It’s the meme that isn’t funny when it happens to you. You leave your Off-White Chicagos by the door. Your new puppy turns the “AIR” into confetti. You panic. You call your agent. And you learn the hard way that while your insurance covers your dog biting strangers, it rarely covers your dog biting your stuff.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Exclusion: Most Homeowners/Renters policies explicitly exclude “damage caused by animals owned or kept by an insured.”
- The “Ensue” Loophole: If the dog knocks over a candle and burns the shoes, the fire is covered. But the chewing itself is not.
- Specialized Riders: Some electronics/gadget insurance (like Akko) or high-end collector policies (Wax) do cover accidental damage, including pets.
- The “Mysterious Disappearance” Angle: Do not lie and say they were stolen. Adjusters check police reports and neighborhood cameras. Fraud is a felony.
The “Why” (The Trap): Liability vs. Property
People get confused.
- Liability Coverage: Pays if your dog bites the mailman. (Covered).
- Personal Property Coverage: Pays if your house burns down. (Covered).
- Pet Damage: Pays if your dog eats your couch/shoes. (Excluded).
The insurance company assumes that owning a pet comes with the known risk that they will destroy things. It is considered “gross negligence” to leave $2,000 shoes within reach of a puppy.
The Investigation (I Called Them)
I hunted for a policy that covers “Puppy vs. Grail.”
1. Lemonade / Standard Renters
- Result: Hard No. Explicit exclusion for damage by “vermin, rodents, insects, or domestic animals.”
2. Akko (The “Everything” Insurer)
- Result: Interesting. Akko covers “accidental damage” for registered items.
- The Catch: You have to register the item specifically. If you have the shoe on your plan, and the dog destroys it, it is technically “accidental damage.”
- The Verdict: A possible solution for your top 5 pairs.
3. Wax Insurance
- Result: They cover “Accidental Damage.”
- The Detail: I asked specifically about pets. They said it falls under accidental direct physical loss unless specifically excluded. Their policy is broader than standard HO3.
- The Verdict: The best bet, but check the fine print of your specific state’s policy.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Standard Renters | Wax Insurance | Akko/Gadget Insurance |
| Dog Chews Shoe | Excluded | Likely Covered (Accidental Damage) | Covered (If registered) |
| Cat Pees on Shoe | Excluded | Likely Covered | Covered |
| Rat/Mouse Damage | Excluded (Vermin) | Excluded (Vermin usually excluded everywhere) | Varies |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Your shoe is chewed.
- Check Your Policy Type: Look for “All Risk” or “Open Perils” vs. “Named Perils.”
- Named Perils: Lists what IS covered (Fire, Theft). If “Dog” isn’t on the list, you get nothing.
- Open Perils: Lists what is NOT covered. If “Domestic Animals” isn’t excluded, you win.
- Repair vs. Replace: A chewed heel tab or tongue might be repairable by a specialist like Govrn or Goodneuz.
- Quote the repair. If it’s $300 and your deductible is $500, don’t file a claim.
- Prevent Future Loss:
- Drop-Front Boxes: Hard plastic. Dogs can’t chew through them easily.
- High Shelves: If it’s worth over $200, it stays above 4 feet.
FAQ
Q: My friend’s dog chewed my shoes while I was visiting. Is that covered?
A: Yes! Your friend’s Liability Insurance covers damage their dog does to property of others. You file a claim against your friend’s insurance.
Q: I have “Pet Insurance” for my dog. Does that cover the shoes?
A: No. Pet insurance covers the vet bill if the dog gets sick from eating the shoe. It does not cover the shoe.
[IMAGE: A mangled Off-White Jordan 1 next to a puppy, with a graphic overlay: “Liability Insurance: Covers the Vet. Property Insurance: Covers Nothing.”]