The laws governing dog bite liability vary by state and, like all aspects of insurance, coverage is regulated by individual states. Here’s what you need to know about insurance and dog bites:

Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability. If a claim exceeds the policy’s limit, though, the dog owner would be personally responsible for all damages above that amount, including legal expenses resulting from dog bites.

The severity of claims, and their associated cost, usually varies by breed.

“A claim resulting from a beagle that bit probably will result in minimal costs,” says McConnell. “Costs may cover an emergency room visit, maybe a tetanus shot, maybe some stitches. But claims resulting from a Rottweiler bite have cost well over $100,000, in part because certain dogs are much more powerful and can cause significant injuries, especially to a child.”

To review your insurance policy or inquire about ERIE’s coverage, contact Pardridge Insurance at 815-758-4447.