How Does Having a Pet Affect Your Renters Insurance? 

Your pets can bring great joy and constant comfort to your daily life. However, dogs, cats and other animals may also affect your risk profile in the eyes of insurers. Carriers must carefully analyze your circumstances, including accounting for all potential incidents, before quoting you a rate for coverage. This may be particularly prevalent when seeking renters insurance, as living in areas with shared spaces that you don’t own might increase perceived risk levels.

How Does Renters Insurance Cover Pets?

Most renters insurance policies include personal liability coverage. This key facet of financial protection can help offset third-party losses for which you’re to blame. Personal liability coverage typically extends to others in your household, including your spouse, children and pets. Consider the following examples:

• If you’re in a shared hallway or out for a walk with your dog and it bites someone, your renters insurance could help pay for their medical bills.

• If your dog manages to get into someone else’s backyard and digs up their garden, your coverage could help pay for the resulting losses.

• It’s important to note that, while pet-related incidents affecting others may be covered, renters insurance does not typically apply if your animals damage your belongings.

Are My Premiums Affected by Pets?

In many cases, insurers may charge more for renters insurance if you have a pet. Additional liability concerns typically require carriers to account for greater potential claims costs by quoting you higher rates. This may be particularly prevalent if you have certain breeds of large dogs, such as rottweilers and pit bulls. Some carriers may even exclude these types of animals from coverage altogether.

How to Get the Right Coverage for You and Your Pets

At Integrity Insurance Agency Inc, we can help renters in the Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, area, understand and acquire appropriate coverage. Contact us today to learn more.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.