What is public liability insurance for dogs?

Public liability insurance is usually included in your dog’s pet insurance and can help protect you if your dog:

• Injures another person
• Injures someone else’s dog
• Damages someone else’s belongings or property

If one or more of the above happens, public liability – or third party liability insurance - can help cover any costs you need to pay, such as:

• Someone else’s medical bills
• Someone else’s vet bills
• The cost of repairing or replacing damaged belongings or property
• Legal fees
  
  

The specifics of what a third party liability insurance policy will cover will vary between insurance providers, so you will need to check the details of any policy you’re considering to make sure you know exactly what you’re protected for.

Do I need public liability insurance for my dog?

Although third party liability insurance for dogs is not legally required by all dog owners, there are some circumstances where third party liability cover is required, such as:

• If you live in rented accommodation – Some local authorities or housing associating may insist on third party liability cover, and this will be included within the tenancy agreement
  
  
• If you have a dangerous dog: If your breed of dog is listed under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, you are legally required to have third party liability insurance in place

Even the best-behaved dogs can get into mishaps sometimes. Your dog could knock someone over at the park causing injury, they could accidentally harm another dog during play, or they could get into and cause damage to a neighbour’s garden.  Incidents like these can lead to legal disputes and costly claims. Public liability insurance for dogs can help cover the cost of compensation and in some cases, legal expenses.

How does public liability insurance work?

If an incident occurs and your dog causes harm to someone else, to another dog or pet, or someone else’s property, you would need to:

• Contact your insurer to let them know what has happened
  
  
• Allow your provider to thoroughly investigate the incident
  
  
• If your dog was at fault and someone else makes a claim against you – for medical or vet bills, damages, or legal fees – your provider will cover the costs for you if the incident meets the terms of the insurance you have with them
  
  
  
  

How much will my third party liability insurance cover me for?

When you take our third party public liability through Asda Money pet insurance, your cover will depend on the type of policy you hold. Here is an example:

Will I need to pay an excess on a third party liability claim?

Yes. If you have pet insurance through Asda Money, you'll have to pay a £250 excess on all third party claims you make.

What isn’t covered by third party liability insurance for dogs?

In some instances, you won’t be covered by third party liability insurance for your dog, such as if

• The claimant (the person injured or whose property was harmed) is a family member or someone who lives in your home.
  
  
• The claimant is your employee.
  
  
• The claimant is someone you asked to look after your dog.
  
  
• The incident happens where you work, where any of your family members work, or if you’re working from home.
  
  
• The incident occurs while your dog is working, such as a working dog or assistance dog.
  
  
• Your dog causes harm intentionally or you use them to cause harm.
  
  
• The incident happens when seeing clients, as a result of your job or a family member’s job.
  
  
• The incident happens on premises licensed to sell alcohol.
  
  
• The incident happens outside of the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.

Does public liability insurance cover dangerous dogs?

If your dog is specified as ‘dangerous’ according to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, then you are legally required to take out public liability insurance for them.

If your dog is not listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act but has a history of aggression, you may still be required to have third party liability cover in place.

How do I protect my dog and how can Asda Money help?

Dog insurance can offer peace of mind in the event of unexpected expenses. Explore your Dog Insurance options with Asda Money. With different cover types available, you can find a policy and level of cover that’s right for you and your pet.

Sources

Is it the law to have third party liability insurance for your dog? - Vet Help Direct

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991