Dog Bite Insurance Claims Settlement in Spain: What You Need to Know

The number of pets living in Spanish homes is constantly growing. So much so that lately, it is not uncommon to hear that there are already more animals than children in every family. In the world of pets, if we only consider dogs, the number is impressive. Currently, there are 9.5 million registered dogs in Spain, and the figure continues to grow day by day. If one of these dogs lives in your home, the article I’m sharing today is of interest to you.

The benefits of having a dog at home are evident: love, companionship, fun... but unfortunately, they can also bring inconvenience. And we are not just talking about chewing furniture or staining the carpet. We are also talking about serious problems like biting third parties. Today I want to talk to you about dog bite insurance claims settlement, a topic that interests all dog owners in general, but especially if your animal falls into the category called PPP in Spain.

Is my dog a PPP?

If we are talking about biting dogs and responsibilities to assume, it is important that you know if your dog is considered a PPP. In Spain, this acronym is short for perros potencialmente peligrosos, which translates as potentially dangerous dogs.

Among the potentially dangerous breeds, we find the Rottweiler, the Dogo Argentino, the American Pitbull Terrier, or the Doberman. This list of dangerous breeds is constantly updated based on their behavioral history and physical characteristics (weight, size, etc.).

Owners of these types of dogs need a specific license from their local Town Hall and are required to take their animal out with a leash and a muzzle when walking in public spaces.

What insurance should I have as a dog owner?

Thanks to the Animal Welfare Law, which is currently in force in Spain, all dog owners must have Civil Liability Insurance (Seguro de Responsabilidad Civil). This is because the animal's owner is considered responsible for the damage the animal may cause to third parties. This also includes damage caused by the animal when it gets lost or escapes.

The cost involved in having this insurance is truly worthwhile, in addition to being mandatory, as it will cover the medical expenses the dog may cause (this is the most common in bite cases), material damage (broken items, damaged clothing, etc.), or moral damage. The Civil Liability Insurance will cover these expenses, allowing the owner to walk their dog with the peace of mind of being covered in case of damage. If the mandatory insurance is not in place, the owner will assume the corresponding compensation with their own assets.

If you still do not have this insurance in Spain, or if you are considering changing your current insurance, I recommend you check out Caser MIMAscota's Dog liability insurance. This insurance is specially designed to comply with the Animal Welfare Law and adjusts to your needs, whether you have a dog considered PPP or not.

Imagine your dog causes a traffic accident, gets into a fight with another dog leaving it injured, or bites a child in the park. In unfortunate cases like these, you need to have good insurance that covers the compensation. Caser's insurance can cover damage caused by your dog up to €350,000 and also offers Legal Defence in case of claims and fines.

To find out all the details, you can visit the Caser website and choose the policy that best suits your current needs. And if you want to know how much it would cost you per month, you just have to visit the online rate calculator to calculate the price of your fee, which you can find at this link.

What to do if my dog bites someone: Steps to follow

No one wants to be in this situation, but when we go out with our animals, we must be prepared for all kinds of unforeseen events. A dog biting a stranger is something that can happen for various reasons: feeling endangered or scared, someone accidentally stepping on it, breaking free from the leash and chasing someone, etc. Below we will see the steps to follow after the unfortunate incident.

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2. 2. Exchange personal and contact information to facilitate the insurance process (name, phone number, and address). Demonstrate that the dog has its identification (mandatory chip) and that the rabies vaccine is up to date. If it is a PPP, have the license and municipal registration handy.
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4. 3. Regarding the insurance, have the Civil Liability Insurance policy and the insurer's contact number handy to file the claim.
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6. 4. Notify the insurance company as soon as possible; they will be responsible for managing the compensation for civil liability. The notification period is usually seven days.
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8. 5. As a general rule, the animal will undergo veterinary observation for about 14 days to ensure the animal is free of rabies, and the veterinarian will issue the observation certificate.
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10. 6. Eventually, the police or animal health authorities may request to inspect the animal and access all documentation. As in all previous steps, the collaboration of the animal's owner will be of extreme importance.

As you can see, your dog biting someone in the park or on the street can lead to a long and tedious process, especially in cases where the bite is significant and the victim decides to file a complaint.

Beyond bites, pets can also face other health issues or unexpected complications. That’s why Caser Expat Insurance offers dedicated plans designed to keep your furry friend always protected. Caser MIMAscota is the affordable dog insurance that takes care of your pet and allows you to access veterinary care without unnecessary financial strain.

I hope this article on the dog bite insurance claims settlement has been helpful, and that you now consider the great advantages of having good insurance that protects your dog and you against future incidents.