Gotham Brokerage will help find the right NYC renters insurance policy for your needs
(Photo by Toronja Azul/Flikr Creative) Commons Sure, they look adorable, but small dogs like Chihuahuas can be biters. Make sure you know whether your renters insurance policy will cover your liability in case your dog has an off day.
You probably already know that your NYC renter’s insurance will cover certain things: your stolen laptop, the smoke and water damage from a kitchen fire, hurricane-related calamities. But when it comes to dogs, what, exactly, does your policy cover?
It might surprise you to learn that it isn’t necessarily the largest breeds that do the biting. That 5-pound Chihuahua could be more of a danger to your UPS guy than a 120-pound Rhodesian ridgeback. It’s the “poor little rich dog” effect, in which the purse-sized dogs get carried around and petted by so many strangers they can sometimes develop unusual aggression problems.
No matter what the size of your canine companion, wouldn’t it be nice to know your renter’s insurance would cover things like medical bills and attorney’s fees?
As it turns out, most policies will cover such unfortunate incidents. But there is a caveat that many dog-lovers will find annoying: If a breed is notorious for biting, most insurers will refuse to insure your liability. If you’re purchasing a new policy, be prepared for your agent to ask what breed of dog you have.
Nobody ever wants to think his or her dog is the problem, but your canine could certainly have a bad day. There were more than 3,600 dog bites reported in New York City in 2010, so it looks like plenty did have a bad day — not to mention the humans they bit.
Hedge your bets and get a policy that covers all eventualities, even dog bites.
At Gotham Brokerage, which has been in business for more than 50 years, we work with multiple insurers, so we can tailor our products for whatever your needs might be. You can feel confident with our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and you’ll feel peace of mind if you let us help find the right renter’s insurance policy for you — and your dog. Give us a call at 212-406-7300.
