Secure Your Pet Dog with Home Insurance

Posted on: Oct 5, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Secure Your Pet Dog with Home Insurance

They say if you want unconditional love, bring a dog home. It's a sweet experience to come home to a furry friend or go on hikes to watch picturesque views. You create a million memories together. That's why the experience of losing a beloved pet dog is profound and heart-wrenching. They leave their indelible pawprints on our lives. But do you know that under your home insurance cover, the pet dogs staying in the insured property are insured against death caused either by accident or ailment? Let's explore the features of a home insurance India policy's dog cover.

Understanding Home Insurance Coverage for Pet Dogs

Home insurance, as you know, protects your house against any damage or loss caused by unforeseen events like fire, theft, or natural or man-made calamities. But did you know that the same home insurance also covers your pets? Yes, the good news is that the liability coverage on your home insurance policy protects you against any dog-related liabilities. This means if your pet dog attacks someone or damages their property, your home insurance policy will cover the liability-related claims. However, there are specific dog breeds which are not covered. Also, if your dog has a bite history, the insurer may deny your claim. So, when you are buying home insurance, check the coverage for pets.

Specifics of Pet Dog Coverage

1. If your pet dog dies in any accident or ailment, the insurer will provide a lump sum amount to the owner. However, it is mandatory to submit a medical certificate of the pet dog from a qualified veterinary doctor.

2. Your pet dog insurance covers any damage caused to third-party property by your canine companion. The insurer will cover the expenses for repairing the property in addition to any legal liability claims.

3. If your pet dog bites or injures a guest in your home or if you take your pet along to a friend's house and the dog injures or damages their property, your home insurance policy will cover the damages. Your insurer will pay for the medical expenses if the person needs hospitalisation due to the injuries.

4. If a third party sues you for causing damage to his/her property by your dog, your insurer will protect you against the liability.

Remember to inform your insurance company about your pet and get it included in the home insurance policy. If your insurance provider is not aware that you have a dog and you file a claim, the insurer may reject your claim.

Benefits of Including Your Pet Dog in Home Insurance

1. With veterinary expenses on the rise, insurance provides financial protection in case of any unexpected medical expenditures. Some policies may cover your pet dog's routine check-ups, surgery, and hospitalisation.

2. You can get quality healthcare for your pet dog by choosing the best veterinary doctor of your choice without worrying about the medical bills.

3. Covers third-party liabilities if your pet dog injures someone else or damages their property.

4. Some policies have no waiting periods, so your pet can be covered from the day it is included in such a policy.

5. If your pet dog gets stolen or lost, the insurer will reimburse the cost of putting up advertisements and rewarding anyone giving information about the lost pet.

Pet dog insurance will ensure you get the best treatment and healthcare for your furry friend.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

1. My pet is young and healthy, so I don't need insurance.

This is one of the most common myths about pet dog insurance. We cannot predict when an accident can happen or when your pet dog needs an emergency hospitalisation or treatment. In fact, when dogs get old, they get affected with severe illnesses and diseases. If you don't have pet dog insurance, the expenses can be a huge financial burden on you. Secondly, many insurers will not provide coverage for dogs over a specific age. Third, the premiums to cover older dogs can be significantly high.

2. Pet insurance is expensive and not worth the money.

Until a medical emergency strikes, many people feel this way. But unexpected vet bills can burn a hole in your pocket because of the expensive treatments. And if you cannot afford the treatment for your pet, it can be heartbreaking.

3. It's difficult to get claims approved.

This is not true. If your claim is for an incident covered in the policy and if you have provided all the necessary documentation, the claims processing doesn't take time. It gets approved without any hassles. However, if you are not aware of the inclusions and exclusions of your policy and file a claim for an expense not covered by your plan, it will obviously lead to claim rejection.

4. Insurance will cover all medical expenses.

Just like any other insurance, pet dog insurance also comes with certain exclusions. Read the policy document carefully to understand what is covered and the exclusions and limitations. For instance, some insurers may not cover pre-existing diseases that your pet dog may be suffering from, cosmetic treatments, or vaccinations.

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to inform the insurance provider that I have a pet dog?

It is a must to honestly inform the insurance provider that you have a pet dog and the breed. Based on the breed, age, and medical condition, the insurer will decide whether to include your pet in your home insurance policy and the home insurance premium for covering your dog. If you don't cover your pet dog, the insurer will reject your pet-related claims.

2. Do I need to add my pet dog to my home insurance?

Yes, you should add your pet dog to your home insurance; otherwise, any claim you raise relating to your pet will be rejected.

3. Will my home insurance cover all dog breeds?

No, home insurance policies do not cover all dog breeds. Certain breeds, like Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Chow Chow, etc., are not covered. But this may vary from one insurance company to another, so it's better to check with your insurer. Some insurers may cover restricted dog breeds with an extra premium.

Conclusion

Our pet dogs need as much care and attention as we do. They can be vulnerable to diseases or may require hospitalisation due to an accident. During any such emergencies, paying for the veterinary expenses can stress you out, but you cannot afford to neglect your furry friend in difficult times. Hence, it's important to cover your pet dog in your home insurance policy to provide the best medical treatment without worrying about the vet expenses.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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