Average Dog Bite Claim is $26,616

by Dr. Chris

June 19, 2011 According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite claim last year was $26,616. They also said that the number of dog bites reported dropped 5% last year, but the payouts have increased.

According to the Insurance Information Institute the average dog bite claim payout has rose 37% since 2003.

This is a reminder that all dogs can bite at anytime, no matter how tame or cute they are.

Another reason for the increased payouts is that more lawyers are specializing in dog bite claims, because they can be lucrative.

Legally and financially you are responsible for any damage your dog does.

So if someone gets hurt you have to pay their medical bills, legal bills, and not to mention extra money for "pain and suffering" that juries love to give out.

State Farm Insurance says that most of their dog bite claims come from California. They had 369 there last year, costing them $11.3 million.

You should have homeowners insurance that does not exclude dog bites, and rental insurance if you are a renter.

Related Articles:

Dog Bite Insurance

Dog Liability Insurance

Dog Bites Impact on Insurance

Dog Bite Insurance Claims Rising

Source: Average Dog Bite Claim article

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