuries are preventable. More than 70% of U.S. households have a pet, with 69 million households owning a dog. Your home may be one of them.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is April 9-15, 2023. State Farm is joined by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Insurance Information Institute (Triple I), American Humane, and celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell to provide valuable information about ways to reduce the risk of dog-related injuries.

It is important to remember that just like humans, dogs are individuals, and every dog has a unique personality. While a dogs’ breed may dictate how they look, how a dog reacts in a situation isn’t guaranteed by breed or type. Even well-trained dogs can bite if they are put into the wrong situation.

State Farm is one of the few insurance companies in the country that does not ask what breed of dog a person owns or restrict dog breeds for homeowners or renters insurance coverage.

According to State Farm claims data, Arizona is ranked #12 in the country for dog-related injury claims in 2022, paying more than $9.6 million for 104 dog-related injury claims. These claims range from severe dog bites/attacks from an aggressive or fearful dog to a happy dog accidently pulling or knocking an owner down stairs.

In March 2023, State Farm and members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition conducted an Ask Suzy survey of over 1,330 participants about their experience with dogs.

• 23%, nearly a quarter of participants, said they have been injured by a scratch from a dog, while 19% said they have been injured by a bite.
• 17% of participants people responded “YES” their dog has either bitten them or another dog.
• 11% of survey participants filed an insurance claim because of a dog-related injury.
• 6% of participants have either sued or been sued because of a dog-related injury claim.

Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Biting: Providing the Basics: Owning a pet is a privilege. There are a few basic needs that all pet owners should be able to provide for the health and safety of pets and the people around them. This includes food, water, exercise, and shelter.

Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Biting: Pay Attention to Your Pet: Accidents happen when people aren’t paying attention.

Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Biting: Recognize Changes in Pet Health and Pain: Make sure your pet is healthy. Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain.

Editor's note: This article was submitted by State Farm.