Should I Report a Dog Bite to My Homeowners Insurance?

Being bitten by a dog is frightening, painful, and, all too quickly, expensive. When the swelling goes down and the medical bills arrive, one of the first questions many victims and dog owners ask is: should the bite be reported to homeowners insurance? The short answer: yes, but there are steps to take so that reporting the incident protects, rather than harms, your recovery and legal rights. In this blog, we explain why reporting matters, when it might affect your coverage or premiums, what insurers typically do, and practical steps to take after a dog bite.

How Common are Dog Bite Insurance Claims?

Dog bites are far from rare. Estimates show roughly 4.5 million dog bites occur every year in the United States, and hundreds of thousands of people seek medical care annually. At the same time, insurer data show dog-bite claims are rising in frequency and cost: the Insurance Information Institute reports tens of thousands of claims per year and total payouts in the billions, with the average paid claim rising into the tens of thousands of dollars (recent figures show average claim amounts in the high $50k–$70k range and total annual claim costs exceeding $1 billion in recent years). Those numbers illustrate why homeowners insurers take these claims seriously and why failing to report can leave you exposed.

Why You Should Report the Dog Bite to Your Insurance Company

Reporting a dog bite to your homeowners’ or renters’ insurer is usually the right first move if the bite:

Caused any medical treatment (even minor stitches or antibiotics).
Led to lost work, physical therapy, or emotional trauma.
Involved a mail carrier, delivery driver, neighbor, or invited guest.

Why report?

Liability coverage exists for a reason: Most homeowners policies include personal liability coverage that can pay the injured person’s medical bills, lost wages, and legal damages if the insured (or someone living with them) is legally responsible. If you do not report and the injured party sues, you may lose access to that policy protection.
Preserves your rights and the insurer’s duty to defend: Timely notice allows the insurer to investigate and, if necessary, provide a defense in a lawsuit. If an insurer can show you concealed the incident, it may later deny coverage or argue policy rescission.
Avoids out-of-pocket catastrophe: Given the average claim amounts and rising payouts, an uncovered judgment could be financially devastating. Reporting protects both the victim (if you’re the injured party and the homeowner is an insured) and the dog owner (if you’re the owner and the injured person files a claim).

Why Some People Hesitate

Common worries after a dog attack include:

Will my premiums go up? Possibly. Insurers may raise rates or non-renew a policy after a paid dog-bite claim, especially if the dog has a history of biting or is a breed the insurer deems higher risk. That said, many insurers weigh overall claim history and state-by-state rules before making big premium jumps.
Will the claim be denied? Yes, if the insurer can show material misrepresentation (for example, you failed to disclose prior bites or intentionally withheld information) or if your policy contains specific dog-bite exclusions. Some carriers exclude certain dog breeds or pets with prior bite incidents. Failing to disclose an animal on your application can be treated as a material misstatement that jeopardizes coverage.
Will my dog be confiscated or euthanized? That is separate and depends on local animal control and public safety investigations. Reporting to insurance does not automatically trigger removal, but liability investigations and local bite-reporting laws may.

What Insurers Typically Do After You Report

Ask for a written or recorded statement about the incident.
Request veterinary records if the dog’s health/vaccination status is relevant.
Open an investigation: interview witnesses, review photos/camera footage, obtain medical records.
Evaluate coverage limits and whether the policy applies (or whether an exclusion applies).
Negotiate medical bills or settlements with the injured person or their attorney or provide a legal defense if a lawsuit follows.

What If I’m The Person Who Was Bitten? Do I Report to the Dog Owner’s Insurer?

Yes. If you were bitten on someone else’s property or by someone else’s dog, ask for the owner’s insurance information (name of carrier and policy number). The owner should report the incident to their insurer; you should keep records of your medical care and any communications. If the owner refuses to report or the insurer denies the claim, consult an experienced Illinois dog bite lawyer. Insurers often undervalue or deny claims that deserve payment.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Get medical care immediately. Document everything. Medical records are the most important evidence for both health and legal claims.
Preserve evidence. Take photos of injuries, the scene, and the dog. Save clothing and get contact information for witnesses.
Report to local authorities if required. Many municipalities require dog-bite reporting to animal control or public health for rabies and safety tracking.
Notify your insurer promptly and accurately. Read your policy to see reporting windows and requirements. Be truthful, misstatements can nullify coverage.

How Much Can a Dog Bite Claim Cost?

The Insurance Information Institute reported that dog-related injury claim payouts topped more than $1 billion in recent reporting years, with recent totals reported around $1.1–$1.6 billion depending on the year and methodology. The average paid claim has climbed into the tens of thousands of dollars (figures in some reports show averages around $58,000–$69,000 in recent years). These trends reflect higher medical costs and larger settlements/judgments.
Public-health trackers estimate millions of bites per year, with several hundred thousand requiring medical attention, meaning even “minor” bites can generate substantial bills quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bite Insurance Claims

Q: Will reporting a bite automatically raise the dog owner’s premiums?
A: Not automatically, but it is possible. Insurers consider many factors (prior claims, state laws, dog history). A claim that results in a payout makes it far more likely rates will go up or that the insurer will impose restrictions.

Q: Do I have to report a minor bite?
A: Check your policy terms. Many require reporting “incidents” that might give rise to a claim. Even for minor bites, reporting preserves coverage and protects against surprise later if complications arise.

Q: What if the dog isn’t mine?
A: Report to the dog owner’s insurer and, if you were bitten on their property, ask for their liability information. If the owner is uninsured, you may need to pursue a personal lawsuit instead.

Q: If my insurer denies the claim, what are my options?
A: You can request a written denial, appeal the decision with the insurer, file a complaint with your state insurance regulator, and consult an attorney to explore a lawsuit against the dog owner or other responsible parties.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Dog Bite Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, report the incident to the appropriate local authorities and, if applicable, to the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurer, but do so thoughtfully. Given how quickly medical costs and claims can escalate (with average paid claims in the tens of thousands and total annual payouts in the billions), a cautious, documented approach protects your health and your legal rights.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. Our top-notch Illinois dog attack attorneys can review your situation, explain your rights, and handle communications with insurers so you can get the compensation you deserve.