Dog bites and other dog-related injuries cost U.S. insurers $1.6 billion in 2024, according to the latest claims data analysis from Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm, demonstrating that dog-related claims have increased significantly in both frequency and cost.

There were 22,658 dog-related injury claims in the U.S. in 2024, up nearly 19% from 2023. The number of instances has increased 48% over the past decade. Additionally, the average cost per claim reached $69,272 in 2024, an increase of 18% from 2023—and an increase of 86% over the past decade. 

Why are dog-related injury claims so expensive?

“The reason that we're seeing more and more very high verdicts on dog bites is because the public and the judiciary has recognized the pain, trauma and often disfigurement arising from a dog bite," says Nancy Germond, Big “I" executive director of risk management and education.

Further, “dog bite cases are difficult to defend due to many jurisdictions' strict liability standard on dog-bite liability," she says. Strict liability means the defendant can be liable for damages, even if they weren't at fault.

Germond points to a verdict earlier in April when a Georgia jury awarded an elderly woman $4.2 million after she was bitten in the hand and thigh by a 130-pound presa Canario mastiff dog. “Loose dogs, dogs with bad temperaments, irresponsible dog breeders who may breed a dog with a poor temperament and careless pet owners contribute to the frequency of dog bites," Germond adds.

Nearly 46% of U.S. households own dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Triple-I recommends important safety tips to help dog owners take responsibility. Foremost among those is to never leave children unsupervised with dogs, even family pets, as more than 50% of all dog-related injuries happen to children, according to the AVMA.

Other tips include regular veterinarian appointments, positive training techniques, and always walking dogs on a leash.

“Almost all dog bites are preventable and prevention begins with education," said Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. “By learning about dog behavior and teaching kids how to safely interact with dogs, we can help protect both people and pets. Responsible pet ownership and respectful interactions are key to strengthening the human-animal bond and reducing the risk of injury."

Agents should perform due diligence when homeowners disclose dog ownership and explain the importance of disclosing a dog's aggression history and breed—keeping in mind some states have restrictions on carriers' ability to limit or deny homeowners coverage based on dog breed. Additionally, insureds can consider a standalone dog liability policy.

AnneMarie McPherson Spears is IA news editor.