Am I covered if my pet bites someone?

Your AAA Homeowners or Renters insurance policy typically includes personal liability coverage, which can help if you are found legally responsible for injuries or damages, sometimes including those caused by pets.

Generally, this liability coverage may apply if your pet bites someone, unless specific exclusions apply. Coverage may be affected or denied based on the following conditions:

Applicant(s)/named insured(s) must not have any dogs or other animals, reptiles, and/or pets with any prior bite history. Prior bite history means any history of biting, attacking, or otherwise injuring any person or animal on one or more occasions, as established by any of the following:

• The applicant's/insured's knowledge of such events.
• Court records.
• Insurance records, whether or not a claim was paid.
• The records of a local public safety, law enforcement, or similar agency.

Applicant(s)/named insured(s) must not have any "Vicious Dogs," exotic, and/or dangerous animals/pets (even if liability for them is specifically excluded from coverage).

A "Vicious Dog" is defined as a dog with ancestry (pure or mix breed) properly classified as any of the following breeds:

• Rottweiler
• Chow Chow
• Doberman Pinscher
• Pit Bull, Pit Bull mix, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Stafford Bull Terrier
• Wolf Mix or Wolf Dog
• Presa Canario
• Akita

A "Vicious Dog" also means any dog used or bred for fighting with any other dog; or any dog trained to attack persons or animals. (However, “Vicious Dog” does not include a dog used as a service or guide dog and licensed by law as such).

Exotic animals include, but are not limited to: (Original list examples would follow here if available in the source).

• Non-domesticated feline
• Non-human primate
• Venomous or poisonous animal
• Caiman, Alligator, or Crocodile
• Bear
• Wolf
• Jackal
• Fox
• Coyote
• Including any hybrid of these animals

Because insurance policies and rules regarding pets can have specific details and variations, we strongly recommend discussing your pets and any concerns with an insurance professional. To understand how your policy applies to your specific situation, please contact your AAA Insurance Agent.