You will need to provide your policy number, the date, time, and location of the incident, and a clear description of what occurred. Collect all relevant documents, including any police or incident reports, photographs of damage or injuries, receipts for immediate expenses, and contact information for everyone involved and any witnesses. Keep a dedicated file for all correspondence. The more organized and thorough your documentation, the smoother the claims process will be.

Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy, which typically includes liability coverage. The insurance company will handle the claim, but their goal is to pay as little as possible. They may try to deny the claim if the dog’s breed is excluded by the policy or if the incident occurred outside the covered property. An attorney can negotiate with the insurer to seek a full and fair settlement that covers all your damages.

Do not provide a statement or sign anything from the other party’s insurer without legal advice. Their goal is to minimize their payout, and your words can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Politely decline to give a statement and direct them to your own insurance company or attorney. You are not legally required to cooperate with them.