Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites in Tennessee?

Will My Insurance Company Cover My Dog Bite?

Most renters insurance in Tennessee will cover dog bite injuries; however, there are some stipulations that you should know about. If you own a dog in Tennessee, and you hold renters insurance, the best way to know if you’re covered is to contact your insurance company to see if you’re covered.

While many believe that their dog would never harm a person or another animal, holding insurance for the worst-case scenario is in your best interest. Dog bite personal injury cases can get very expensive, as dog bites can cause permanent physical and psychological damage to victims.

In The Article

Is Renters Insurance Required in Tennessee?

Renters insurance isn’t required by law in the state of Tennessee, but not having the renters insurance can be detrimental in the long term. For example, lapses in coverage can mean a total loss of your personal possessions as well as an increase in insurance premiums in the future.

Additionally, while law doesn’t require you to have renters insurance, landlords throughout Tennessee can require you to hold a policy, so be sure to check your lease agreement to ensure it’s not a requirement.

How Much is Renters Insurance in Tennessee?

Renters insurance pricing can vary depending on what is covered in the policy, how much is covered in the policy, and the insurance company you go through. However, renters insurance costs can be as little as $20 per month.

What Does Tennessee Renters Insurance Cover?

Standard coverage for renters in Tennessee includes personal property, loss of use, personal liability, and medical payments.

If your dog bites someone, your renters insurance could cover the claim under the personal liability, as long as your dog is not on the restricted breeds list.

You can get additional coverage in Tennessee to cover losses from personal injury (if you’re liable for slander or defamation) and water back-up (including damage to your belongings and water removal costs).

Several insurance companies that provide renters insurance can include customizable packages to ensure you have the coverage you’re looking for, based on your specific needs. If you are a pet owner, be sure that anything you may be liable for that your pet does (attacks or bites) is covered and that your pet breed isn’t on the restricted list. The best way to ensure you have the insurance coverage you need is to shop around to find a provider that gives you what you’re looking for.

Questions to Ask Your Tennessee Renters Insurance Provider

To find the provider that’s best for you, it’s important to ask the right questions while you’re shopping around. Here are some questions that can help you find the best coverage for your residence and your lifestyle:

1. What is covered on the standard plan?
2. Can I add additional coverage for my belongings?
3. Can I add additional coverage for my pets?
4. Is flood covered on this policy?
5. If flood damage isn’t covered, can I add it?
6. If a friend is accidentally injured in my home, are medical payments covered?
7. If my dog bites someone outside of the home, am I still covered?

Make Sure You’re Fully Covered

Even if you aren’t required to have renters insurance in Tennessee, dog owners may find that it is helpful to have an extra layer of protection in the event their dog bites another person, however unlikely this event may seem. Remember that your renters insurance may carry stipulations on whether or not your dog is covered, so be sure to ask the right questions when purchasing your policy.