Am I liable for damage caused by my pets?

Our cat destroyed the neighbors' curtains

The situation is different when your pets cause damage to others’ property. For example, your cat might wander into a neighbor’s home and cause damage there. Since you are the pet’s owner, you are often liable for any damage the pet causes to others’ property. This is known as strict liability.

Does liability insurance cover all damage caused by my dog (or other pet)?

Most liability insurance policies cover damage caused by your dog or cat to others. Liability insurance typically also covers damage caused by other small pets to third parties.

The situation is different if you have larger pets, such as horses. Some insurers do not automatically include these in their coverage. Others, for example, may only insure up to a certain number of horses. The reason for this is that larger animals can cause more damage, which increases the risk to the insurer.

This information can always be found in the insurance policy terms and conditions. Be sure to read them carefully so you know in advance what is and isn't covered.

My dog was bitten by another dog. What should I do now?

In this case, it’s best to contact your legal assistance insurer. They will report the damage and file a claim with the other party’s insurer (the owner of the other dog). The circumstances of the incident will then be investigated, and it must be determined who is at fault. Your legal assistance insurer can help you with this.

Liability Insurance for the Whole Family

Pets are often not the only members of the family. Not all family members are automatically covered under a liability insurance policy. Do you have children, for example? In most cases, you’ll need to add them as separate insured parties . For more information, see the section on family liability.