Third-Party Dog Insurance UK: Expert Comparison 2025
Find out everything you need to know about third-party dog insurance, including what it covers, when you need it, and the best policies to purchase.
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Imagine your dog accidentally injures someone or damages property—who’s responsible? As a dog owner, you are legally liable for your pet’s actions, and the costs of legal fees and compensation can quickly add up.
Third-party dog insurance offers peace of mind, covering you if your dog harms others. It’s essential for protecting yourself from hefty bills and potential legal trouble.
In this article, we explore what third-party dog insurance covers, why it's crucial for responsible pet ownership, and how it helps safeguard your finances in case of unexpected incidents.
Key takeaways
- Third-party liability insurance covers the costs of any damage or injury caused by your dog to other people, animals, or property.
- Third-party dog insurance also covers you for accidental injury—such as if your dog were to knock someone over.
- While not a legal requirement in the UK, pet damage insurance ensures responsible dog ownership, peace of mind, and financial protection.
- You can lower the cost of insurance by comparing providers, combining policies, and considering when it’s worth claiming.
What is third-party dog insurance?
Third-party liability insurance for dogs is a type of coverage that protects owners if their pets cause harm or damage to others or their property. This insurance usually covers situations such as if your dog bites someone, causes an accident, or damages another person’s belongings. It’s intended to help with legal costs, medical expenses, and compensation for injuries or damage caused by your dog, offering peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents.
When should I get third-party liability insurance for my dog?
Ideally, you’d purchase pet insurance as soon as you bring your dog home.
While it’s not a legal requirement, having a great pet insurance policy—particularly third-party liability insurance—can protect you financially from expensive vet bills and medical care, but also in the case of your dog harming someone or causing damage.
Third-party dog insurance is essential if:
- You have a breed that may be considered more prone to aggressive behaviour.
- Your dog is frequently in social situations, such as at parks.
- You live in a place where third-party liability insurance is required by law (though this isn’t the case in the UK).
What does third-party dog insurance cover?
Even if you don't expect any incidents, third-party pet damage insurance can cover you for the unexpected—such as if your dog jumps up excitedly and knocks someone over, causing injury. It typically covers:
- Vet bills or treatment costs for other animals if your dog bites or injures them.
- Damages to property, including repairs or replacement costs.
- Legal fees, in the case of being taken to court due to your dog’s behaviour.
- Medical expenses, such as if your dog causes any harm to someone through a bite, scratch, or other form of injury.
💡 While similar, pet insurance providers cover different things, so remember to check the specific terms of each policy.
What does third-party liability insurance for dogs not cover?
Of course, third-party dog insurance doesn’t cover certain expenses, so it’s crucial to read the exclusions and limitations of each policy. Generally, third-party liability insurance doesn’t cover:
- Injuries to you, your family, or other pets in your household,
- Damage to your property,
- Medical costs related to your dog's health or vet bills, including dental cover, if not part of a general pet insurance policy.
- Intentional acts or negligence, such as if the dog was provoked or if a disregard for safety protocols contributed to the incident.
- Pre-existing conditions, such as if the dog has a history of aggressive behaviour, or other issues that have influenced the incident.
- Certain breeds, such as those considered high-risk due to their temperament or size (more on this below).
Is third-party liability insurance for dogs mandatory?
Third-party dog insurance isn’t mandatory in the UK. However, it is a legal requirement for owners of certain breeds classified under the UK Dangerous Dogs Act, such as the Pit Bull Terrier and American XL Bully.
While ownership of these dogs is banned, some people are able to keep their dogs if they have a valid Certificate of Exemption. However, obtaining insurance for these dogs is difficult, and you’ll likely need to contact providers directly.
Third-party liability insurance isn’t mandatory for other breeds, though it is highly recommended to protect owners against unexpected incidents.
Benefits of third-party liability insurance for dogs
Financial security
Pet damage insurance covers the cost of legal fees, medical expenses, and compensation claims if your dog is involved in an incident, potentially saving you thousands of pounds.
Peace of mind
Knowing you’re covered for unexpected accidents can help reduce stress. Typically, policies cover you for incidents in public spaces or social situations, offering protection and allowing you to relax when out with your dog.
Protection against legal costs
If your dog injures someone or damages property, you could face expensive legal and compensation costs. Luckily, depending on the policy, third-party dog insurance usually offers high coverage limits, typically ranging from £1-3 million.
In addition, some insurance providers, such as Petplan, handle legal proceedings on your behalf, saving you time and stress.
Responsible pet ownership
Pet damage insurance is a smart choice and shows you’re a responsible dog owner. If the worst were to happen, you’ll know you’re protected and can compensate any other parties involved.
Is third-party dog liability insurance covered in all pet insurance policies?
Third-party liability cover is often included as standard with more comprehensive pet insurance policies, such as Lifetime policies. However, if you instead purchased a policy such as accident-only pet insurance, you could likely add it for an extra fee.
To ensure you have liability coverage, look for policies that include it specifically. Some pet insurers may offer it as a separate policy or an additional option for dog owners who want to protect themselves against potential financial liabilities.
How much is third-party liability insurance for dogs?
The cost of pet insurance depends largely on the type of policy you take out, the coverage limit you choose, your location, and your pet’s breed and age. Prices will also depend on whether you’re taking out third-party liability insurance only or if you’re adding it to a general pet insurance policy.
Depending on the level of coverage required, dog owners in the UK typically pay between £5 and £50 a month. It’s always best to compare policies to ensure you get the best deal.
Third-party liability insurance for dogs: policies compared
The following insurance quotes are for a medium-sized, cross-breed male dog aged 2 years. These prices also depend on the dog being neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and not showing any signs of pre-existing conditions or aggressive tendencies.
Perfect Pet – Lifetime | Sainsbury’s Bank – Lifetime | DogsTrust Companion club | Petplan – Covered for Life | Waggel – Lifetime | |
Premium* | £121.80/year or £10.15/month | £148.08/year or £12.34/month | £25/year | £383.40/year or £31.95/month | £79.32/year or £6.61/month OR £126/year or £10.50/month |
Vet bill coverage limit | Up to £4,000 per condition (unlimited conditions) | Up to £2,500 per year (no limit per condition) | N/A | Up to £4,000 | Up to £2,000 (no limit per condition) |
Vet fees excess | £90 per condition per policy year | £99 per condition per policy year | N/A | £85 per condition per policy year | £250 OR £100 per condition per year (depending on premium)* |
Third-party coverage limit | £2.5 million | £2 million | £1 million | £2 million | £2 million |
Third-party liability excess | £250 | £100 | £200 in the UK; £500 in the Republic of Ireland | £250 | £250 |
Extra benefits included at no extra cost | £1,000 if your dog is lost/stolen; £1,000 towards death by accident or illness; access to a vet advice line and bereavement counselling. | £1,500 if your dog is lost/stolen; £1,500 towards death by accident or illness; access to a vet advice line and bereavement counselling; 24hr claims service. | Access to 24-hour advice service; 25% discount on behaviour and training programmes; Canine Care protection if you pass away. | Dental illness & injury and behavioural conditions covered; £2,000 a year towards pet therapies (e.g., hydrotherapy); £2,000 if your dog is lost/stolen. | £1,000 if your dog is lost/stolen; £1,000 towards death by accident or illness; access to a vet advice line; 24-hour claims service. |
Our expert score** | 4.8/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
While the above quotes are predominantly for pet insurance policies, it’s also possible to obtain third-party dog insurance by purchasing a membership for a dog club—such as the listed Dogs Trust Companion Club. Memberships such as these may be useful if you already have a dog insurance policy that doesn’t include third-party liability, such as Time Limited or Accident Only pet insurance.
*In some cases, providers will offer a lower monthly premium in return for a higher excess fee, and vice versa. These can often be swapped around to suit your preferences, as shown by Waggel’s policy options above.
**Scores have been given based on the value of the monthly premium compared to the coverage limit, the excess fee, and the inclusion of additional extras within policies at no extra cost.
How to choose third-party liability insurance for your dog
When selecting third-party dog insurance, consider the following:
- Coverage limits: Does the policy offer sufficient amounts for medical expenses, legal fees, and compensation claims?
- Inclusions and optional add-ons: Does the policy protect your dog against accidents or injuries, or will you need an additional policy? Is there an option to purchase additional add-ons for extra coverage?
- Exclusions: What’s not covered within the policy? Pay particular attention to any excluded breeds or pre-existing conditions.
- Cost: Is a low monthly premium at the expense of a high excess fee? Will you need to pay an additional percentage towards treatment? Compare premiums and fees to find the right balance between cost and coverage.
- Reputation: Does the insurer have good customer reviews? Do they pay out? Research the provider to ensure you choose a reputable insurer with positive customer feedback.
- Add-ons: Check what additional coverage—such as theft or loss—is available for each policy and prioritise the ones most important to you.
- Legal requirements: Ensure the policy meets any legal obligations in your area or for your breed of dog.
How to get cheaper third-party liability insurance for your dog
These tips can help you get cheap pet insurance:
- Compare providers: Shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best deal.
- Opt for a higher excess fee: This can help reduce your monthly premium, but make sure it's affordable if you need to claim.
- Combine your policies: Some insurers offer discounts when you combine policies, such as pet insurance with home or car insurance.
- Minimise your extras: Choose a policy with essential third-party liability coverage, but skip the extra add-ons.
- Consider your dog’s breed, age, and behaviour: Some breeds and older dogs may cost more to insure. Look for policies that offer lower premiums for low-risk, well-trained, or non-aggressive dogs.
- Claim with caution: Think carefully about when you’ll claim on your insurance policy, as filing multiple small claims can lead to higher premiums.
FAQs
Does my house insurance cover my dog biting someone in the UK?
Home insurance in the UK typically doesn't cover dog bites. However, some policies may include third-party liability for pets as an add-on. It’s best to check your policy or consider separate third-party liability insurance for comprehensive coverage.
Does Petplan include third-party insurance?
Yes, Petplan offers third-party liability insurance as part of its dog insurance policies. It covers legal costs, medical expenses, and compensation if your dog injures someone else or damages their property. Check the specific terms for full coverage details.