Does Renters Insurance Cover Pet Liability and Damage?

Pets can certainly make a rented property feel warmer and more like a home for many residents. However, pet ownership can also come with certain possible liabilities, such as property damage or injuries to others. It's critical to be aware of how your renters insurance can protect you against pet damage and liability and when coverage applies before an incident ever occurs.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the renters insurance and pet liability insurance you might need. They'll get you matched to the right coverage long before it's ever time to file a claim. But first, here's a breakdown of if, when, and how renters insurance can cover pet liability and damage.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Pet Damage?

Renters insurance covers some types of pet damage. However, it isn't a blanket statement that renters insurance covers every type of pet-related damage. 

Be aware that you must disclose your pet to your insurance company because if you don't, they may refuse to cover anything related to it. As you can infer, there are a lot of nuances to this that generally mean you're covered in some situations but not others. A couple of things can go wrong with a pet, such as:

• Property damage to third parties
• Liability-related issues such as injuries to third parties

Luckily, a renters insurance policy covers both of these risks. However, when they're caused by an animal, there are other nuances to coverage that you should be aware of. 

What's important to know at the outset is that most renters insurance policies provide some type of pet liability coverage. But the policies won't cover every possible type of incident.

What Is Pet Liability Renters Coverage?

Pet liability coverage is included in most renters insurance policies. This coverage can pay for injuries your pet causes to third parties, such as if your dog bites someone. 

It can also cover property damage liability, such as if your pet destroys the rented unit's carpet. A landlord can file a claim against your renters insurance policy to pay for the new carpeting if you're found liable for the damage.

How much pet liability coverage is included in renters insurance?

Common renters insurance policies include a $100,000 liability coverage limit, the standard many lease agreements require. However, certain legal claims could easily exceed this amount. 

Consider that the average dog bite claim is around $50,000 in the U.S. If there was an incident in which your dog bit more than one person, you could exhaust your renters insurance's liability coverage limit.

Which Types of Pet Damage Are Covered by Renters Insurance?

As previously stated, renters insurance usually covers property damage and various liabilities. Generally, both types of incidents are covered under your renters insurance policy. So, if a covered incident occurs, you can get reimbursement up to the policy's limits. Here are a couple of examples of how it works:

• Third-party injuries: Say you invited some friends to your home, and your dog scratched a guest. The cut was deep, so your guest went to the hospital. That person could file a claim against your insurance. If you were liable for the injury, your carrier would attempt to settle with your guest. However, if there's no settlement, your guest could take the case to court, in which case your renters insurance would pay for court expenses and settlement fees.
• Property damage: Say your dog was chasing a squirrel and caused damage to your neighbor's yard. To pay for the damage, your neighbor could file a claim against your insurance. The same general rules apply here as in the scenario above. Your insurance company could cover the costs if you were found liable for the damage.

You can speak with your independent insurance agent if you're unsure of whether certain types of pet damage are covered by your policy. 

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When Doesn't Renters Insurance Cover Pet Damage?

There are exclusions with pet damage, too. One of the most common exclusions is for certain animal breeds. 

For example, pit bulls are notoriously excluded from many renters insurance policies, and certain exotic animals may also be excluded. Also, renters insurance usually won't cover damage that a pet does to your own property, either. Here are a few common pet exclusions under standard renters insurance policies:

• Exotic animals: Certain types of exotic pets, like monkeys, certain reptiles, etc., typically aren't covered by standard pet liability renters coverage.
• Certain dog breeds: Check your renters insurance policy to be certain of which breeds of dogs are excluded from coverage, but common examples include Rottweilers, pit bulls, and mastiffs.
• Historically aggressive dogs: A renters insurance policy typically won't cover a dog known to have bitten someone in the past.
• Injuries to yourself, your family, or roommates: Renters insurance typically doesn't cover your pet's injuries to you, your family, or your roommates.
• Damage to your personal property: Renters insurance usually won't provide reimbursement for your personal property, like furniture, if your pet damages it.

It's also vital to distinguish renters insurance coverage from pet insurance. Renters insurance covers pet-related issues relating to liability, whereas pet insurance covers wellness-related issues, such as veterinarian visits. 

What If My Pet Is Excluded by My Renters Insurance?

There are a couple of options if your pet isn't covered by your renters insurance's liability coverage section. These include:

• Personal umbrella insurance: Before buying umbrella insurance, you'll need to make sure the policy includes coverage for animals that were excluded by your renters insurance. Umbrella insurance can be used to supplement additional liability coverage after an existing policy's limits are exhausted. Umbrella insurance comes with liability coverage limits in increments of $1 million and is traditionally very affordable.
• Pet liability insurance: This is a separate policy that provides coverage just for pets. You won't be able to find pet liability insurance from most traditional large insurers. Some smaller insurance carriers offer this coverage, and an independent insurance agent can also help you find it.

An independent insurance agent can also help advise you on which of these options makes the most sense for your unique situation.

How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

If you're in need of pet liability renters coverage, working with an independent insurance agent is the best way to get exactly what you need. These agents can evaluate the specifics of your situation and find the policy that includes the coverage necessary. 

They're also free to shop and compare policies and rates from multiple insurers in your area. Ultimately, they'll match you to a policy that provides the best blend of coverage and cost. And later on, they'll be there to help you file claims and update your coverage if necessary.