RV parks are more pet-friendly than ever. For many travelers, bringing a dog along is simply part of the experience. Many parks now advertise pet amenities, install dog parks, and welcome four-legged guests as part of the outdoor lifestyle.
But as pets become more common in campgrounds, animal-related liability risks become more common as well.
Many RV park owners assume their RV park insurance policy automatically covers incidents involving dogs or other animals. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In fact, many policies contain an animal liability exclusion that can leave park owners financially exposed if an incident occurs.
Why are animal-related claims increasing at RV parks?
Several industry trends are driving the increase.
First, RV travel has become increasingly pet-friendly. Many travelers now plan trips specifically around destinations that welcome their pets. As a result, RV parks are seeing far more dogs and other animals on their properties than in the past.
Second, many parks now offer pet-focused amenities such as dog parks, pet washing stations, and designated exercise areas. While these amenities are great for guest experience, they also increase the chances of animals interacting with unfamiliar people and other pets.
Longer stays can also increase exposure. As more travelers work remotely or spend extended time on the road, RV parks are seeing more long-term guests with pets, which means animals are on the property more frequently.
More animals, more interaction, and more time on-site all increase the potential for incidents such as:
- Dog bites or scratches
- Dogs attacking other dogs
- Injuries caused by animals jumping or knocking someone over
- Property damage caused by pets
Does RV park insurance cover dog bites?
Many owners assume their RV park’s general liability insurance automatically covers animal-related incidents. However, that isn’t always true.
General liability insurance is designed to cover claims involving bodily injury or property damage that occur on your property. In theory, that could include situations like a guest being injured by a dog. But in practice, many insurance companies place restrictions or exclusions on animal-related claims because of the severity and frequency of dog-bite lawsuits.
This is why it’s vital you review your policy carefully and understand whether animal liability coverage is included.
What is an animal liability exclusion?
An animal liability exclusion is a policy provision that removes coverage for injuries or damages caused by animals.
When this exclusion is present, your insurance company may deny claims related to incidents such as:
- A guest’s dog biting another guest
- A dog attacking another dog at the campground
- An animal injuring an employee
- A guest being knocked down or scratched by a dog
Even though the animal belongs to a guest, the RV park owner may still be drawn into the claim because the incident occurred on the property.
Can RV parks get coverage for animal liability?
In many cases, yes.
While many insurance companies exclude animal-related claims by default, you can add the coverage back through a policy endorsement or carve-back. This type of protection is sometimes referred to as dog bite liability insurance or animal liability coverage.
Availability depends on several factors, including:
- The insurance company
- Your park’s policies regarding pets
- Safety procedures in place
Because the availability of RV park animal liability insurance can vary significantly between insurers, it’s important to work with an insurance broker who regularly works with RV parks and campgrounds and understands the industry.
Through Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality, RV park owners can explore options for adding animal liability protection that may not be available through more general commercial insurance programs.
How can RV park owners reduce animal-related risks?
Insurance is only part of the solution. You can also take steps to reduce the likelihood of incidents involving animals by following the common risk management strategies below:
- Requiring dogs to remain on leash in public areas
- Establishing clear pet policies for guests
- Posting signage about pet rules and responsibilities
- Requiring guests to clean up after pets
- Creating designated dog exercise areas
- Documenting and responding to incidents quickly
When should RV park owners review their insurance coverage?
Many RV park owners discover coverage gaps only after an incident occurs. A proactive review now can help you identify potential issues before they become costly claims.
It may be time to review your policy if:
- Your park allows dogs or other pets
- You’ve added pet amenities like a dog park
- Your policy contains an animal liability exclusion
- Your broker hasn’t discussed how animal-related claims are handled
- You’re unsure whether dog bite liability insurance is included in your policy
Don’t Let Animal Liability Become a Coverage Gap
Pets are a big part of the RV lifestyle, and many RV parks embrace this by welcoming dogs and other animals on their properties. However, the increase in pet-friendly travel also means park owners need to pay closer attention to the liability risks that come with it.
If you’re unsure whether your current RV park insurance includes protection for animal-related incidents, we’re happy to help! Get in touch today for a coverage review.
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