Cost Per Claim Soars to More than $37,000 Per Bite

Dog bites (and other dog-related injuries) accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2015, costing in excess of $570 million, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

An analysis of homeowners insurance data by the I.I.I. found that while the number of dog bite claims nationwide decreased by 7.2% in 2015, the average cost per claim for the year was up 16%. The average cost paid out for dog bite claims nationwide was $37,214 in 2015, compared with $32,072 in 2014 and $27,862 in 2013.

Dog Bites Accounted for More than 1/3 of All Homeowner Liability Payouts Last Year

“The average cost per claim nationally has risen more than 94% from 2003 to 2015, due to increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements, judgments, and jury awards given to plaintiffs, which are still on the upswing,” said Loretta Worters, a vice president with the I.I.I.

The study noted that California continued to have the largest number of claims in the U.S. at 1,684 in 2015, a decrease from 1,867 in 2014. Illinois had the second-highest number of claims at 931. While Arizona had only the ninth largest number of claims at 393, it registered the highest average cost per claim of the 10 states with the most claims: a staggering $56,654.

The trend in higher costs per claim is attributable not simply to dog bites but also to dogs knocking down children, cyclists, the elderly, etc., all of which can result in fractures and other blunt-force trauma injuries that impact the potential severity of the losses. Another factor might be the surge in U.S. Post Office worker attacks, many of which take place at the customer’s door.

Be a Responsible Dog Owner

Even normally docile dogs may bite when they are frightened or when defending their puppies, owners, or food. However, the best way to protect yourself is to prevent your dog from biting anyone in the first place. The most dangerous dogs are those that fall victim to human shortcomings such as poor training, irresponsible ownership, and breeding practices that foster viciousness.

“The majority of dog bites come from dogs we already know, and the largest groups are children and the elderly,” said Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a veterinary professor at Texas A&M University, and executive director of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

“Dogs not raised with good social skills can become dogs that bite,” said Beaver, who is internationally recognized for her work in the normal and abnormal behaviors of animals. “It is important to socialize your dog; see how the dog interacts with people,” she added. “Owners need to be able to read their dogs’ body language. Don’t assume that a dog won’t bite.” She noted that children and dogs should never ever be left together unsupervised. Not only can the child get hurt, but so does the dog because they are the ones that get put down.”

National Dog Bite Prevention Week® (May 15–21, 2016), is an annual event designed to provide consumers with information on how to be responsible pet owners while increasing awareness of a serious public health issue.

Take the Following Steps to Reduce the Chances of Your Dog Biting Someone:

  • Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household and neighborhood.
  • Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a home with an infant or toddler. A dog with a history of aggression is inappropriate in a household with children.
  • Keep the family dog secured if a stranger comes to your door.
  • Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful of or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
  • Socialize your dog so it knows how to act with other animals and people.
  • Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
  • Be cautious when exposing your dog to new situations in which you are unsure of its response.
  • Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.
  • Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists or responsible breeders if your dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Read Other Blog Posts

Apartment living room

Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

Taking a trip and exploring the world is fun, but leaving your home unoccupied has some risks.  Before departing, protect your property from accidents and criminals by considering the following precautions.
Male teen driver

5 Tips for Adding a Teen to Your Auto Policy

If your teen is approaching driving age, it may be time to start thinking about your plan for adding them to your auto insurance policy. Here are five tips to consider when adding a teen to your auto insurance policy.
Night driving

Understanding the Risks of Speeding

According to NHTSA data, speeding kills more than 12,000 people behind the wheel each year, contributing to nearly one-third (29%) of all traffic fatalities. With this in mind, it’s important to understand what causes speeding and how to prevent it.
Mold

Keeping Mold Out of Your Home

Mold not only damages your property, but it can also cause serious health complications after long-term exposure. With this in mind, try these prevention tips to keep mold out of your home.
Burglary

Tips for Preventing Home Burglaries

As a homeowner, you must protect your property from various risks, such as burglaries. To limit your chances of becoming the victim of a home burglary, consider the following steps for daily life.
Ensuring Peace of Mind: The Importance of Wedding Insurance

Ensuring Peace of Mind: The Importance of Wedding Insurance

Protect your big day with wedding insurance coverage. Whether safeguarding your attire, ensuring vendor reliability, or providing peace of mind against unexpected mishaps, we've got you covered so you can focus on making memories that last a lifetime.
Spring Cleaning for your Insurance

Spring Cleaning for your Insurance

As you tackle spring cleaning tasks, consider reviewing your insurance policies for any necessary updates. Ensuring your coverage is current and aligned with your needs offers peace of mind as you welcome the warmer seasons ahead.
Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for Auto Insurance

Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for Auto Insurance

Overlooking errors on your auto insurance application can result in significant consequences. Providing inaccurate information may lead to higher premiums, policy cancellations, or inadequate coverage during accidents.

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.