Orlando Harmon
Homeowners insurance companies often ban certain dog breeds from coverage, considering them high-risk for aggression, causing injury, or property damage. While breed discrimination laws vary by state, commonly restricted breeds include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, and chow chows. However, some states like Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania prohibit insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed. If your dog is a service dog, you may receive an exception from your insurer, but it's important to understand your policy's coverage and discuss options with your provider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for breed-specific ban | Insurers may deem specific breeds as high-risk, with a higher likelihood of biting or causing injury, which can result in higher liability claims. |
| Factors determining breed ban | Media influence, losses paid out for a certain breed, personal experience of underwriters, and reports about which breeds bite. |
| Commonly banned breeds | Rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, chow chows, and many wolf breeds. |
| Alternatives for coverage | Pet liability insurance, canine good citizen certification, breed-inclusive companies like State Farm, standalone dog liability coverage. |
| States prohibiting breed-specific bans | Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania. |
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What You'll Learn
- Home insurance companies may ban breeds considered high-risk or aggressive
- Some states ban insurers from denying coverage based on dog breeds
- Banned dog breeds may include pit bulls, rottweilers, and German shepherds
- History of biting or property damage may also affect insurance coverage
- Alternatives exist for homeowners with banned dog breeds
Home insurance companies may ban breeds considered high-risk or aggressive
Home insurance companies may deny coverage based on a dog's breed, especially if it is considered high-risk or aggressive. This is because dogs add risk to a household, and certain breeds are statistically more likely to be involved in bite incidents, resulting in costly medical expenses and liability claims. Insurers may also consider a dog's history of aggression and property damage when determining coverage.
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) allows insurance providers to enact discriminatory policies, including blacklists, against certain dog breeds. Common breeds on these lists include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, chow chows, Dobermans, and wolf hybrids. If your dog is on this list, your insurance company may increase your rates, exclude liability coverage, or deny coverage altogether.
The impact of breed restrictions on insurance coverage varies by state and insurer. Some states, such as Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania, prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed. Additionally, some insurance companies, like State Farm, USAA, and Chubb, do not consider dog breed when providing quotes or coverage. However, these companies may still charge higher premiums for restricted breeds.
If your dog's breed is restricted by your insurance company, you have several options. You can shop around for another insurer that does not restrict your dog's breed or purchase pet liability insurance, which covers all dog breeds for most injuries and damage. You may also be able to train your dog and obtain a Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC) to request an exception from your current insurer.
While breed-specific restrictions exist, it is important to note that any dog is capable of biting, and breed-specific legislation is difficult to enforce. Animal advocates and veterinary associations champion the removal of breed bans and encourage assessing risk based on a dog's individual behaviour and history.
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Some states ban insurers from denying coverage based on dog breeds
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 on a dog's breed. This means that insurers will either refuse to cover your home or write you a policy that excludes coverage if your dog injures a guest in your home or damages their property.
Some insurers don't consider breed at all when determining whether to cover your dog; instead, they look at the dog's personal history of aggression. For example, State Farm doesn't consider breed; their policies state that “any dog can bite,” and they look at your dog's individual history. Other insurers may assess individual dogs on a case-by-case basis, taking into account documentation that proves your dog's temperament.
Public opinion is moving away from breed-specific legislation (BSL). A 2022 study found that 70% of participants were opposed to a breed ban and felt education around animal behaviour was a good alternative. New York and Nevada have passed restrictions that forbid or limit insurers from relying solely on a dog's breed when determining homeowner's liability coverage. Similar legislation is under review in Illinois. In November 2022, The National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) adopted a model law that prohibits insurance companies from denying homeowners and renters liability insurance based on the breed of their dog.
Breed discrimination laws vary by state, and it's important to check with your provider, as banned breeds vary depending on the insurer. If your provider bans your dog, you may be able to explore other insurance options, like additional liability coverage or pet liability insurance.
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Banned dog breeds may include pit bulls, rottweilers, and German shepherds
Home insurance companies may deny coverage based on specific dog breeds perceived as high-risk or likely to cause injury or damage. These banned dog breeds often include pit bulls, rottweilers, and German shepherds, along with chow chows and wolf breeds.
Pit bulls, including American Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, are frequently banned due to their association with a high number of dog bite claims, leading to expensive claims for insurance companies. Rottweilers and German shepherds are also considered high-risk breeds, and insurers may refuse coverage or increase premiums to mitigate the potential financial burden of future incidents.
Insurers may choose to exclude coverage if your dog injures a guest or damages their property. Additionally, some companies may not provide coverage for dogs with a history of biting or destructive behaviour, regardless of their breed. This can result in higher liability claims and more expensive premiums.
While breed-specific legislation (BSL) is common, some states, such as New York, Nevada, Texas, and Florida, have banned this practice, prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed. In these states, insurers must assess risk based on a dog's individual behaviour and history. It is important to review your insurer's exclusions and guidelines, as well as understand your state's laws regarding breed discrimination, to ensure you have the necessary coverage for your dog.
If your dog is a banned breed and you are facing insurance challenges, you have several options. You can shop around for insurers that do not impose breed restrictions or offer more flexible policies. Increasing your liability coverage or purchasing separate pet insurance can also help manage risks associated with your dog. Exploring alternate insurance providers or agreeing to exemptions with your current insurer may be necessary steps to take.
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History of biting or property damage may also affect insurance coverage
While breed-specific bans are a significant factor in homeowners' insurance coverage, a dog's history of aggressive behaviour or property damage can also affect its owner's insurance coverage. Insurance companies consider dogs with a history of biting or attacking to be high-risk for future incidents and are therefore unlikely to be covered by insurance. If a dog has a history of biting, it may be excluded from a policy, or the owner may be required to sign a liability waiver, meaning the insurer won't cover any medical or legal bills resulting from dog bites.
Similarly, if a dog has damaged property, such as chewing walls or destroying expensive items, insurers may decline coverage or impose restrictions. Dogs that lack training, socialization, or supervision are deemed more unpredictable and are therefore considered higher risk. This may result in higher insurance premiums or even a denial of coverage.
The personal liability section of a homeowners insurance policy typically covers legal and medical expenses if a dog bites a guest or damages their belongings while at the insured's home. However, some insurance companies won't cover larger breeds or those with a reputation for being dangerous due to the increased risk of injury.
In some cases, if a dog has a history of biting or property damage, the owner may be denied a homeowners insurance policy altogether. It is important to note that breed discrimination laws and banned breeds vary by state and insurer. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your state and insurance provider to understand their specific policies and requirements.
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Alternatives exist for homeowners with banned dog breeds
While some insurance companies ban certain dog breeds, others may assess individual dogs on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the dog's history of aggression, property damage, and owner responsibility. If your dog has a history of biting or property damage, it may be excluded from your policy or you may need to sign a liability waiver. You may also be denied a policy altogether. If your dog is banned by your insurance provider, you can explore other insurance options, such as additional liability coverage or pet liability insurance, which covers all dog breeds for most kinds of injuries or damage.
In recent years, there has been a growing backlash against breed-specific legislation (BSL), with more communities repealing BSL than enacting it. Animal advocates and organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) argue that breed-specific bans are simplistic and ineffective, and that the focus should be on reckless owners, responsible pet ownership, and individual dog behavior. Studies have shown that factors under the control of the owner, such as failure to neuter or spay a dog, isolation from positive family interaction, and mismanagement (abuse or neglect), play a significant role in dog bite incidents.
Some states, such as New York and Nevada, have passed restrictions that forbid or limit insurers from solely relying on a dog's breed when determining homeowner's liability coverage. Similar legislation is under review in other states, such as Illinois. Additionally, some insurers, like State Farm, only consider a dog's individual bite history, regardless of its breed. These alternatives to breed-specific bans provide more flexibility for homeowners with dogs that may be on banned breed lists.
It's important to note that breed discrimination laws vary by state, so it's recommended to check your state's laws and understand your homeowners insurance coverage. By assessing individual dog behavior and owner responsibility, these alternatives aim to keep communities safe while allowing responsible individuals to own and care for their chosen dog breed without facing insurance restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, insurance companies can ban specific dog breeds. However, this varies by state, with 22 states enforcing BSL policies and 28 states without them.
Commonly restricted dog breeds include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, chow chows, Dobermans, and wolf hybrids.
Insurance companies consider dogs that are larger or have a reputation for being aggressive or dangerous as high-risk. They may also take into account the dog's history of aggression, property damage, and lack of training or socialization.
If your dog is a service dog, some insurance companies may provide an exception and cover your pet. It is recommended to shop around and consider alternative insurance providers that do not restrict your dog's breed.
