Dog Bite Claims on the Rise as Insurers Tighten Homeowners Coverage

Dog ownership is at an all-time high in the United States, with over 65 million households owning at least one dog. However, with this increase in pet ownership comes rising liability risks, particularly in the form of dog bites. According to recent data from the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, dog-related injury claims cost homeowners insurers $1.57 billion in 2024—a 40.6% increase from 2023. The number of claims also jumped by nearly 19%, reaching 22,658 incidents nationwide, with an average claim cost of $69,272.

As claim numbers and costs rise, insurers are taking proactive steps to limit their exposure. This includes charging higher premiums, refusing to insure certain dog breeds, or even excluding specific dogs from coverage after an incident. While some companies determine insurability based on breed, others focus on individual behavior, particularly if the dog has previously been involved in a biting incident. Some policies may still provide coverage if the dog undergoes behavioral training or is consistently restrained.

The legal framework for dog owner liability varies significantly by state. Twenty-nine states impose strict liability for dog-related injuries, while others follow negligence or ‘one-bite’ rules. Four states—Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and North Dakota—do not have dog bite laws on the books. States like Pennsylvania and Michigan have implemented laws to prevent insurers from discriminating based solely on breed, while others like Ohio require liability coverage for owners of dogs deemed vicious.

California led the nation in total dog bite claims in 2024, with 2,417 claims totaling $208.4 million. New York reported the highest average claim cost at over $110,000. As both medical costs and jury awards trend upward, insurers are closely monitoring this growing liability exposure. For adjusters and claims professionals, understanding state-specific liability laws and evolving underwriting practices is key to managing risk and evaluating claim validity in these increasingly complex cases.