There are different types of insurance for dogs. First of all, as we will see, within the multi-risk home insurance, we can also include our pets. We will therefore see the most common situations and the most common proposals in types of insurance for dogs.
Pets in home insurance
Within the multi-risk policies, we can include individual and family liability insurance. We can also add our dogs to the coverage. However, we must consider that it is not a very common option, and it usually entails very basic benefits.
In other words, multi-risk home insurance, including pet liability, will only cover the damages the pet may cause to third parties, never what happens to the animal itself.
We will find different models of inclusion of pets, in this case, dogs, in home insurance. Sometimes it will be free of charge, but an added fee will most frequently be required. In the first case, the coverage plans will be very basic, while additional plans are available by paying an extra cost.
Dog Insurance Coverage: Liability Coverage
Civil liability coverage is not an option that stands on its own. There are different models, from those exclusively for third parties to more complex ranges that also include injuries to the animal itself. For example, we can add accident insurance to cover the expenses derived from what may happen directly to the pet.
In any case, civil liability would amount to basic insurance. As the simplest option, it merely covers damages the dog may cause to third parties. You can complement your coverage by adding accident insurance or other types.
In some states, these insurances (for potentially dangerous dogs) are mandatory.
The sum insured will depend on factors such as the breed of the dog. It will generally range from a minimum of $60,000 to a maximum of $300,000. These insurances are not exclusive to the owner; that is to say, they are insurances on the animal. Coverage includes accidents with damage to third parties while the dog is with someone other than the owner. Each company can specify their particular exceptions in the conditions.
This basic coverage would protect against possible accidents caused by the dog, such as bites on people or other dogs. It is not always uniform insurance, and the coverage may vary depending on what we have contracted. It is common, for example, to receive additional legal assistance.
Health insurance for dogs
As we have indicated above, dog health insurance is becoming more frequent. These insurance policies are not rigid either. They can provide different coverages depending on the scope of the assistance, among which we can highlight:
- Veterinary assistance: the dog may have direct service following illness or accident. Issues such as scans, x-rays, surgical interventions, post-operative care, etc., are included. This option sometimes comes with some co-payments. Logically the higher the level of protection, the higher the cost of insurance.
- Theft coverage or loss coverage are largely associated with high-value dog breeds. In this case, these coverages may repay the value of the stolen or missing animal. In other cases, they participate in the search for the pet (although this is less frequent).
- Dental treatment: is usually included as a separate option because it is a very specific coverage that has gained popularity among dog owners. It includes not only oral care but also processes such as oral cleaning.
- Death by accident or slaughter of the animal: two not very pleasant coverages included as options in dog insurance. In the first case, the owner receives compensation for the animal’s accidental death. In the second case, the insurer bears the cost of slaughter and incineration.
In addition to the above, we can find other less-known coverages, such as the possibility of providing canine housing following illness or surgery.
It also includes other services not strictly related to health, such as daycare, pick-up, transportation, home care, 24-hour veterinary service telephones, or general information on pets.