For many Canadians, a pet is an integral part of the family and household. In fact, in 2022, Canadians owned 8.5 million cats and 7.9 million dogs. However, as much as we love our pets, there can be pet-related accidents and injuries, especially regarding dogs and dog bites. Statistics estimate that there are half a million dog bites in Canada every year, so it must be taken seriously. With that in mind, you might wonder if your pet is covered under your home insurance policy. Here’s what you need to know.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pets?
In Canada, your home insurance policy has two separate parts. The first is personal property coverage, which protects you from loss or damage to your home, personal possessions, and vehicle.
You may be wondering if your home insurance covers pet damage. Generally, your home insurance provider will not cover property damage caused by your pet. Owners are typically responsible for any damage their animals cause to their home or personal property.
The second part, personal liability coverage, protects you from legal liability for any loss or damage caused by injury to other people or damage to the property of others. When it comes to pet coverage, accidents involving your pets (like dog bites) would be included under the personal liability part of your home insurance policy.
Liability Coverage for Homeowners vs Renters
In Canada, dogs are considered the property of their owners. So, should your dog attack or bite someone and they choose to take legal action, the blame falls on you as the owner. In this case, your liability coverage should protect you. Each province is different, but coverage for dog bites is generally included in your liability insurance, which is part of your homeowner’s insurance. You don’t specifically need to search for dog-friendly homeowners’ insurance.
In Ontario, the injured individual may be able to request compensation for everything from medical bills to loss of income to pain and suffering. As such, you need to make sure that you are sufficiently covered. For this reason, when buying home insurance, you will be asked about pets and should be as honest as possible.
Liability insurance is part of your insurance coverage as a homeowner and a renter, so you should have pet coverage built into your policy either way. However, if you are a pet owner, make sure to talk about pet coverage, what it includes, and how much you are covered for. You may need to get additional coverage in the form of umbrella insurance.
What Dog Breeds Can Affect Home Insurance?
Liability insurance does not treat all dogs equally. Depending on the province in which you live and your insurance provider, your pet might not be covered at all if they are a specific breed.
For dog owners those wondering what breeds might affect homeowner’s insurance, it varies. Some insurance providers consider certain dog breeds and types to be higher risk and may not cover them. These breeds and types include:
- Pit bulls
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Staffordshire Terriers
Some provinces even have prohibitions on owning specific breeds and types of dogs. Owning a prohibited dog breed in that province would invalidate your insurance coverage. While animal welfare activists are trying to change these dangerous perceptions of certain breeds, insurance companies are still hesitant. So, it is crucial to have this conversation with your insurance company.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
As mentioned above, dog bites are more common than you may think, which is why it is so important to be honest with your home insurance provider.
Of course, if your dog bites or harms someone in another way, the first step is to seek medical care. Even if the injury doesn’t look very serious, you will want to have a professional examine it to ensure that everything is okay.
After that, the affected person may choose legal action. What they can do and how things progress depend on the province in which the attack occurred. For example, British Columbia has a ‘one bite’ policy, whereas in Ontario, a dog owner can be charged with criminal negligence. In this case, resolution usually comes in the form of monetary settlements, which can vary depending on the extent of the injury and damage done.
What if My Pet Harms Another Animal?
Again, in Canada, your pet is considered your property, so if your pet attacks someone else’s pet, you may be held responsible, and liability insurance should come into play. However, keep in mind that the rules differ by policy and province.
Does Having a Pet Increase My Policy Premiums?
Owning a pet may increase your policy premium, especially if your pet is a dog, because some dog breeds are presumed to pose more of a danger to visitors. Again, it depends on where you live and the insurance provider itself.
As always, be sure to ask questions, shop around, and read the fine print when shopping for home insurance, especially if you have a pet to consider.
