Another reason to have homeowners insurance: dog bites
Double check what your liability insurance covers for pets
When homeowners and condo association members renew their homeowners insurance, they may often focus on coverage for floods, property damage, guest medical coverage, and stolen or damaged items. Dog bites aren’t always at the top of the priority list, mainly because pet owners hope their dog would never bite anyone.
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Unfortunately, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, reports the American Veterinary Medical Association. Additionally, one in five people who are bitten by dogs can’t just shake it off; they require medical attention. Of this group, children are the most likely victims of dog bites — and it’s usually a dog who they’re familiar with already.
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This is why it’s imperative to not only guard dogs around small children but also to make sure condo insurance (or homeowners insurance) has bodily injury coverage. In a conversation between Assurant and a Black Girl In a Doggone World, the claims adjuster confirmed that pet owners would only be covered one time for dog bites, and the bite must happen on the premises. For condo association members, this includes the common areas (ex. laundry facilities, front yards, lobbies, hallways, decks).
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