New York’s New Pet Liability Ruling: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

New York’s New Pet Liability Ruling

Owning a pet just got a little more serious in New York, thanks to a groundbreaking decision by the state’s highest court. If you’re a pet owner, you might want to pay attention, because the rules about who’s responsible when something goes wrong have changed in a big way. The New York Court of Appeals recently decided that pet owners can now be held liable for injuries caused by their animals—not just under the long-standing “strict liability” rules, but also for negligence. What does that mean for you? It means…

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No More Fine Print! Inside Florida’s Push for Honest Pet Insurance

Florida's Pet Insurance

Florida’s New Pet Insurance Law Seeks to Protect Pet Owners and Their Pockets Florida’s furry friends just got a boost of support, and their humans might be breathing a sigh of financial relief, too. Starting January 1, 2025, a new state law establishes a regulatory framework for pet insurance, bringing long-awaited transparency and rules to a fast-growing sector. It’s not often lawmakers agree with such enthusiasm, but this bill passed both the House and Senate without a single dissenting vote. If you’ve got a tail-wagging buddy or a purring companion,…

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State Farm Reports Dog Bite Claims Hit $1.57 Billion in 2024: What’s Behind the Spike

Dog bite claims

For those of us who share our lives with dogs, they’re more than pets; they’re family. But with that wagging tail and soulful gaze comes a responsibility we often don’t think about until things go sideways. According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm, U.S. insurers shelled out an eye-watering $1.57 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2024. Yes, billion—with a “B.” That’s a nearly 19% increase in the number of claims from 2023, and a staggering 48% rise over the past decade. What’s driving this trend, and…

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Is Your Pet Safe on Vacation? What You Need to Know About Travel Insurance

Pet Travel Insurance

Traveling with My Dog and Pet Travel Insurance: What I Found Hi there, fellow pet lover! If you’re anything like me, your dog isn’t just a pet; they’re your adventure buddy, your family, and probably the star of your camera roll. I’m a proud dog mom with an itch for travel. Whether it’s exploring a new city or taking a road trip to nowhere, I always wished there was an easier way to combine my two great loves without compromising my pup’s safety (or my peace of mind). That itch…

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Pet Insurance Fraud in the US: A Growing Problem Impacting Policyholders and Pets

Pet Insurance Fraud

Pet insurance, once a trusted safety net for unexpected vet bills, is now facing an unsettling challenge in the United States. Fraud within the industry is on the rise, and its implications stretch far beyond the perpetrators and insurers. With insurance fraud costing Americans $308.6 billion annually—that’s $932 for every single person in the US each year—we’re not talking about pocket change. Fraudulent pet insurance claims, in particular, are compounding industry challenges and hitting honest pet owners where it hurts most—in their wallets and their trust. From exaggerated claims to…

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Connecticut’s Proposed Dog Breed Insurance Bill Sparks Debate

Dog Breed Insurance Bill

Lawmakers in Connecticut are pushing for a new bill that could change how insurance companies treat homeowners and renters with dogs. This legislation seeks to address a long-standing concern among dog owners—discrimination based on their pet’s breed. If passed, the law would prohibit insurance companies from penalizing policyholders or altering premiums solely because of the breed of dog on the property. It also includes protections for service animals in training, offering a broader scope of fairness for dog owners across the state. Breaking Down the Proposed Insurance Bill The bill,…

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This Insurance Law Could Keep Pets Out of Shelters and in Loving Homes

Insurance law for pets in rental homes

Hawaii’s Bold Move to Protect Pet Owners Hawaii is taking a significant step toward addressing the challenges pet owners face in securing rental housing. Senate Bill 416, currently making its way through the state legislature, seeks to prohibit landlords from banning pets in rental properties. The bill offers a compromise by requiring tenants to carry liability insurance to cover any damages caused by their pets. This legislation could transform how renters and landlords coexist, not only in Hawaii but across the nation. What Does Senate Bill 416 Propose? Senate Bill…

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