The cost of dog bite and injury claims increased by double digits in 2022 [Boss Insurance]

Last year saw a 2.2% decline in the number of dog-related injury claims nationwide, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

However, the cost of such claims in 2022 increased 28% from the previous year, Triple-I reported. The average cost, per claim, increased 32% year over year to $64,555. The total cost of dog bite and dog-related injury claims reached $1.3 billion in 2022.

The slideshow above details the 10 states with the most dog bite claims and the highest related claim costs, according to Triple-I estimates. The states on the list account for more than half of dog bite and related claims and claim costs seen in the United States.

According to Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications at Triple-I, the decline in these claims shows progress has been made in educating dog owners about responsible pet ownership.

“Educating dog owners to be responsible will reduce dog-related injuries because, under the right circumstances, any dog ​​could bite,” Ruiz said in a statement.

To that end, the Triple-I offers the following tips to help dog owners reduce the risk of a biting incident or other act of aggression:

• Know your dog’s aggression triggers.
• Keep your dog safe at home if he constantly overreacts to visitors.
• Start your dog’s training sessions early.

Pedestrians and others encountering unfamiliar dogs should:

• Never approach a dog that is barking, growling or afraid
• Ask permission from the dog’s guardian before petting his dog
• Avoid leaving children 10 and under alone with a dog

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