Need Help on Insurance

[Cass]

Hi! I am new to this forum. Really got to it because I need advice and help with keeping my rott. Zac is five years old and a really nice rott. What has happened is my fault and I take full responsibility for it. My husband left for work one day in a hurry and left the gate open. We live in the country and it is a large farm gate. One of our children let Zac out and didn't notice that the gate was open. A neighbor lady was walking down the road and Zac went out along with our Aussie. I truely believe that he was saying "hello" to her (in his way) or wanting to play. He has never bitten anyone before. Anyway, it was a bite hello. She and her husband are making a federal case of it. He came screaming down to our house, I was on my way down to their house and got out of his truck and starting yelling "THERE'S GOING TO BE BIG TROUBLE". They called the dog warden and he came out, took down a report and came to see me. He said that the guy had calmed down and thought it would be ok. They quarantined Zac, which he checked out ok, had his shots and license. I paid $83.00 for my citation for letting Zac get out. We were adviced by the health dept to turn it over to our insurance company. Which we did. Well, the people filed a claim. I am expecting for our insurance to cancel us. Has anyone had this experience? Don't know where to turn for help. I want to keep my dog. Accidents do happen and I can't except that one mistake has caused all this. Can anyone give any advice on what I can do to keep Zac? Sorry this is so long.

[Judi W]

Actually, it was not the mistake, it was the bite. Your insurance company will pay the bill and then most likely put a restriction on your insurance that the dogs will not longer be covered. Any other insurance company will do the same - exclude the dogs. They cannot afford to insure where there is a dog with a bite history. Doesn't mean you can't get insurance, but it does mean that if you have another incidence your assets will be at risk. You need a yard for the dogs that does not have to have its gate opened for you to come and go. Padlocks on all gates should be a requirement.

[Cass]

Thanks Judy for your reply. Sounds reasonable.

[RottiMomCT]

I have State Farm coverage. I specifically asked our agent if they insure people/homes with bite incidents. he sad it depends on the incident/circumstances surrounding the bite, but yes, they will insure, but premiums will be higher.

Good luck...glad to hear everyone is OK except for the insurance policy :)

[Cass]

Thanks RottiMomCT for your reply also. I am so relived to hear that all is not lost. I was so afraid that I would be forced to get rid of Zac (which probably would mean putting him down). Also, was thinking about what Judy said about it not being an accident. I was really referring to the gate being left open and Zac getting out. It was not intentional. My definition of an accident is some that you didn't mean to happen. If you have a car accident, yes it's an wreak, but you still didn't mean it to happen and if you could change it you would. But THANKS to both of you, I really appreciate your sharing your knowledge.