State Farm Insurance shares dog bite claim info - and tips to avoid getting bit in the first place

Many insurance companies won’t provide homeowner’s insurance if you own a pit bull. This is our scary pit bull. Run, before she kisses you with her poop breath.

May 15-21 is National Dog Bite Week, and in preparation State Farm has released information about dog bite claims, along with some information on how to avoid getting bit in the first place.

According to the press release, “State Farm paid more than $ 90 million as a result of the nearly 3,500 dog bite claims in 2010.” California topped the list, with 369 claims totaling an estimated $ 11.3 million. New York landed at #9, with 119 claims totaling an estimated $ 4.3 million.

The Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates that in 2009, insurers across the country paid more than $ 412 million in dog bite claims.

Here is some more info, from the press release:

A dog’s tendency to bite depends on such factors as heredity, obedience training, socialization, health, and the victim’s behavior. There are good dogs and bad dogs within every breed, just as there can be responsible and irresponsible owners of each breed. State Farm does not refuse insurance based on the breed of dog a customer owns* but does require policyholders to answer questions about their dogs’ history on a homeowner insurance application.

(* The state of Ohio has determined that the pit bull meets the definition of a “vicious dog”. As a result, the owners of pit bulls or any American Staffordshire terrier mix are subject to specific requirements to protect the public from injury by these animals. State Farm does not provide coverage under its homeowner’s policy in the state for this breed of dog.)

Children are frequent victims of dog bites. In fact, 60 percent of all dog bite victims are children under the age of 12. Tragically, of the 33 dog bites that resulted in death last year, 20 of these fatalities were young children.  

In addition to stressing responsible pet ownership, State Farm encourages responsible behavior and caution around dogs, including family pets.  Under the right circumstances, any dog might bite.

• NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.


• Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.


• Start teaching young children — including toddlers — to be careful around pets.


• Children must be taught NOT to approach strange dogs.


• Always ask permission from a dog’s owner before petting any dog.

For more information about dog bite prevention, visit the State Farm Learning Center or the American Veterinary Medical Association.