Navigating Insurance for Dogs With Aggressive Histories
Loving a dog is easy. But loving a dog with a challenging past takes patience, resilience, and a clear understanding of the risks. Whether your dog has shown signs of fear-based aggression or has a documented bite on record, finding the right protection matters. So, can you get dog bite liability insurance if your dog has a history of aggression? Often, the answer is yes — but it depends on a few important factors.
What Counts as an Aggressive History in Dogs?
Insurance carriers may flag certain behaviors as signs of risk. These include prior bite incidents, snapping, lunging at people or animals, or multiple complaints from neighbors or animal control. But not all aggression is the same, and understanding why it happens can be just as important as what happened.
According to the ASPCA, many aggressive behaviors are rooted in fear, anxiety, territoriality, or resource guarding. For example, a dog might lash out if it feels cornered or threatened. Others may react during high-stress situations or around unfamiliar people.
This is why documenting your dog’s behavior, triggers, and improvements over time can make a meaningful difference when seeking coverage.
Can You Get Dog Bite Liability Coverage After an Incident?
Yes, it is often possible to get coverage, even after a bite. That said, insurance carriers assess risk on a case-by-case basis. They may look at how severe the incident was, how recently it occurred, and whether the dog has since completed behavioral training.
Some carriers have restrictions based on breed or require additional underwriting for dogs with past incidents. Review Dog Bite Quote’s page on dog aggression warning signs and insurance considerations to learn more.
When applying, be honest about your dog’s history. Failing to disclose a bite or behavioral issue can lead to denied claims or canceled coverage down the road. A thorough application paired with responsible actions can open the door to more flexible policy options.
Steps Owners Can Take To Improve Coverage Options
If your dog has a history of aggression, there are practical steps you can take to strengthen your case for coverage:
- Behavioral training: Work with a certified trainer to address problem behaviors. Keep records of sessions and progress.
- Veterinary evaluations: Rule out medical conditions that may contribute to aggression.
- Safe containment: Use appropriate fencing, baby gates, or muzzles when needed to prevent risky situations.
- Consistent routines: Reduce your dog’s exposure to known triggers and build structure into daily life.
The more evidence you can provide of your commitment to safety and improvement, the more likely it is that an insurer will offer viable options.
Protecting Your Dog and Your Sense of Security
Having a dog with a difficult past doesn’t make you a bad pet owner — it makes you a responsible one for looking ahead. Dog bite liability coverage provides a path forward. It helps protect your finances, your dog’s future, and the people around you.
Getting a quote is the first step. If you’re navigating insurance for a dog with a known history, Dog Bite Quote can help you explore options tailored to your situation.
FAQ About Dog Bite Liability and Aggressive Dogs
Can I get insurance if my dog has bitten someone before?
In many cases, yes. Insurers assess the bite’s context, severity, and timing, along with any corrective actions taken. Disclosing the incident honestly and showing evidence of responsible ownership — like training or safety measures — improves your chances.
What behaviors count as aggression in the eyes of insurers?
Biting, lunging, growling, snapping, and repeated complaints are all red flags. Insurers also consider whether the aggression was fear-based or territorial. You can read more about behavioral triggers and warning signs here.
Does breed affect eligibility for liability insurance?
Some policies do have breed restrictions or require additional review for dogs labeled high-risk. However, breed alone doesn’t always disqualify you — it often comes down to your individual dog’s history and your commitment to safety.
How can I make my dog more insurable?
Start by investing in professional training, keeping your dog safely contained, and documenting all behavioral progress. A veterinary evaluation can also help rule out medical causes for aggression, which insurers often consider in their assessments.
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 enable us to offer competitive and fair policy premiums. Our policies are available in every state except Alaska and Kentucky. The quote is free, and there is NO obligation to purchase!