Geico is one of the biggest homeowners insurance and umbrella policy providers across Illinois. While homeowners insurance may protect you in the event of a dog bite on someone else’s property, a personal umbrella policy can protect you no matter where the incident occurs. This means if you are out in public and a dog bites, the dog owner’s umbrella policy may cover your medical expenses and other personal injury damages.
Unfortunately, getting Geico to pay out fairly in your claim could be more difficult than you thought. Thankfully, when you hire an Illinois dog bite attorney to advocate for your rights, you can show Geico insurance representatives how seriously you’re taking your case and avoid being taken advantage of during this difficult time.
Does Geico Cover Every Dog Breed In the Event of an Attack?
Geico does not expressly state that they exclude specific breeds of dog in their umbrella policies, homeowners insurance policies, renters insurance policies, and other types of insurance coverage. However, that does not mean that the dog owner’s policy does not exclude a specific dog breed. Some of the most common types of dog breeds insurance companies refuse to cover include:
- Staffordshire terriers
- Akitas
- Siberian Huskies
- Alaskan malamutes
- Rottweilers
- Wolf breeds
- Presa canarios
- Chow chows
- Pit bulls
- Doberman pinscher
- Great Danes
- German shepherds
It is always possible that the dog’s owner thought they were protecting themselves by purchasing insurance coverage, only to find out that their dog breed is excluded. For this reason, you may not be able to rely on an insurance settlement alone after suffering severe dog bite injuries.
What to Expect From Your Geico Dog Bite Claim
Dog owners can purchase millions of dollars in insurance policies. With so many insurance options available, there isn’t much reason for a dog owner to skip out on insurance for their animal’s behavior. Some policies offer up to $5 million in coverage for medical expenses and personal property damages.
However, many homeowners insurance and umbrella policies do not cover any other type of loss. This means even if you receive a payout from Geico, you could still have remaining losses the insurance company will not take care of.
You should also expect Geico to fight back when you file a claim. This is a for-profit insurance company that makes money by bringing in a substantial amount of premiums and paying out as little as possible when claimants file claims. Insurance adjusters will look for any reason to reduce your settlement or deny your claim altogether.
Having your dog bite lawyer negotiate your claim and recognize unscrupulous conduct may be the best way to protect yourself when dealing with the insurance company.
Are Dog Bite Claims Filed With Geico Often?
It is difficult to say how often claims are filed with Geico for dog bites. Several of Geico’s insurance offerings are designed to protect dog owners. This means the number of claims filed with Geico could be greater than the public might expect.
There is no data readily available online that describes how often dog bite claims are filed against Geico. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 4 million dog bites annually, which means the number of victims filing insurance claims could be well into the millions.
What Happens if Geico Refuses to Settle Your Claim
Do not be surprised if Geico refuses to settle your claim. Remember, they make money by paying out as little as they can get away with. The good news is that even if your Geico insurance settlement does not fully cover your losses, you have other options. Your attorney will ensure Geico is held accountable for their financial obligations. Any remaining damages can be sought through a dog bite lawsuit in Illinois civil courts.
Get Help From a Dog Bite Lawyer in Illinois Today
When the dog’s owner has an active umbrella policy or homeowners insurance coverage in place, you can file a claim with Geico to access compensation for certain types in the bounce of damages. Although you may be limited in the amount you can recover through Geico’s insurance claim, you also have the right to recover your damages by filing a lawsuit in civil court.
Your dedicated Illinois dog bite lawyer at 844 See Mike can help you explore your legal options further. Contact our legal team for a free, no-obligation consultation today to get help negotiating with Geico insurance adjusters and maximize your financial compensation.
