California Ranks No. 1 For Dog Bites: Report

CALIFORNIA — Dog bites are costing California residents nearly $135,900,066 a year — more than any other state in the U.S., according to a new report.

The findings from QuoteWizard used data sourced by the Insurance Information Institute to analyze where people might have to pay more insurance coverage because of their dog.

California, Florida and Texas have the highest number of dog bite claims.

Analysts found that depending on the location, a dog's size, or breed, insurance rates can vary. The larger the dog, the more you can expect to pay. Some breeds such as pit bulls could lead to higher policy rates.

"Our team of analysts found that could have big consequences for dog owners, who may now have to either pay more or lose coverage because of their dog," according to QuoteWizard.

"State Farm, Allstate and USAA tend to be more lenient with pit bull ownership if you can show your pittie has a history of good behavior."

Pitbulls have a reputation for being misunderstood. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals describes the history of pit bulls and how the breed has evolved, and how behavior is based on each individual dog, not the entire breed.

"If your dog bites someone, your homeowners insurance liability coverage usually covers it," QuoteWizard said. "However, large dog breeds, which home insurance providers consider pit bulls to be, are capable of causing more damage than their smaller kin. As such, home insurance companies often raise rates for homes with a pit bull in them. In some cases, they may completely deny coverage if you have a pit bull."

Here are some of the key findings for California:

• Dog bite claims cost $135,900,066 in 2020.
• The average cost of a dog bite claim is $64,622.
• Dog bite costs have risen 26% since 2019.
• In 2020, 2,103 claims were filed in the Golden State.

See QuoteWizard's full report on the rising cost of dog bites.