Guide to pet liability insurance for renters

Key takeaways

• Pet liability insurance helps protect you financially if your pet accidentally injures someone or their property.
• Most pet liability insurance policies exclude coverage for certain dog breeds and exotic species.
• Pet liability coverage can be added onto a standard renters insurance policy or purchased separately.

For millions of renters, pets are more than just companions—they're family. But with the joy of pet ownership comes responsibility, especially when living in a rental property. Whether it's a playful puppy that damages a neighbor's fence or a startled kitty that scratches a visitor's child, pet-related incidents can lead to costly liability claims. Fortunately, there is pet liability insurance for renters to help protect against these types of risks.

What is pet liability insurance for renters?

Pet liability insurance helps protect you if your pet accidentally hurts someone or damages their property. Without it, a single dog bite or sudden property damage could result in you having to pay thousands in out-of-pocket expenses to cover costs.

For example, if your dog bites a neighbor or gets out and destroys their prized rose garden, pet liability insurance for renters can help cover the costs. Simply put, it's a safeguard to make sure you don't have to pay out-of-pocket for accidents that your pet might cause.

What does pet liability insurance for renters cover?

Liability pet insurance for renters helps cover costs if your furry companion hurts someone or damages their property.

Most standard policies will cover:

• Injuries to other people. If your dog bites a guest in your home or knocks someone over and they get hurt, the insurance can help pay for their medical bills.
• Damage to someone else's property. If your cat scratches a friend's leather jacket or your dog damages a neighbor's fence, liability pet insurance can help cover repairs or replacement costs.
• Legal fees. You never know if someone will sue you over something your pet did. Pet liability insurance for renters can help pay for lawyer fees and court costs if legal action is taken against you.

What isn't covered by pet liability insurance for renters?

Pet liability insurance does not cover any damage your pet causes to your apartment, such as:

• Damage to your own stuff. Pet liability insurance only covers damage to other people's property. So, if your dog chews on your favorite reading chair or your cat knocks over your TV, you're on your own.
• Injuries to you or your household. This type of insurance covers injuries that your pet causes to guests or strangers. So, if your pet bites you or someone who lives with you, you won't have coverage under a pet liability insurance policy. Note that a roommate who is not listed on your renters insurance policy is typically considered a third party and in this case, you may have coverage for pet-related incidents.
• Excluded dog breeds or exotic pets. Some liability pet insurance policies won't cover certain dog breeds such as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, or Rottweilers. In addition, snakes, monkeys, and other exotic pets are also likely to be excluded. If you're not sure what breeds or exotic pets are excluded, ask your insurance company representative or your independent agent.
• Intentional harm. You won't have coverage for an aggressive pet that you know could potentially put someone at risk for serious injuries.
• Routine pet care. Veterinary care is not part of liability pet insurance for renters. If you want coverage for these types of services, you may want to consider pet insurance.

The bottom line is that even the best pet liability insurance for renters is only designed to protect you from large, unexpected costs in the event your pet causes harm to another person or their property.

How much will I pay for renters insurance with pets?

What you'll pay for renters insurance with pet liability coverage will vary depending on where you live, the type of pet you have, your claim history in regard to your pet, and the coverage limits you choose. In general, you can expect to pay around $13 a month for a basic renters insurance policy that includes coverage for pet liability.

If you feel you need additional protection that goes beyond standard limits, such as an excluded exotic or certain pet breed, you may be able to purchase enhanced coverage or even a separate pet liability insurance policy. According to Forbes Advisor, this additional coverage can range from $30 to $95 a month.

Renters insurance vs pet insurance

Renters insurance and pet insurance are two separate policies that serve different purposes. Here's what you need to know.

• Renters insurance primarily protects your personal belongings (such as furniture, electronics, and clothing) in case of theft, fire, or other covered damages. A renters insurance policy includes general liability coverage, which can help if someone is physically injured in your apartment or rental home or if you accidentally damage someone else's property.
• Pet insurance is designed to cover your pet's medical expenses if they get sick or injured and need care. This type of insurance helps pay for veterinary visits, surgeries, medications, and sometimes preventative/wellness care. Pet insurance does not include pet liability coverage for damage or injuries your pet may cause to others or their property.
• Pet liability insurance is specifically designed to cover damages or injuries caused by your pet to others.

What dog breeds are typically excluded from pet liability insurance?

Many pet liability insurance policies exclude coverage for certain dog breeds that are considered high risk because they are thought to be aggressive or have a history of causing injury. Commonly excluded dog breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds. Some insurers may also exclude Chow Chows, Akitas, wolf hybrids, and Alaskan Malamutes.

What types of exotic pets are excluded from pet liability insurance?

Exotic pets are often considered unpredictable or more likely to cause injury or property damage, which makes them a higher liability risk for insurance companies. For these reasons, they are typically excluded from a pet liability insurance policy. Common exclusions include reptiles (snakes and lizards), monkeys, lions, and some species of birds.

How do I add my pet to my renters insurance policy?

To add your pet onto a renters insurance policy is a simple four-step process.

• Review your current policy. Check to see if your current coverage already includes pet liability coverage. Most do, but you'll want to know if there are any exclusions for certain breeds or exotic animals.
• Call your insurance company. Ask your insurers to add your pet to the liability portion of your renters policy. You'll likely need to provide your pet's breed, age, and history of any past incidents (if any).
• Ask about breed or species restrictions. If your pet is excluded, you may need to ask about a separate pet liability policy, enhanced coverage limits, or even a personal umbrella policy.
• Review your new coverage. Once approved, check to make sure that your coverage has been updated as you requested. Keep in mind that you'll see a slight increase in your premium for this valuable coverage, so you'll need to budget for the additional monthly cost.

Whether you're a first-time pet owner or a seasoned renter, understanding the importance of pet liability insurance coverage could save you from unexpected headaches and expenses.

How to get the best renters insurance for your needs

Get a quote for renters insurance online from Liberty Mutual or give our representatives a call so they can walk you through the process: 844-349-8391