When Your Dog Runs in Front of a Tesla

When your dog causes property damage, it can produce a chain of issues that is challenging to come back from. People forget that you can be held liable if your dog damages someone’s property.

Scenario

The weather was perfect, and the kids were playing in the backyard with some neighborhood children.

Max, the family’s Lab mix, was enjoying the festive mood. However, with kids coming and going, no one thought to confirm that the gate was secure. Max decided to take a walk and headed directly towards the street. Bob was driving his brand-new Tesla when Max stepped in front of the car out of nowhere. Without thinking, Bob turned the vehicle to avoid hitting Max. He had not seen the telephone pole. In that instant, your dog causes property damage and it turns into a problem.

The Claim

Fortunately, Bob did not suffer an injury in the crash, but the impact caused the telephone pole to fall, resulting in severe damage to the car. Bob was furious as he had purchased the vehicle less than a week before the accident. The perfect day ended with Max losing his doggie to animal control and Steve calling his insurance agent to report the claim. Steve was stunned to learn that his policy did not have off-premises liability, nor was there animal liability in the policy.

Takeaways

• Steve should have confirmed what coverages his homeowner’s policy had.

To Steve’s knowledge, no one had ever asked him about having a dog. He had decided not to tell anyone, choosing silence.

• Unfortunately, internally withholding information can result in a void of the policy. You must notify your insurance companies when there is a substantial change in your liability exposures, such as getting a dog or installing a pool.

In the future, it would be better if Max were kept on a leash or kept inside if there is no restraint possible.

• Also, putting a lock on the gate would have prevented the incident.

About Dog Bite Quote

At Dean Insurance Agency, we’ve been providing protection to dog owners since 2012, with more than 10,000 policies issued. Our underwriting criteria and years of experience providing this coverage enables us to offer competitive and fair policy premiums. Our policies are available in every state except Alaska & Kentucky. The quote is free and there is NO obligation to purchase!