Rottweilers And Insurance: Understanding Auto And Homeowner's Policies

Owning a Rottweiler can make it more difficult to obtain home insurance. Rottweilers are often considered a dangerous breed, and some insurance companies will blacklist certain breeds. If your insurance company does cover Rottweilers, you can expect to receive anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage to handle claims that could result from your dog. If your insurance carrier does not cover Rottweilers, you may need to shop for a new policy or obtain separate dog liability coverage.

Home insurance companies that cover Rottweilers

Owning a Rottweiler can be a rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges—one of which is finding home insurance that covers this particular breed. Many insurance companies consider Rottweilers a restricted breed and exclude them from coverage due to their perception as aggressive dogs. However, there are still some options available for Rottweiler owners. Here are some home insurance companies that may provide coverage for your four-legged friend:

• State Farm: They do not have breed restrictions as long as the dog has no bite history.
• USAA: If you have a military background, USAA does not discriminate based on breed.
• Liberty Mutual: They work on a case-by-case basis, considering the dog's behaviour and history.
• Nationwide: While some Rottweiler owners have been denied coverage, it's worth noting that experiences may vary between different agents.
• Farmer's Insurance: They do not have breed restrictions.
• AAA Insurance: They do not have breed restrictions.
• XINSURANCE: They provide customised liability policies to fill gaps in traditional insurance coverage.
• Traveller's Insurance: They asked about dogs but did not specifically discriminate based on breed.

It's important to note that insurance companies have different policies, and their stances may change over time. It's always a good idea to contact these companies directly and inquire about their current policies regarding Rottweiler coverage. Additionally, you may need to purchase an outside Rottweiler liability plan to ensure comprehensive coverage for your pet.

How to get insurance for a restricted breed

Rottweilers are considered a restricted breed by many insurance companies, and some insurers will not provide coverage if a customer owns the breed. However, there are still ways to get insurance for a restricted breed dog. Here are some steps you can take:

• Ask for an exception: If your dog is a service dog or has a Canine Good Citizen certificate from the American Kennel Club, you may be able to get an exception to your insurance provider's prohibited list.
• Exclude your dog from coverage: If you want to stay with your current insurance provider, you can ask to exclude your dog from coverage. This means you will not have insurance for liability claims if your dog injures or bites someone, and you will be personally responsible for any legal costs.
• Find a new insurer: Seek out a different insurance company that will provide a policy that covers your dog. You may have more difficulty finding coverage if your dog has bitten someone or if your dog is considered an aggressive breed, such as a Rottweiler or pit bull.
• Obtain another form of coverage for your dog: If you are unable to get homeowners insurance that covers your dog, you can obtain separate dog liability coverage, such as an umbrella policy or a stand-alone dog liability insurance policy. Be sure to ask whether your dog's breed is covered before purchasing this type of policy.
• Shop around: Ask other dog owners, especially those with restricted breeds, which insurance companies they use. It's often the agents who decide whether to take the risk on a restricted breed, and not the parent company. You may find that another agent from the same company will be willing to insure your dog.
• Know your facts: Educate yourself about your dog's breed and be prepared to present your agent with facts. For example, while Rottweiler bites can be dangerous, Rottweilers rank #11 nationwide in the list of "biting breeds".
• Be honest: Failing to disclose your dog's breed or bite history could result in your insurance claim being denied, leaving you financially responsible for any medical or legal costs. It could also be considered fraud and your policy may be cancelled.

What to do if your insurance company drops you

Owning a Rottweiler can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges, such as finding insurance coverage. While some insurance companies offer liability coverage for dog owners, certain breeds like Rottweilers are often excluded due to their perception as aggressive and dangerous. This perception leads to many insurers refusing to cover homes with Rottweilers, leaving owners vulnerable to lawsuits in the event of dog bites or property damage.

If your insurance company drops you due to owning a Rottweiler, here are some steps you can take:

Understand the Reasons for Cancellation:

Recognize the difference between policy cancellation and non-renewal. Cancellation refers to ending the policy before its expiration date, usually due to non-payment, fraud, or misrepresentation. Non-renewal means the insurer chooses not to renew the policy when it expires, often due to increased risk, frequent claims, or changes to the property.

Address Property Issues:

If the cancellation is due to property disrepair or safety concerns, take steps to correct these issues. Make necessary repairs, address safety hazards, and improve security to reduce the insurer's perceived risk.

Contact Your Insurance Company:

Reach out to your insurance company to understand the specific reason for the cancellation or non-renewal. Sometimes, it could be due to an administrative error, and providing additional information may resolve the issue.

Speak with an Insurance Agent:

Consult an insurance agent to explore your options. They can guide you in finding the right coverage and may even help you find an alternative insurer despite having a Rottweiler.

Shop for a New Insurer:

Start looking for a new insurance policy to ensure continuous coverage. Compare rates and coverage options from multiple providers, and consider working with an agent or using online resources to find insurers that are more accommodating of restricted breeds.

Be Honest with New Insurers:

When applying for new coverage, be transparent about any previous cancellations or issues. Failing to disclose this information could lead to future problems, such as claim denials or difficulties in obtaining coverage.

Consider Alternative Options:

If you struggle to find coverage due to your Rottweiler, explore alternative options like high-risk insurance pools, umbrella policies, or stand-alone dog liability insurance policies. These options may provide the necessary coverage, even if they come with higher premiums or limited benefits.

Remember, acting quickly is crucial to avoid a lapse in coverage and ensure continuous protection for your home and belongings.

The risks of not having insurance for your Rottweiler

Rottweilers are a loyal and protective breed, but they are often excluded from insurance coverage due to their reputation for being aggressive. As a result, many Rottweiler owners struggle to find insurance companies that will cover them. This poses a significant risk, as dog bites are common and can lead to costly lawsuits. Without insurance, owners may be held personally liable for any injuries or property damage caused by their Rottweiler.

The risk of not having insurance for your Rottweiler is twofold. Firstly, you may be held financially responsible for any damage or injuries caused by your dog. Rottweilers are strong and powerful dogs, and their bites can cause severe injuries that require medical attention. If your Rottweiler bites someone or damages their property, you could be facing a lawsuit and be held liable for the resulting costs.

Secondly, not having insurance for your Rottweiler may make it difficult to find a suitable home. Many landlords and homeowners' insurance policies have breed restrictions that exclude Rottweilers. This means that you may struggle to find rental housing or insurance coverage for your home if you own a Rottweiler.

In addition, some states have laws requiring Rottweilers to be insured, and owners can face steep penalties and fines if they fail to do so. Even if your Rottweiler has never bitten anyone, the risk of a future incident is always present. Obtaining insurance for your Rottweiler can help protect you financially and legally in the event of a dog bite or property damage.

Furthermore, Rottweilers, as a pure breed, are more susceptible to genetic health issues, which can be costly to treat. Without insurance, you may have to make difficult financial decisions regarding your dog's health.

Overall, the risks of not having insurance for your Rottweiler include financial liability, difficulty finding housing, legal consequences, and the potential for untreated health issues. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to prioritize obtaining liability insurance coverage for your Rottweiler.

How to get separate dog bite insurance

While some home insurance policies may cover dog bites, certain breeds, such as Rottweilers, are often excluded from these policies. If your dog is not covered by your home insurance, you may need to purchase a separate dog liability insurance policy. Here are some steps you can take to get separate dog bite insurance:

• Check your home insurance policy: Review your existing home insurance policy to understand what type of coverage you have. Some policies may include animal liability coverage, while others may specifically exclude certain breeds or incidents.
• Contact your insurance provider: If you are unsure about your coverage, reach out to your insurance provider and ask about their policies regarding dog bites and liability coverage. They may be able to offer you an exception or provide additional coverage for an extra cost.
• Shop around for dog liability insurance: If your current insurance provider does not cover dog bites or if you prefer to have separate coverage, you can explore specialised dog liability insurance providers. These companies offer policies specifically designed for dog owners and can provide coverage for a wide range of breeds, including those considered higher risk.
• Compare prices and coverage: When shopping for dog liability insurance, be sure to compare prices and coverage options from multiple providers. The cost of coverage will depend on various factors, including the breed and weight of your dog, as well as its bite history.
• Consider an umbrella policy: If you already have home insurance that covers dog bites but want additional coverage, consider purchasing an umbrella policy. Umbrella policies provide extra liability coverage beyond what your home insurance offers and often include protection against dog bite claims.
• Understand your dog's needs: Different insurance providers have different requirements and restrictions. Some may require your dog to have completed obedience classes or have a Canine Good Citizen certificate. Be sure to understand the specific requirements of the insurance provider before purchasing a policy.

Frequently asked questions