The dog's owner has no insurance. What now?
"They don't have insurance" is often wrong, and is sometimes something the owner believes but has not checked.
- Renters have liability coverage too.
People routinely say they have no insurance because they do not own the home. Renters policies carry the same personal liability coverage as homeowners policies. If the owner rents and has any renters policy at all, it is worth asking.
- The bite does not have to happen at home.
Personal liability coverage generally follows the policyholder and their dog. A bite on a sidewalk, in a park, or at someone else's house is commonly still within the owner's policy.
- A landlord is sometimes liable separately.
Where a landlord knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and had the ability to remove it or require its removal and did nothing, the landlord may have separate exposure under their own policy. This depends heavily on state law and on what the landlord actually knew.
- Breed exclusions are the most common gap.
Many insurers exclude specific breeds or refuse to insure dogs with a documented bite history. In that situation a policy exists but does not respond to this loss. The owner may not know this until they report the claim.
- If there really is no coverage.
A judgment against someone with no assets and no insurance is often uncollectible, and it is worth knowing that before spending months on a claim. Health insurance, and in some states a victim compensation programme, may still cover treatment. This is an honest place to stop rather than an obstacle to push through.
Before concluding anything, check what your state actually requires you to prove — some states make it far easier than others. Look up your state →
Last reviewed August 2026