Tom Brady made headlines recently for doing something only Tom Brady could pull off — cloning his dog.
That’s right: the NFL legend didn’t just get another puppy; he had a genetic twin made of his old one.
Now, cloning a pet costs roughly $50,000, but Brady’s bill was probably covered since he’s an investor in the company that did it. For the rest of us mere mortals, though, that kind of money makes you wonder:
💭 What happens if that cloned (or non-cloned) dog is injured or killed in a fire, storm, or car accident?
Would homeowners or auto insurance cover the loss?
🏡 Homeowners Insurance and Pets
Here’s the short version: most homeowners policies don’t cover damage to, injury, or death of pets.
Under the law, pets are considered personal property — but insurance companies draw a line between “property” and “living beings.” So if your dog or cat is hurt in a fire or other disaster at home, your standard policy won’t reimburse you for vet bills or for the pet’s value.
That said, some insurers are starting to offer small add-ons or endorsements for pet-related incidents.
Erie Insurance, for example, includes limited coverage if your pet is injured or killed in a covered home claim (like a fire). The benefit is usually modest — typically between $500 and $2,000, depending on your policy and state.
It’s not designed to replace your pet or cover medical expenses, but it’s a nice touch when something tragic happens.
🚗 Auto Insurance and Pet Injury Coverage
If your pet rides with you in the car (and let’s face it — they always do), this one’s important.
Progressive and a few other companies offer Pet Injury Coverage as part of your collision coverage.
That means if you’re in an accident and your dog or cat is hurt or killed, Progressive may help pay vet bills or even a small death benefit — usually up to $1,000 or $2,000, depending on your policy.
It’s not full pet health insurance, but it’s better than nothing. If your pet is part of your family’s daily adventures — car rides, hikes, kids’ soccer games — it’s worth checking whether this coverage is included in your policy.
🩺 What About Pet Health Insurance?
If you really want coverage for medical bills, illness, or even end-of-life expenses, you’ll need pet health insurance — a completely separate policy.
Pet insurance can help pay for:
- Emergency vet visits
- Surgeries or hospitalizations
- Medications and ongoing treatment
- Optional add-ons for euthanasia, cremation, or “death benefits” (reimbursement of purchase/adoption costs if the pet dies from a covered cause)
It works a lot like human health insurance: you pick a deductible, coverage percentage, and annual limit.
Companies like Nationwide, Trupanion, and ASPCA offer various plans — and you can even get quotes online in minutes.
💡 So, What’s the Smart Play?
Even if you’re not Tom Brady (and don’t have $50K to spend on cloning a dog), you can still make sure your furry family members are protected.
Here’s how:
- Check your current policies — Ask your agent if your home or auto policy includes any pet injury or death benefits.
- Consider a pet insurance plan — Especially if you have a purebred, service animal, or high vet costs.
- Keep pets listed on your emergency plan — Fires, storms, and car accidents affect them too.
- Review your coverage annually — As life changes, so do your risks — and your pets’ needs.
