These 10 states had the most dog bite claims in 2021
In 2021, claims for dog bites and other dog-related injuries in the United States rose 2.2% from the previous year, according to a review of homeowners insurance data by the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and state farm.
In total, 2021 saw 17,989 dog bite claims nationwide, Triple-I reported, with a total of $881 million paid out. Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than a third of all dollars paid out for owners’ liability claims last year.
Although the number of incidents has increased, the average cost per claim saw a slight decrease (1.1%) in 2021, when the average claim for a dog bite was just over $40,000. In 2020, the average claim paid $50,245.
However, Triple-I noted that over the past decade, the average amount paid for a dog bite claim has increased by 39%. The increases seen over the past 10 years can be attributed to rising medical costs and the growing size of settlements awarded by judges and juries, according to Janet Ruiz, CPCU, AIM, director of strategic communications for Triple-I. From 2012 to 2021, the number of dog-related injury claims increased by 9%.
While the most dangerous dog breeds are often brought up in discussions about pets and claims, these discussions are myopic. Triple-I reports that the most dangerous types of dogs are “those that fall victim to human flaws, such as poor training, irresponsible owners, and breeding practices that promote naughtiness.”
The slideshow above details the states that had the highest volume and costs of dog-related injury claims in 2021, according to Triple-I and State Farm. Compiling the data, claims costs include dog bites as well as dogs running over children, the elderly and cyclists, which can lead to serious injuries, according to Triple-I.
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