Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites in Illinois?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Chicago or anywhere in the state, you may wonder: “Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites in Illinois?” In many cases, the answer is yes. Most homeowners insurance coverage includes liability protection for injuries caused by pets, including dog attacks.

However, every policy is different, and insurance companies often deny coverage or reduce payouts depending on the circumstances of the incident, the dog breeds involved, and the policy’s limits.

At Chicago Dog Bite Injury Lawyers, our experienced team helps injured victims navigate the insurance claim process after serious dog bite cases. We stand with Illinois dog attack victims seeking fair compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

When Are Dog Owners Liable for Dog Attacks in Illinois?

Under 510 ILCS 5/ – Illinois Animal Control Act, pet owners are held strictly liable when their dog injures someone. This means a victim doesn’t need to prove negligence, only that the dog attacked or injured them without provocation and that they were lawfully in the place where the attack occurred.

Illinois law places responsibility squarely on the owner’s shoulders. Even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner may still be personally responsible for the victim’s medical expenditures, lost income, and other damages.

Because most dog bites happen in or near the owner’s home, homeowners insurance, renter’s insurance, or other types of insurance covering dog bites typically provide the first line of financial protection.

Types of Insurance Covering Dog Bites

• Homeowners insurance: Usually includes liability coverage for dog bites that occur on or off the property.
• Renter’s insurance: Can provide similar protection if the renter owns the dog.
• Umbrella insurance policies: Offer additional coverage limits beyond a basic policy.
• Medical payments coverage: Helps pay for medical care or medical treatment regardless of fault.

However, policies may include breed exclusions for certain breeds such as pit bulls, German Shepherds, or other dogs perceived as aggressive. In these cases, an insurer might deny damages even when Illinois law finds the owner liable.

How Much Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, Illinois ranks among the top states for dog attack liability claims each year. In 2024, the average dog bite payout in Illinois exceeded $64,000, the eight highest in the country. Nationwide, the average payout ($69,272) rose over 86% in the past decade due to higher medical expenses associated with serious dog attacks.

The amount an animal bite victim may recover compensation for depends on multiple factors, including:

• The severity of the injuries caused
• Required surgeries or reconstructive procedures
• Lost income and loss of future earning potential
• Emotional distress and psychological counseling
• Whether insurance coverage was adequate under the policy

If the homeowners coverage isn’t enough to pay all damages, victims can pursue additional personal injury claims against the owner directly for full compensation.

What Are Common Causes of Denied Claims in Illinois?

Even though many dog attack cases fall under liability coverage, insurance companies frequently dispute claims. Common reasons include:

• Breed exclusions: Some insurance policies list certain breeds as uninsurable.
• Policy limits: The limits are too low to cover the full cost of the victim’s injuries.
• Provocation defenses: The insurer argues the victim provoked the dog.
• Unreported pets: The owner failed to list their dog on the insurance application.
• Off-premises attacks: Some homeowners insurance only covers injuries occurring on the insured property.
• Lapsed or inadequate coverage: The owner didn’t maintain adequate insurance at the time of the attack.

When a dog bite claim is denied, victims are often left with overwhelming medical costs, unpaid wages, and trauma from the attack, even though Illinois law provides clear protection under its strict liability rules.

What Are Illinois Victims’ Options Following Denied Dog Bite Claims?

If an insurance company refuses to pay or attempts to minimize your injury claims, you still have options. Our team helps victims pursue legal defense against bad-faith insurers and file civil lawsuits against dog owners directly. Under the law, you may still be compensated through the courts if your claim is unfairly denied.

We also help clients navigate owner’s/renter’s insurance options to identify all available sources of coverage. Even when insurance providers allege policy violations, victims may still have the right to recover damages through a civil claim under the Illinois Animal Control Act.

Book a Free Consultation for Your Dog Bite Case

If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog in Illinois, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. Our firm has helped hundreds of clients hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure compensation for treatment, lost income, and emotional recovery.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any upfront costs or attorney fees unless we successfully secure compensation for you.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your rights and learn how we can help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.