Haris Ashley
Owning a dog can impact your eligibility for homeowners insurance. While it is unlikely that your homeowners insurance will drop you because of a dog, certain breeds are blacklisted by insurance companies, deemed too high-risk to cover. These restricted breeds are often labelled as 'dangerous' due to a perceived higher risk of bites or attacks, with larger breeds considered more prone to causing injuries. Dog bites are the most common homeowners insurance claim relating to pets, with over 17,000 dog bite claims filed each year, resulting in costly medical expenses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can homeowners insurance drop you because of a dog? | Yes, it is possible for your homeowners insurance company to drop you because of your dog. |
| Reasons for being dropped | Multiple liability claims due to dog bites, your dog's breed is on the insurer's list of banned dog breeds, damage caused by your dog to your home or property. |
| Alternatives if your dog is excluded from coverage | Pet liability insurance, umbrella policy, shop around for another insurer that does not restrict your dog's breed, ask your insurer to exclude your dog from the policy instead of canceling your insurance, train your dog and get a Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC) to request an exception. |
| Dog breeds commonly restricted | Rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, chow chows, wolf breeds, larger breeds with a reputation for being dangerous. |
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What You'll Learn
Dog bites
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) allows insurance providers to enact discriminatory policies, including blacklists, against certain dog breeds. Rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, chow chows, and many wolf breeds are commonly excluded. If your dog is on an insurance company's aggressive breed list, they will likely include a clause excluding your dog from coverage. Some companies may also deny coverage or charge higher premiums for certain dog breeds due to their size, as larger dogs can inflict more severe injuries in the event of a bite.
It's important to note that not all insurance companies discriminate against specific dog breeds. Some insurers may only inquire about your pet's bite history, while others don't track breeds at all. If your current insurer excludes your dog from coverage, you can explore alternative options, such as purchasing pet liability insurance as a separate policy or adding it as an endorsement to your existing policy. You can also shop around for dog-friendly insurance companies that don't restrict your dog's breed or offer shorter lists of excluded breeds.
To ensure adequate coverage, it's crucial to be truthful about your pets when applying for homeowners insurance. Additionally, consider purchasing an umbrella policy to add extra protection if you're concerned about liability exposure, especially with larger or restricted-breed dogs.
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Dangerous dog breeds
Homeowners' insurance companies may deny coverage based on a dog's breed, as certain breeds are deemed "too high-risk." This is because dog bites are the most common homeowners insurance claim relating to pets, with over 17,000 dog bite claims filed each year. Some breeds are predisposed to viciousness, and when paired with negligent or irresponsible owners, this can result in trauma and injury.
The most commonly excluded dog breeds include:
- Rottweilers: Rottweilers are loyal and protective of their owners and are known for being incredible guard dogs. However, they have a violent history with strangers and visitors, and their bites can be extremely powerful.
- Pit Bulls: Pit bulls have a bad reputation for violence and have been responsible for about two-thirds of all fatal dog bites in the United States, with 284 deaths. They were bred to be dangerous, with strong jaws and honed instincts.
- German Shepherds: German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful, strong, and dangerous dogs that can inflict deadly attacks. They are aggressive and territorial, causing 20 deaths in one study, as well as numerous non-fatal bites.
- Chow Chows: Chow Chows are known for their distinctive blue tongues and fluffy coats, but they can also be aggressive and territorial.
- Wolf Breeds: While wolfhounds are not commonly known for chaotic temperaments or violent outbursts, they are extremely powerful and could cause significant harm if they attacked.
It is important to note that not all insurance companies will deny coverage based solely on breed. Some companies, such as AIG, Chubb, Hippo, and Encompass, accept even the most dangerous dog breeds. Additionally, pet liability insurance is a specialized policy that covers all dog breeds for most kinds of injuries or damage.
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Restricted dog breeds
Yes, your homeowners insurance company can drop you because of your dog. Some insurance companies exclude certain breeds from coverage, regarding them as high-risk and prone to causing injury or biting. This is especially true for larger breeds or those with a reputation for being dangerous.
The most commonly excluded dog breeds are rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, chow chows, and many wolf breeds. Other muscular dogs with thick chests are also commonly excluded from coverage. If your dog is a restricted breed, your insurance company may deny your claim in the event of a dog bite or damage caused by your dog.
Some insurance companies may also refuse to cover your home altogether if you own a restricted breed. However, it's important to note that not all insurers deny coverage based on breed. Some companies, such as AIG, Chubb, Hippo, and Encompass, accept even the most dangerous dog breeds. You can also consider purchasing pet liability insurance, which covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog.
In addition to breed, insurance companies may consider other factors when determining coverage for your dog. These factors include your dog's history of aggression, property damage, lack of training or socialization, and your responsibility as an owner. It's essential to disclose any pets to your insurance company and understand their specific exclusions and guidelines regarding dog breeds and coverage.
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Pet liability insurance
While homeowners' insurance typically covers liability for dog bites and damage to others' property, it is limited in several ways. Firstly, it often does not cover damage to your own property caused by your dog. Secondly, many policies exclude certain breeds, such as pit bulls, rottweilers, and German shepherds, or those with a history of biting. Thirdly, some insurers may drop you if you file multiple liability claims.
The cost of pet liability insurance depends on factors such as your dog's age, breed, size, and behaviour history. It is important to note that pet liability insurance is state-specific, and not all insurance companies operate in all states. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your homeowners' insurance agent about the type of coverage you already have and explore other options if necessary.
In addition to pet liability insurance, there are other options to ensure coverage for your pet. For example, you can add accidental damage coverage to your building and contents insurance policies, although this may have exclusions for specific dog breeds and certain types of damage. Alternatively, an umbrella policy might cover events related to your dog that are not included in your standard homeowners' insurance.
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Higher insurance premiums
Owning a dog can lead to higher home insurance premiums due to increased liability. Insurers are always looking to minimise risk, and certain breeds are more likely to be banned by homeowners insurance companies or face higher premiums. Dog bites are the most common homeowners insurance claim relating to pets, with over 17,000 dog bite claims filed each year. The average payout for dog bite claims in 2023 was $58,545, so it's understandable that insurers want to reduce the chances of having to pay out expensive liability claims.
The size of a dog also impacts property insurance coverage. Bigger dogs can cause more damage with their bites, so larger breeds are often considered more dangerous. Some of the most commonly restricted breeds include Rottweilers, pit bulls, German Shepherds, chow chows, and wolf breeds. However, it's important to note that not all insurance companies discriminate against certain breeds. Some companies, such as AIG, Chubb, Hippo, and Encompass, accept even the most dangerous dog breeds.
In addition to breed and size, a dog's bite history can also affect insurance premiums. If your dog has bitten someone in the past, you may be denied coverage or face higher premiums, even if your dog is not on the restricted breed list. To improve your chances of getting insurance coverage for your dog, you can consider completing a training course, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Test, which offers obedience training for dogs and responsible ownership education for owners.
If your current insurer excludes your dog from coverage, there are alternatives. You can shop around for another insurer that does not restrict your dog's breed or ask your current insurer to exclude your dog from the policy and purchase separate pet liability insurance. Pet liability insurance is a specialised policy that covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog. It can be added as an endorsement to your current home insurance policy or purchased as a separate policy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible for your homeowners insurance company to drop you because of your dog. This could be because your dog's breed is on your insurer's list of banned dog breeds, or because your dog has bitten several people and you've filed multiple liability claims.
Dog breeds that are commonly restricted by insurance companies include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and many wolf breeds.
If your dog is restricted by your insurance company, you could consider purchasing pet liability insurance, which covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog. You could also shop around for another insurer that does not restrict your dog's breed.
