Paul Sanchez
Home insurance companies may exclude certain dog breeds from coverage or increase premiums due to their perceived risk of biting or aggressive behaviour, which can lead to expensive liability claims. While the specific breeds that are restricted vary by insurer, some commonly blacklisted dogs include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, chow chows, and wolf hybrids. However, some insurance companies do not enforce breed restrictions, and certain states have banned insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed.
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What You'll Learn
Dog breeds commonly blacklisted by insurance companies
Some insurance companies blacklist certain dog breeds from their coverage. This means that they either won't cover your home at all or will write you a policy excluding coverage if your dog injures a guest or damages their property. This is because dogs add risk to a household, and insurers want to minimize the chances of having to pay out expensive liability claims.
The breeds that tend to be blacklisted are those that are perceived as more aggressive and dangerous, with a higher risk of biting and causing costly damage. This includes breeds such as:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers/Dobermans
- German Shepherds
- Chow Chows
- Wolf breeds and hybrids
- Great Danes
However, it's important to note that breed discrimination laws vary by state, and some states have banned insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed. In addition, not all insurance companies discriminate based on breed, and some specialize in pet-friendly policies without breed restrictions.
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Why insurers blacklist certain dog breeds
Insurers may blacklist certain dog breeds to minimize the chances of having to pay out expensive liability claims. This is because some dog breeds are perceived as having a higher risk of aggression or causing injury. This perception is often based on statistics showing that certain breeds are involved in more bite incidents and severe injuries.
The personal liability section of a homeowners insurance policy typically covers legal and medical expenses if a dog bites a guest or damages their personal belongings. However, some insurance companies exclude certain breeds from coverage to reduce the likelihood of having to pay out expensive claims. These excluded breeds are often muscular dogs with thick chests, such as rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, chow chows, and wolf breeds.
The decision to blacklist certain dog breeds is controversial, with dog advocate groups calling for a moratorium on "banned breed lists." They argue that insurance companies should assess risk based on a dog's individual behavior, training, and bite history rather than its breed. Some states have made it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage based solely on a dog's breed, focusing instead on owner responsibility and individual dog behavior.
If your dog is a breed that is commonly blacklisted, you may need to shop around and compare coverage with multiple companies, as some insurers are more lenient and do not impose breed restrictions. You can also consider purchasing a separate pet liability insurance policy, which covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog, or adding canine liability insurance for extra protection.
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States that ban insurers from denying coverage based on dog breed
While most states allow insurers to ban specific dog breeds, some states have made it illegal. These states focus on owner responsibility and individual dog behaviour. As of 2024, several states ban insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed. These states include New York, Nevada, Texas, Florida, and 22 others.
In these states, insurance companies are not allowed to deny a home insurance policy or liability coverage based on a dog's breed. Some insurance companies in these states that do not consider breed when determining whether to cover your dog include State Farm, USAA, and Chubb.
In states where breed discrimination is legal, certain dog breeds are commonly excluded from coverage. These include Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and many wolf breeds. Some insurance companies may also raise your premium if you own one of these breeds or refuse to cover your home altogether.
If your insurance company won't cover your dog, you can shop around and compare coverage with multiple companies. Some insurers that accept even the most dangerous dog breeds include AIG, Chubb, Hippo, and Encompass. You also have the option of purchasing pet liability insurance, which is a specialized policy that covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog.
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How to get insurance coverage for blacklisted dog breeds
While it is challenging to secure insurance coverage for dog breeds commonly labelled as high-risk, there are still options available for dog owners. The perception of certain breeds as dangerous stems from media coverage of attacks or aggressive behaviour, which has led to a heightened perception of these breeds as threats. This perception has resulted in some insurance companies excluding these breeds from coverage or increasing premiums.
If your dog is blacklisted, you may want to consider the following options:
- Shop around for dog-friendly insurers: Some insurers, such as State Farm, USAA, Chubb, AIG, Hippo, and Encompass, offer coverage for dog owners regardless of breed. However, they may charge higher rates for restricted breeds.
- Get a DNA breed test: If your dog is a mutt, a DNA test can help prove they don't belong to a restricted breed, making it easier to obtain coverage.
- Explore breed-specific coverage: Some insurance companies specialise in providing coverage for homeowners with specific breeds, taking into account the nuances associated with these dogs.
- Purchase an umbrella policy: An umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage beyond your standard homeowners insurance, covering potential liabilities arising from dog-related incidents.
- Consider canine liability insurance: Separate from homeowners insurance, canine liability insurance specifically covers damages caused by your dog, including injury to a person and damage to property.
- Increase your liability coverage: You can adjust your existing coverage by increasing liability protection or adding optional endorsements to your policy.
- Explore pet insurance: Consider purchasing a separate pet insurance policy to help cover dog-related liabilities.
- Agree to an exemption: Your insurer may offer a homeowners insurance policy with dog-related damages exempted.
It's important to note that breed restrictions vary by company and state. While some states ban insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed, other states allow insurers to ban specific breeds. Additionally, some companies focus on individual dog behaviour and history rather than breed when determining coverage. Therefore, it's essential to review different insurers' policies and compare quotes to find the best option for your specific situation.
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Other factors insurers consider besides breed
While breed is a significant factor in determining insurance coverage for dogs, other factors are also considered by insurers. These factors include an individual dog's history, training, and behaviour.
Dog's History
A dog's history of aggression or biting can be a critical factor in determining insurance coverage. Dogs with a history of biting or attacking are often deemed high-risk and may be declined coverage or have restrictions imposed. Additionally, dogs with a history of damaging property, such as chewing walls or destroying expensive items, may also face challenges in securing insurance.
Owner Responsibility and Training
Insurers consider owner responsibility and the level of training and socialization provided to the dog. Dogs that lack sufficient training or socialization are viewed as more unpredictable and, consequently, higher risk. On the other hand, demonstrating responsibility by obtaining certificates from obedience courses and positive behaviour assessments can showcase your dog as less of a liability, increasing the chances of favourable insurance coverage.
Dog Behaviour
The behaviour of the dog is another crucial aspect insurers evaluate. Some companies review individual dog behaviour to determine coverage, moving towards evaluating dogs individually rather than strictly by breed. This behaviour assessment may include factors such as aggression, biting incidents, and the dog's comfort level with other pets and people.
State and Local Laws
The likelihood of obtaining insurance coverage for specific dog breeds can also depend on the state and local laws. While some states have restrictions or bans on breed-specific legislation (BSL), allowing insurers to discriminate against certain breeds, other states have made it illegal. These states focus on owner responsibility and individual dog behaviour rather than breed restrictions.
Supplemental Insurance Options
If you encounter challenges in obtaining coverage due to your dog, there are alternative options available. You can explore supplemental liability insurance or pet insurance policies that specifically cover dog-related liabilities. These policies can provide an additional layer of protection and help cover any bites or injuries your dog may cause.
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Frequently asked questions
Grange Insurance, like other insurance companies, may restrict certain breeds of dogs due to their perceived risk of aggression and biting. Commonly restricted breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Chow Chows. It is essential to contact Grange Insurance directly to understand their specific restricted breed list and policies.
Insurance companies aim to minimize the chances of having to pay out expensive liability claims. Therefore, they use risk assessment to determine potential claims, and certain dog breeds are considered high-risk due to their size, strength, and bite history.
If your dog's breed is restricted, you have several options. You can shop around for dog-friendly insurance companies that do not impose breed restrictions or offer flexible policies. You can also increase your liability coverage or purchase separate pet liability insurance or umbrella liability insurance to cover dog-related liabilities.
