Third-party liability for dogs

What is third-party liability insurance for dogs?

Taking out insurance for your pet isn’t only there for vet bills. A good dog insurance policy will cover things like third-party liability too. This means you’re financially protected if your dog injures another person or pet, or somebody pursues legal action against you for something your dog’s done.

Even if your dog isn’t aggressive, it can still prove useful. For example, your dog might damage someone else’s property, albeit by accident. Or they might run into the road and cause a traffic accident in which someone gets injured. In these cases, having third-party liability cover can protect you from potentially costly consequences.

Is third-party liability insurance a legal requirement?

If your dog is considered to be dangerous under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, then you do need to take out third-party liability cover. Otherwise it’s optional, although certainly useful. And renters with dogs are sometimes required to have this cover in place as a term of their tenancy agreement.

Does Agria cover third-party liability for dogs?

Absolutely. Our lifetime policy will cover you for up to £3 million. So you’re covered if your dog injures a third party, or someone makes a claim or takes legal action against your dog.

Do I need third-party liability insurance for my dog?

Even the best-trained and well-behaved dogs can sometimes behave unpredictably. A sudden loud noise or an unfamiliar animal could potentially lead to situations where your dog causes unintentional harm. Third-party liability insurance gives dog owners a financial safety net from legal proceedings which might result.

As mentioned, it’s not just biting someone that could lead to legal action against your dog. They could run into someone while off-lead and knock them over. Or accidentally break another person’s property. There are numerous scenarios where your dog’s actions could lead to legal – and therefore financial – consequences.

Third-party liability cover gives you an extra layer of protection, and could cover costs up to the policy limit for both legal fees and damages.

What’s not usually covered?

Third-party liability insurance does not usually cover:

●       Damage to your own property or family members

●       Incidents that happen when someone else is responsible for the dog (unless specified)

●       Claims arising from unlawful or irresponsible behaviour (for example, not following leash laws)

Exclusions and limits vary between insurers, so it’s always important to read the fine print.

Am I covered overseas?

With an Agria policy, you’re covered for up to 120 days on holiday with your dog in the European Union.

The same exclusions will apply as in the UK. In addition, your third-party liability insurance will not cover injury to anybody who’s on holiday with you, or damage to their property.

Do I need to pay an excess towards a third-party liability claim?

Yes, with an Agria policy, you’ll need to pay the first £250 towards a claim.

Are all dogs covered?

Our third-party liability cover does not extend to the following breeds: African Boerboel, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, American Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, American Bully (including XL Bully), American Pitbull Terrier, Bully Kutta, Cane Corso, Caucasian Shepherd, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Perro De Presa Canario (Canary Dog), Saarloos Wolfdog, Thai Ridgeback, any wolf hybrid and any cross with the preceding breeds.

Find out more about the Dangerous Dogs Act.

If you’re worried about your dog’s behaviour, check out our guides to dogs showing aggressive behaviour towards humans, and dealing with fear in dogs.