Animal owner liability: when it pays for damage caused by your animal

As the owner of an animal you are liable for the damage it causes, and in principle regardless of fault (strict liability). For dogs and horses, animal owner liability insurance is therefore especially important. It settles justified claims and fends off unjustified ones.

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Your chances of getting your money back

As an animal owner you are in principle liable for damage caused by your animal even without your own fault (§ 833 BGB). Animal owner liability insurance covers this liability, for dogs and horses it is even mandatory in some states.

The insurer checks justified claims, settles them and fends off unjustified claims at its own expense. So you do not have to assess losses yourself.

What you should do now

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1. Document the loss
Record what happened (photos, sequence of events, witnesses) and what damage arose.
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2. Do not admit fault
Do not admit liability to the injured party and do not pay anything in advance, the insurer takes care of that.
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3. Report to the insurer
Report the loss promptly to your animal owner liability insurer and submit the documents.
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4. Leave the settlement to them
Let the insurer review and settle; it fends off excessive claims for you.

How to spot the scam

Immediate cash payment 'without insurance' is demanded.
You are asked to sign an acknowledgment of fault.
The claimed amount of damage seems inflated.

Frequently asked questions

Am I always liable for damage caused by my animal?

For animals that are not equivalent to domestic and farm animals used for a profession, you as the owner are in principle liable regardless of fault (§ 833 BGB). That is why animal owner liability insurance for dogs and horses is especially important, in some cases even legally required.

What does animal owner liability insurance cover?

Justified damage claims that your animal causes to others, personal injury, property damage and certain financial losses, up to the sum insured. Unjustified claims it fends off for you.

What do I do after an incident?

Document the sequence of events, do not admit fault, do not pay anything in advance and report the loss to the insurer promptly. The assessment and settlement is then done by the animal owner liability insurance.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.