Dog Training Insurance Explained

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Posted Oct 16, 2024

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Dog training insurance is a specialized policy designed to protect dog trainers and owners in case of accidents or injuries. It's a vital investment for anyone in the dog training industry.

Most dog training insurance policies cover liability, which means they'll help pay for damages or medical expenses if your dog accidentally hurts someone or causes property damage. This can include dog bites, slips, and falls.

Accidents can happen even with the most well-trained dogs, and having insurance can give you peace of mind. Many policies also offer additional coverage for equipment, vehicles, and business interruption.

The cost of dog training insurance varies depending on factors such as the type of training, location, and number of dogs involved.

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Types of Coverage

Pet training insurance can be customized to fit your business needs, with options like general liability, workers' compensation, and commercial property coverage.

Most pet insurance plans for individuals won't cover an animal's pre-existing conditions, but some companies like ASPCA, Embrace, FIGO, Nationwide, Pets Best, and PetPlan do offer behavioral therapy coverage as part of their accident and illness policies.

You can also add a wellness rider to your pet insurance policy for an extra $20 a month, which can include coverage for therapy, routine checkups, and preventive care like vaccinations.

What Coverage Do I Need?

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As a dog trainer, you want to make sure you have the right insurance coverage to protect your business and clients. Most pet insurance plans won't cover an animal's pre-existing conditions, so it's essential to understand what's covered and what's not.

If you're looking for pet insurance that covers behavioral therapy, you're in luck - several companies offer this coverage, including the ASPCA, Embrace, FIGO, Nationwide, Pets Best, and PetPlan. However, Healthy Paws and Trupanion only offer this coverage if you buy a wellness rider for an extra $20 a month.

If you're a business owner, you'll need to consider different types of insurance coverage. General liability insurance can help protect you if bodily injury or damage to someone else or their property occurs, while workers' compensation insurance can help protect your employees if they suffer a workplace injury or illness.

Here are some additional coverages to consider:

  • Workers' compensation insurance covers employees' medical costs and a portion of lost income if they suffer an injury or illness caused by their job.
  • Commercial property insurance will provide funds to replace or repair your business property if it is destroyed or damaged.
  • Inland marine insurance provides financial protection for your business property that does not remain at a fixed location and is not covered by a commercial property policy.

Specified All Risks

As a dog trainer, you'll want to consider Specified All Risks coverage for your mobile business. This type of insurance is particularly important if you have equipment that you take with you to different locations.

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Mobile businesses, like dog training, often require equipment to be taken away from the insured premises, which can be a risk. Specified All Risks coverage helps protect against accidental damage to this equipment.

Some examples of equipment that may be covered under Specified All Risks include grooming equipment, dryers, baths, and agility equipment. These are just a few examples, but the list can vary depending on your specific business needs.

If you're unsure about what types of equipment you need to insure, start by making a list of all the gear you take with you on the job. This will help you determine what coverage you need to protect your business.

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Cost and Pricing

Dog training insurance can be a vital investment for your business, but it can also be a bit pricey. You can expect to pay between $200 and $1,000 per year for this type of policy.

The cost of your policy depends on factors like your business location, the types of services you provide, and the level of coverage required for these services. For instance, if you only teach basic commands, your premiums may be lower than for someone who offers more specialized training services.

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Monthly premiums can vary, but you can expect to pay between $24 and $59 per month for General Liability insurance. This cost can go up or down depending on your policy's per occurrence limit, which ranges from $500,000 to $1 million, and your aggregate policy limit, which ranges from $500,000 to $2 million.

Some policies may also come with a deductible, but in the case of General Liability insurance, it's often $0. This means you won't have to pay anything out of pocket if you make a claim.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated monthly costs for General Liability insurance:

It's essential to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best possible value for your business.

Insurance Providers

Insurance providers offer a range of options for dog trainers, including Chubb, The Hartford, GEICO, State Farm, and more. These companies provide affordable trainer insurance, and it's a good idea to get quotes from multiple carriers to compare pricing options.

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Some insurance providers, like Chubb, offer specific products for dog trainers, including business owner's policies that combine general liability and property coverage. State Farm also offers customizable policies for small businesses with one to a few pet trainers.

If you're looking for pet therapy coverage, consider companies like ASPCA, Embrace, and FIGO, which include behavioral therapy in their accident and illness coverage. However, not all pet insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions, and some may require a waiting period before coverage kicks in.

Companies with Therapy Coverage

Some insurance providers offer pet therapy coverage, but it's not a standard inclusion in all policies.

ASPCA, Embrace, FIGO, Nationwide, Pets Best, and PetPlan all include behavioral therapy in their accident and illness coverage.

You'll need to check the specific policy details to see what's covered and what's not.

A few insurers, like PetFirst/MetLife and Trupanion, require you to add a wellness rider for an extra $20 a month to get therapy coverage.

Here's a quick rundown of which companies offer therapy coverage:

Keep in mind that most policies won't cover pre-existing conditions, so it's essential to disclose any existing issues when applying for insurance.

Top Providers

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State Farm is a good option for small dog training businesses with one to a few pet trainers, as they offer customizable policies to fit their needs.

Chubb is a global insurer that provides a wide range of insurance products tailored to the unique needs of dog trainers, including a business owner's policy combining general liability and property coverage.

Hiscox has been around for over a century and specializes in commercial coverages, making them a reliable partner for bigger dog training businesses or independent dog trainers.

You can also consider getting quotes from other well-known carriers in the pet care insurance industry, such as GEICO, Travelers, Thimble, biBERK, and SimplyBusiness.

Insurance Process

To get a quote for dog training business insurance, you can start an instant quote and answer some basic questions about your business and operations. This will help create a customized insurance quote.

You can then adjust the package limits to fit your preferences and make your purchase. Your insurance will begin immediately after payment, and you'll have access to your certificate of insurance.

To pay premiums, add an additional insured, or file a claim, you can use the self-service tools provided by the insurance company.

Getting a Quote

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To get a quote for pet training business insurance, start an instant quote, and answer some basic questions about your business and operations.

The questions will be used to create a customized insurance quote, tailored to your specific needs.

You can adjust the package limits to fit your preferences and make your purchase if you like what you see.

Your insurance will begin immediately after payment, and you'll have access to your certificate of insurance.

You can also use the self-service tools to pay premiums, add an additional insured, and file claims.

Keep in mind that coverage and discount availability may vary, and not all applicants may qualify.

This is because applicants are individually underwritten, and individual rates and savings vary.

Policy documents govern, so be sure to review them carefully.

Bailee's

Bailee's insurance is a type of coverage that protects you from financial losses if a pet is injured or lost while in your care. This is especially important for dog trainers who work with dogs while their owners are not present.

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If a pet is injured or lost, Bailee's coverage can step in to cover customer losses. This coverage is sometimes added to a general liability policy by endorsement, or it's available separately.

Bailee's insurance can pay for medical costs if a dog is injured, such as when it slips its leash and runs into oncoming traffic. This type of situation is unpredictable and can happen even if you're very careful.

Here are some scenarios where Bailee's insurance would be beneficial:

  • You are out training a dog when it is scared by a loud noise, slips its leash, and runs into oncoming traffic.

This type of coverage is essential for dog trainers to have, as it provides financial protection in case of unexpected events.

Risks and Liability

Dealing with aggressive or disobedient pets is a major risk for dog trainers, which can lead to serious bodily injury to both people and other animals.

As a dog trainer, you're also responsible for the safety of the dogs in your care, which can get injured or ill, resulting in veterinary bills or other associated costs.

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Bodily injury and property damage are just two of the many risks that come with running a dog training business, and having the right insurance can help mitigate these risks.

Here are some potential liabilities to consider:

  • Custodial Responsibility for animals in your care, which offers cover in respect of costs and expenses incurred in defending or settling any claim for negligence made against you.
  • No cover against loss from an unattended vehicle unless the vehicle is securely locked and alarm systems are activated.

Lawsuits and legal fees are another risk that dog trainers face, particularly if they're accused of animal cruelty or neglect.

General Liability Costs

General liability insurance is a must-have for dog trainers, and the costs can vary depending on your policy. You can expect to pay between $24 and $28 per month for this type of insurance.

The per occurrence limit, which is the maximum amount of money you'll receive after a claim is approved, can range from $500,000 to $1 million. The aggregate policy limit, which is the total amount of money your policy will cover over a year, can range from $500,000 to $2 million.

One of the benefits of general liability insurance is that it often comes with a $0 deductible, meaning you won't have to pay anything out of pocket if you make a claim.

Here are some estimated monthly costs for general liability insurance:

Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on your specific business needs and circumstances.

Loss by Theft or Straying

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Loss by Theft or Straying can be a stressful experience for pet owners. You'll be pleased to know that your insurance policy has got you covered.

If your pet goes missing and despite all efforts to recover it, it's not found, you'll be paid the purchase price or market value, whichever is lower, up to the maximum benefit shown on your Schedule of Insurance.

For those who participate in dog clubs and societies, this coverage only applies while the animal is being used for club activities. This is an important consideration for pet owners who are also active in their local dog community.

One silver lining is that no excess applies to this type of claim. This means you won't have to pay any additional fees on top of your policy's maximum benefit.

Animals in Transit

As a business owner, you're likely aware of the risks involved in transporting animals. Animals in Transit cover is available as a separate item for most plans, with a maximum benefit of £2,000.

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This type of cover can provide financial protection against costs incurred due to injury to an animal being transported in connection with your business.

You'll need to pay an excess of £50 for each and every claim, as stated on your Schedule of Insurance.

This excess applies to each claim, so it's essential to factor it into your overall insurance costs.

If you're interested in purchasing Animals in Transit cover, be sure to check your policy schedule to understand the specific terms and conditions.

Natasha Daniel

Senior Copy Editor

Natasha Daniel is a detail-oriented and passionate copy editor with a keen eye for language and a love for animals. With a background in linguistics and a lifelong passion for dogs, Natasha has honed her skills in crafting engaging and accurate content for pet enthusiasts. As a seasoned editor, Natasha has had the pleasure of working on a diverse range of topics, including articles about the beloved Boston Terrier breed, the broader world of Terriers, and the unique characteristics of dog breeds originating in the United States.