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NEW YORK, May 6, 2002 - Man's best friend is sinking its teeth into your homeowners insurance policy. Dog bites now account for one-third of all homeowner's insurance liability claims, costing roughly $310 million, according to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually, resulting in an estimated 800,000 injuries, fifty percent of which are children under the age of 18. During 1979-1998, (the most recent numbers available), dog attacks killed more than 300 Americans. With 70 percent of the bites occurring on the dog owner's property, there clearly is a greater need for training.

In recognition of National Dog Bite Prevention Week (May 19-25), the I.I.I. wants dog owners to understand their potential liability and offers tips on what they can do to prevent their dog from biting.

DOG OWNER'S LIABILITY

Any dog can hurt someone. Even normally docile dogs may bite when they are frightened or when protecting their puppies, owners or food.

Under most state laws, if your dog bites someone, you are responsible for the expenses and damages. Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability, according to the I.I.I. Most policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. If the claim is under your limit, your policy will pay. If it exceeds your limit, you are responsible for all damages above that amount, including legal expenses.

Most insurance companies insure homeowners with dogs. However, once your dog has bitten someone, it poses an increased risk. In that instance, the insurance company may suggest the homeowner find the dog a new home, charge a higher premium, non-renew the homeowner's insurance policy or exclude the dog from the coverage.

The I.I.I. also warns against getting a dog for the purpose of guarding your home. Deadbolt locks and home security systems are good burglary deterrents and often will get you a discount on your insurance premium.

PREVENTING BITES

The most dangerous dogs are those that are victim to human shortcomings: poor training, irresponsible ownership and breeding practices that foster viciousness. To reduce the chances of your dog biting, the I.I.I. recommends the following steps:

• Have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that dogs are three times more likely to bite if they are NOT neutered.
• Socialize your dog so that it knows how to act with other people and animals.
• Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
• Play non-aggressive games with your dog such as "go fetch." Playing aggressive games
  like "tug-of-war" can encourage inappropriate behavior.
• Avoid exposing your dog to situations in which you are unsure what the dog's response
  will be.
• Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.
  The responsibility for a dog becoming either a menace to society or a loving member of the family rests with the owner.

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit communications organization sponsored by the property/casualty insurance industry.