Haris Ashley
Dog ownership can impact the cost of homeowners insurance, with some insurance companies increasing rates or even cancelling policies in the event of a dog bite claim. While not all dog breeds will raise insurance rates, certain breeds are associated with an increased risk of dog bites and are more likely to cause severe injuries due to their size and jaw strength. As a result, some insurance companies have restricted breed lists, with some dogs, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Pit Bulls, facing higher premiums or even exclusion from coverage. However, it is important to note that insurance policies and regulations vary by state and company, and some insurers are more lenient or specialised in canine coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dog ownership | Increases liability |
| Dog breed | Some breeds are considered aggressive or dangerous and are more likely to be banned or face higher premiums |
| Dog size | Large dog breeds are more likely to be banned due to the severity of bites |
| Bite history | Dogs with a history of biting are more likely to be restricted |
| State legislation | Some states prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against certain breeds |
| Insurance company policies | Some insurance companies are more lenient and less likely to deny coverage due to dog breed |
| Personal liability coverage | May offer protection if liable for injuries or damages caused by a pet |
| Exclusions | Some insurance policies may exclude damages caused by dogs, such as bites or property damage |
| Premium increases | If a dog bites someone, claim costs may cause premium increases |
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What You'll Learn
Dog bites and their associated costs
Dog bites are the most common homeowners insurance claim relating to pets, with over 17,000 dog bite claims filed each year. The average cost of a hospital stay due to a dog bite is around $23,680, compared to $15,743 for a general injury-related hospital stay. The average cost per claim has risen by 86.1% from 2015 to 2024, due to increased medical costs and the size of settlements, judgments, and jury awards. The average settlement amount for a dog bite is $97,517.86, with cases often settling between $10,000 and $100,000.
The costs associated with dog bites are not just financial. Being attacked by a dog can leave victims with physical and emotional scars, sometimes resulting in PTSD. Dog bites can cause permanent damage, infections, and scarring, as well as transmit diseases such as rabies, Pasteurella, tetanus, and Staph infections.
Homeowners insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses up to a certain limit, usually $100,000 to $300,000. If the claim exceeds this limit, the dog owner is responsible for all additional damages. Some insurance companies will not insure homeowners who own certain breeds categorized as dangerous, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, Akitas, and Dobermans. Other companies decide on a case-by-case basis, regardless of breed. It is important to disclose any pets to your insurance company, as failure to do so may result in a denial of coverage in the event of an incident.
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The breed of the dog
The breed of dog you own can have a significant impact on your homeowners insurance. While some insurance companies do not exclude any dog breeds from coverage, others have restricted breed lists. These lists are based on a variety of factors, including media portrayal, losses paid out, personal experience of underwriters, and reports of bites.
Some of the most commonly restricted breeds include:
- Pit bull terriers
- German shepherds
- Akitas
- Dobermans
- Rottweilers
- Malamutes
- Great Danes
- Huskies
- Wolf hybrids
If you own one of these breeds, you may face higher premiums or even be denied coverage by certain insurance companies. However, it's important to shop around, as some insurers are more lenient and do not exclude or have shorter restricted breed lists. Additionally, if your dog has a Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club, you may be able to request an exception from your insurer.
It's worth noting that some states prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against certain breeds, so the impact of your dog's breed on your insurance may also depend on your location.
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The dog's behaviour and history
The behaviour and history of a dog are crucial factors that can influence homeowners' insurance rates. Dogs, especially those with a history of aggression or biting, are considered additional risks to a household. This perception stems from the fact that dog bites are the most common cause of home insurance claims, with nearly 90 million dogs living in American homes and approximately 4.5 million people bitten by dogs annually.
The behaviour of certain breeds, such as their propensity for aggression or territorial behaviour, can lead to higher insurance premiums. Insurers often categorise breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Akitas, and Dobermans as dangerous or aggressive due to their physical strength, bite force, and involvement in severe bite incidents. For example, a Rottweiler's bite can exert over 300 pounds of pressure, making it the second most lethal dog breed after Pit Bulls, which are responsible for about 32% of fatal dog bites.
Insurers may also consider a dog's behaviour and history of biting when determining coverage and premiums. Dogs with a history of biting or aggressive behaviour may be denied coverage or placed on a restricted breed list, even if they are not typically considered aggressive breeds. This is because the severity of bites, rather than their frequency, often influences insurers' decisions. Additionally, some insurers may exclude exotic, saddle, and farm animals from coverage without specific endorsements.
The behaviour and history of a dog can also impact the type of insurance coverage required. Homeowners may need to purchase canine liability insurance or endorsements to their existing policies to ensure adequate protection. This type of insurance covers damages caused by dogs, including scratching, chewing, and biting incidents, providing financial protection for high medical bills and court settlement costs associated with dog bites.
Furthermore, some states in the US have introduced breed-specific legislation (BSL) that bans or regulates specific dog breeds. This legislation allows insurance providers to enact discriminatory policies, including blacklists, against certain breeds. As a result, homeowners with restricted breeds may face challenges in obtaining insurance coverage or experience higher premiums.
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The insurance company's policies
Most insurance companies consider dogs as an additional risk, especially certain breeds that are perceived as more aggressive or dangerous, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Akitas, and Dobermans. These breeds are often associated with higher premiums or may even be excluded from coverage. Some companies may also consider the dog's bite history, in addition to its breed, when determining coverage and premiums.
If your dog is restricted by your current insurance company, you have several alternatives. You can shop around for another insurer that does not restrict your dog's breed or has a shorter list of excluded breeds. You can also ask your current insurer to exclude your dog from the policy and purchase separate pet insurance or canine liability insurance to cover any potential damages or injuries caused by your dog.
Additionally, if your dog is a service dog, you may receive an exception from your insurer to cover your pet. Training your dog and obtaining a Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC) can also help you request an exception from some insurance companies.
It's important to note that some states prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against certain breeds, so it's worth checking the regulations in your state. While dogs can impact the cost of homeowners insurance, it's crucial to be truthful about your pets when applying for insurance to ensure proper coverage.
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The state's legislation
The legislation on whether guard dogs can make homeowners' insurance rates rise varies from state to state.
In Michigan and Pennsylvania, for example, it is illegal for insurance companies to deny or cancel coverage to homeowners because they own a certain breed of dog. In other words, insurance companies in these states cannot discriminate against what they consider to be "vicious" or "dangerous" dog breeds.
On the other hand, 22 states have enforced Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) policies, which allow insurance providers to enact discriminatory policies, including blacklists, against certain dog breeds. Some of the dog breeds that are often restricted by insurance companies include the Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, and Wolf Hybrid.
If you live in a state that does not prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against certain breeds, you may want to consider insurance companies that do not exclude certain dog breeds from coverage or have shorter lists of excluded dog breeds. You may also want to consider buying an umbrella policy to add an extra layer of protection, as this type of insurance can help cover medical bills, legal fees, settlements, or court-ordered payments.
It is important to note that not all dogs display aggressive behavior, even when considered a riskier breed. Socialization and proper training play important roles in developing a dog's behavior. Additionally, some insurance companies do not enforce dog breed restrictions, allowing homeowners with high-risk breeds to secure coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
Owning a dog can lead to higher insurance premiums because of increased liability. Certain breeds are more likely to be banned by insurance companies or face higher premiums. These are usually "aggressive" and "dangerous" dogs that are more likely to cause damage or bite someone.
The following dog breeds are commonly restricted or banned: Pit bulls, German Shepherds, Akitas, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Malamutes, Great Danes, Huskies, and Wolf Hybrids.
If your dog injures someone, your insurance can help cover medical bills, legal fees, and other damages. However, coverage depends on your insurer, your dog's breed, and the circumstances of the incident. Some insurers may exclude certain breeds or have higher premiums for dogs with a history of biting.
Yes, it is important to be truthful and declare any pets, especially dogs, to your insurance company. Failing to disclose this information may result in your policy being cancelled or non-renewed.
Yes, some insurance companies, such as State Farm, do not exclude certain dog breeds or have shorter lists of excluded breeds. You can shop around and find an insurer that does not restrict your dog's breed.
