Jeffrey Wade
Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and this is reflected in the challenges that pit bull owners face when looking for home insurance. Many insurance companies label certain breeds as dangerous due to their tendency to bite, and pit bulls are often on banned-dog lists. This means that some insurers will not sell coverage to pit bull owners, while others will exclude liability and medical payments coverage for dog-related injuries. However, some companies, like State Farm, do not restrict coverage or deny claims based on a dog's breed. In addition, USAA's homeowners and renters insurance policies do not enforce any dog breed restrictions, but they do consider a dog's previous bite history. Overall, it can be difficult for pit bull owners to obtain adequate insurance coverage, but it is not impossible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of getting insurance with a pit bull | In most states, insurance companies can deny or limit coverage for pit bulls or bully breed mixes. |
| Companies that offer coverage | State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Auto-Owners (in some states), Kingstone Insurance |
| Companies that don't offer coverage | AAA, Farmers (in California) |
| Conditions for coverage | No history of biting or aggression, Canine Good Citizen certificate, trained as a service dog |
| Extra coverage options | Umbrella insurance, standalone dog liability policy |
| Average cost of umbrella insurance | $150 to $300 per year |
| Average cost of a dog bite claim | Around $29,396 in 2011 |
| Recommended liability coverage | At least $100,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Home insurance companies that don't restrict coverage based on breed
Although most insurance companies deny coverage or limit liability for certain dog breeds, there are a few that do not restrict coverage based on breed.
State Farm is one of the most well-known home and rental insurance companies without dog breed restrictions. They are "breed-blind" and will not ask about your dog's breed when determining your rates. USAA is another insurance company that does not enforce any dog breed restrictions, although their policies are only available to U.S. military members and their families. Additionally, some states, like New York and Pennsylvania, do not allow insurers to deny coverage based on a dog's breed.
It is important to note that even if an insurance company does not restrict coverage based on breed, they may still deny coverage or increase rates if a dog has a history of biting or causing damage. In some cases, you may be able to purchase additional liability coverage or umbrella insurance to protect yourself from damage or injuries caused by your dog.
If you are unsure whether your dog is covered by your insurance policy, it is important to speak with your insurance company for clarification. You can also shop around for another insurer that does not restrict your dog's breed or consider pet insurance that specializes in canine liability policies.
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Standalone dog liability policies
The cost of dog liability insurance depends on several factors, including the breed and bite history of your dog, as well as its weight. Premiums for these policies can range from as little as \$10 per month to annual premiums ranging from \$400 to \$1,200.
Standalone dog liability insurance is particularly useful for dog owners whose dogs have a bite history or belong to a breed that their home insurer refuses to cover. In the case of pit bulls, for example, some insurance providers may deny coverage or restrict claims due to their perception as a "vicious breed". However, there are a limited number of insurance providers that will offer coverage for pit bulls as long as they do not have a history of biting.
Dog owners should carefully review their home insurance policies to understand the extent of their liability coverage. In some cases, homeowners insurance may provide sufficient coverage for dog-related incidents, but it is important to be aware of any breed restrictions or liability limits. If the coverage provided by your home insurance is inadequate, a standalone dog liability policy can fill the gap and provide additional protection.
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USAA policies for US military members and their families
USAA insurance policies are exclusively available to US military members and their families. USAA offers a range of insurance products, including auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance, life insurance, and more. Their policies are designed to meet the unique needs of military-affiliated individuals, with employees who are often former military members or military spouses, providing a deeper understanding of military life.
USAA's eligibility criteria for family members require proof of a familial relationship with someone who has served. Spouses must present a marriage certificate, while children of USAA members need to provide a birth certificate listing the name of the parent who is a member. Widowed or divorced spouses may need to furnish a marriage certificate, along with a death certificate or divorce decree mentioning USAA insurance coverage during the marriage.
USAA's homeowner's and renter's insurance policies are particularly noteworthy for pit bull owners. Unlike many insurance companies that enforce breed restrictions, USAA does not discriminate based on dog breed. Instead, they consider a dog's previous bite history when determining coverage. This means that most pit bulls with no history of biting qualify for coverage under USAA policies.
USAA also provides attractive features such as low-interest rates, free checking, highly-rated customer service, and no ATM fees. They offer special APR for deployed personnel and adjust auto insurance rates if a vehicle is garaged during deployment. Additionally, USAA members can benefit from bundling insurance products to obtain even lower rates.
While USAA is a popular choice for military members and their families, it may not be the best fit for everyone. It is always advisable to compare insurance quotes and consider other options before making a decision.
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State laws and their impact on insurance coverage
In the United States, state laws and regulations can significantly impact the availability and scope of insurance coverage for homeowners with pit bulls. While some states have no specific restrictions on insuring pit bulls, others have laws that directly influence insurance policies regarding this breed. For example, in California, Farmers Insurance decided to end coverage for bites from pit bulls, Rottweilers, and wolf hybrids due to these breeds accounting for a significant portion of dog bite claims in the state. Thus, the likelihood of lawsuits and the number of claims related to specific breeds in a particular state can influence insurance companies' decisions to offer coverage or impose restrictions.
Insurance companies typically label certain dog breeds as dangerous or aggressive due to their statistical likelihood of biting or causing injuries. Pit bulls are often included on banned or restricted dog breed lists by home insurance companies, and this classification can vary by state. Some states may have stricter regulations or laws that influence insurance providers' decisions to include pit bulls on these lists. As a result, homeowners in these states may find it more challenging to obtain coverage for their pit bulls or may face higher premiums.
State laws that govern the insurance industry can also impact the availability of coverage for pit bulls. For instance, some states may have laws that require insurance companies to consider individual dogs' behaviour or bite history rather than solely relying on breed restrictions. These laws can increase the chances of obtaining coverage for pit bulls with no history of aggression. On the other hand, states with less stringent regulations may provide insurance companies with more discretion in denying coverage or imposing breed restrictions.
Additionally, state laws that mandate insurance companies to offer a certain level of liability coverage for dog bites or related injuries can influence the availability and cost of insurance for pit bull owners. States with higher required liability limits may lead to increased insurance premiums for homeowners with pit bulls, as insurance companies factor in the potential costs of claims. Conversely, states with lower liability requirements may result in more affordable insurance options for pit bull owners.
It is worth noting that some insurance companies, such as State Farm, choose not to restrict coverage or deny claims based solely on a dog's breed. These companies may offer coverage for pit bulls regardless of state laws or breed restrictions. However, the availability of such insurance providers can vary by state, and homeowners should carefully review the laws and insurance regulations in their specific state to make informed decisions regarding their pit bull's insurance coverage.
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Irresponsible owner behaviour and its consequences
Irresponsible ownership of any dog breed can lead to the development of aggressive traits. This includes a lack of training, abuse, neglect, irresponsible ownership and breeding, as well as a lack of attention to health and temperament issues. In the case of pit bulls, the consequences of irresponsible ownership can be particularly severe due to their strength and tenacity.
Irresponsible owners may fail to properly socialise, train, supervise and control their pit bulls, leading to aggressive and dangerous behaviour. This can result in attacks on other people and animals, as well as damage to property. In addition, pit bulls owned by irresponsible or criminal owners are more likely to be used in illegal activities, such as drug-related crimes, further exacerbating their negative reputation.
The actions of irresponsible pit bull owners have contributed to the breed's stigmatisation and misunderstanding. Sensationalist media coverage and the proliferation of myths have led to breed-specific legislation (BSL) in many cities across the U.S., which either greatly restricts or completely bans pit bulls as pets. This has resulted in a high euthanasia rate for pit bulls in shelters, with one in four of all animals brought into shelters being pit bulls and an average euthanasia rate of 93%.
The negative reputation of pit bulls has also made it difficult for responsible owners to obtain home insurance. Most insurance companies deny liability coverage for incidents involving pit bulls, and some won't offer a policy at all if the dog has a history of biting or aggressive behaviour. This can leave owners vulnerable to lawsuits and financial strain if their dog causes damage or injury.
To address these issues, responsible ownership of pit bulls is crucial. This includes providing proper socialisation, humane training, and conscientious supervision. Breed-neutral "dangerous dog" laws, "leash laws", and "anti-chaining" laws can also help to hold owners of all breeds accountable and reduce the risk of harm to people and other animals.
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Frequently asked questions
No, AAA homeowners insurance does not cover pitbulls. Pitbulls are on the vicious dog list and are not accepted by any insurance provider.
Yes, some dog-friendly companies like State Farm and Allstate do not restrict coverage or deny claims based on a dog's breed. USAA is another insurance company that does not enforce any dog breed restrictions.
In that case, you may be eligible for coverage through State Farm or USAA, which bases its coverage on a dog's previous bite history.
If your pitbull bites someone or damages their property, you will not be able to make an insurance claim. You will need to find a resolution with the other person or pay out of pocket for the damage.
Yes, you can consider purchasing an umbrella insurance policy or a standalone dog liability policy, which specifically covers your dog if your home insurance company won't.
