August 29, 2025, 2:57 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Even the most well-behaved dog can unintentionally cause damage–with costly consequences for the owner. Those looking to protect themselves from financial risks should consider taking out dog liability insurance. In some states, it is even legally required. But who benefits most from this protection–and what should a good policy cover?
Overview
Who Benefits Most from Dog Liability Insurance
It is often said that dog liability insurance is especially recommended for young, energetic dogs. However, theoretically, every dog owner should take out liability insurance for their pet. Even well-trained animals can suddenly react and injure people or damage property–especially if they leave their familiar surroundings unsupervised.
If a dog panics, breaks free, and causes a traffic accident, the owner is liable with their entire personal assets. According to experience, damage amounts can range from about 1,000 euros to 50,000 euros or more. Dog liability insurance protects in such cases–and at comparatively low premiums. 1
In Which States Dog Liability Insurance Is Mandatory
In some states, taking out dog liability insurance is legally required. These include (as of August 2025):
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- Lower Saxony
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Thuringia
Other states require insurance only for certain dog breeds–usually so-called list dogs like Bull Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, or American Staffordshire Terriers. The specific breeds affected vary by state. Some states also mandate coverage amounts. In North Rhine-Westphalia, coverage for personal injuries must be at least 500,000 euros and for property and financial damages at least 250,000 euros. 2
What Dog Liability Insurance Should Cover
Even if you don’t expect your dog to cause damage, a good dog liability insurance covers a wide range of potential damage scenarios. Especially for young dogs, protection is worthwhile from the start.
Common policies typically include coverage for:
- Personal injuries, such as when treatment costs or compensation must be paid after a bite
- Property damage, e.g., to clothing or third-party items
- Financial losses, e.g., due to loss of earnings after an injury
- Compensation payments to third parties
- Rental damage caused by the dog in a rented apartment
- Consequences of unwanted mating
- Defense against unjustified claims through legal assistance
What details should be covered depends on the dog’s character and behavior as well as personal protection preferences.
Costs and Duration: What Dog Owners Can Expect
The costs for dog liability insurance vary significantly depending on the provider and scope of coverage. Basic protection is available from about 50 euros per year. Many policies have a minimum contract term of one year, but the term can often be extended to cover the dog’s entire life.
In the event of damage, insurance coverage can be worthwhile after just one incident. Coverage amounts of up to 100 million euros are common, with a deductible of around 150 euros per claim. Many insurers also offer online calculators to quickly and clearly compare suitable rates.
When Dog Liability Insurance Doesn’t Pay: Limits of Coverage
Despite comprehensive protection, dog liability insurance does not cover every damage. Essentially, self-inflicted damages–those to the owner’s property or to insured persons in the household–are excluded from coverage. If, for example, the owner’s smartphone is damaged by the dog or the owner is injured while playing, the insurance does not apply. Intentional damages, damages to borrowed items, and fines or penalties are also not covered.
Additionally, coverage may be denied for insured damages if the damage is not reported in a timely manner or if contractual obligations are violated, such as leash requirements despite known aggressive behavior of the dog. Therefore, it is important to read the insurance conditions carefully and report damages promptly. 3
Does Dog Liability Insurance Apply Abroad?
Those traveling with their dog should ensure that liability insurance also provides coverage abroad. The good news: Most policies include unlimited Europe-wide coverage. For travel outside Europe, coverage often applies for up to twelve months at a time.
Those planning longer or repeated stays abroad should check in advance whether extended international coverage is necessary. An insurance comparison shows which providers offer comprehensive protection outside Europe. Important: For travel within the EU, electronic identification (microchip) of the dog is mandatory–otherwise, there may be issues at the border. 4
Who Is Liable When the Dog Is Cared for by Others?
Whether it’s a walk with a neighbor or full-day care at a dog boarding facility–once the dog is in someone else’s care, the question of liability arises. According to § 833 BGB, the owner is still liable for all damages caused by the dog–even if they are not present.
Many dog liability insurance policies cover private dog sitters like friends or family members if they care for the dog free of charge. It’s important to check the policy conditions. Professional dog sitters, daycare centers, or boarding facilities usually need their own commercial liability insurance–many private policies exclude commercial care. Those who regularly have their dog cared for externally should ask the provider for proof of business liability to be covered in case of damage. 5
Recommendations from “Finanztip” for Selection
According to a recent comparison of dog liability insurance by the web portal “Finanztip” from 2025, many rates meet the recommended minimum criteria. Particularly affordable and recommended rates are offered by Barmenia Top-Schutz and Getsafe for dog breeds not classified as dangerous. Those looking to insure a list dog will find a particularly affordable option with tierversicherung.biz BIZPro. For owners of all dog breeds, the Haftpflichtkasse THV Einfach Komplett is a good choice–it also offers a ten percent discount for paperless contracts.
According to “Finanztip,” dog liability insurance is essential for every dog owner–even if it is not legally required everywhere. Damages caused by one’s own dog, whether in a rental apartment, in traffic, or in encounters with other people, can quickly become existentially threateningly expensive. All rates recommended by “Finanztip” exceed the legally required minimum benefits in states with mandatory insurance and thus provide sufficient protection there as well.
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How to Report a Claim Correctly–and Timely
If a claim occurs despite all precautions, a quick and complete claim report is crucial. Many insurers allow this conveniently online, by phone, or via email. Ideally, owners should report the incident immediately or within a few days, as late reports can lead to reduced or denied benefits.
Claim reports should include as precise information as possible: time, place, circumstances, parties involved, and a description of the damage. Photos, witness statements, or invoices can be helpful. In unclear cases, it is advisable to first contact the insurer by phone. Those who document well and act early ensure that the insurance pays smoothly in case of an emergency. 6
Conclusion: When Taking Out Insurance Really Pays Off
Whether mandatory or voluntary–taking out dog liability insurance is often worthwhile. While it does not cover damages to one’s own property, it does protect against existentially threatening claims from third parties in case of an emergency. This financial risk can be significantly reduced for as little as about four euros a month. Those who realistically assess their dog and choose the right coverage can be well protected with peace of mind.