Alyssa Lane
Owning a dog, especially one that is considered a restricted breed, can make it difficult to find affordable homeowners insurance. Pitbulls are often deemed a dangerous breed by insurance companies, and some companies refuse to cover them or charge higher rates. While some states ban breed discrimination, making it easier to find insurance for a pitbull, other companies like Erie Insurance have dropped customers after finding out they own a pitbull.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in finding insurance companies that cover pitbulls | Yes |
| Companies that restrict coverage for pitbulls | American Family, Horace Mann, Progressive, The Hartford |
| Companies that do not restrict coverage for pitbulls | State Farm, USAA, Auto-Owners (in some states) |
| Companies that may restrict coverage for pitbulls | Erie Insurance |
| States with banned breed discrimination | Not specified |
| Average cost of a claim for dog bites | High |
| Companies that allow excluding dogs from coverage | Progressive, Sure Insurance |
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What You'll Learn
Erie Insurance may drop coverage if you own a pitbull
Owning a pit bull can make it more challenging to find a homeowners insurance company that will cover you at a reasonable rate. Many insurance companies have breed restrictions, and pit bulls are often deemed too dangerous to cover due to their size, strength, and history associated with the breed.
Erie Insurance is one such company that may drop coverage if you own a pit bull. A customer on Reddit reported that Erie Insurance dropped their coverage after 25+ years because they owned a pit bull. The customer shared a photo of their dog, which appeared friendly and non-aggressive. However, it's important to note that this is just one example, and each case is unique.
Some insurance companies refuse to cover pit bulls altogether or may charge higher rates for coverage. Others may be more flexible, especially if your dog has no history of aggression. It's essential to shop around and get quotes from multiple companies to find coverage that suits your needs.
In addition to Erie Insurance, companies that customers have reported difficulty getting coverage for their pit bulls from include American Family, Horace Mann, Progressive, and The Hartford. On the other hand, companies like State Farm, USAA, and Auto-Owners in certain states do not have breed restrictions and are popular choices for pit bull owners.
It's important to note that even if your insurance company covers pit bulls, they may not cover any damage or injuries caused by your dog. In most cases, insurance companies will deny coverage for dogs with a history of biting, and you may need to purchase additional coverage, such as umbrella insurance or a stand-alone dog liability policy.
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Some insurance companies blacklist certain dog breeds
The decision to blacklist certain dog breeds is based on the insurance company's perception of the risk of biting or aggressive behaviour associated with the breed. Dog bites can be very costly for insurance providers, sometimes amounting to millions of dollars in claims. As such, insurance companies may deny coverage to certain dog owners to minimise the chances of having to pay out expensive liability claims.
The impact of breed restrictions on dog owners can vary depending on their location. In the United States, some states, such as Michigan and Pennsylvania, have restricted the use of dog-breed profiling by insurance companies. On the other hand, some states allow insurers to ban specific dog breeds. It is important for dog owners to be aware of their insurer's exclusions and guidelines, as well as the laws in their state, to navigate these restrictions effectively.
While some insurance companies blacklist dog breeds, there are also dog-friendly companies that do not restrict coverage or deny claims based on a dog's breed. Examples of such companies include State Farm, USAA, and Auto-Owners. These companies may consider a dog's previous bite history or individual behaviour instead of breed restrictions when determining coverage.
Overall, the practice of blacklisting certain dog breeds by insurance companies can create challenges for dog owners in obtaining suitable and affordable coverage. However, there are alternative options available, and shopping around can help owners find insurance providers that do not discriminate based on breed.
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Dog bite claims can be expensive for insurance companies
Dog bite claims can be extremely expensive for insurance companies, with hospital bills, plastic surgery, and ongoing medical care, such as nerve damage treatment, costing insurance companies millions of dollars. In 2024, dog bite and dog-related injury claims cost homeowners insurers $1,570 million, a significant increase from the $600 million paid in previous years. The average cost per claim has also risen sharply, from $58,545 in 2023 to $69,272 in 2024, with some states, such as New York, averaging over $100,000 per claim. This increase in claim costs is due to the rising cost of medical care and the size of jury verdicts, judgments, and settlements.
The high cost of dog bite claims has led some insurance companies to deny or limit coverage for certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls, deemed to be higher-risk for liability claims. These breed restrictions make it challenging for owners of these dogs to find affordable insurance policies, as they may have to pay higher rates or purchase separate liability policies for their dogs. Some states, such as Pennsylvania and Michigan, have laws prohibiting insurers from denying or cancelling coverage based on dog breed, while other states, such as Ohio, require owners of dogs classified as vicious to purchase additional liability insurance.
While breed restrictions may provide some financial protection for insurance companies, they can also result in higher costs for dog owners. Dog owners with restricted breeds may struggle to find affordable insurance coverage and may have to pay out of pocket for any damage or injuries caused by their dogs. Additionally, some insurance companies may offer coverage for restricted breeds if the dog has a clean bite history or if the owner takes the dog to behaviour modification classes or uses restraints.
To mitigate the risk of costly dog bite claims, insurance companies can encourage responsible dog ownership by providing resources and education on dog behaviour and safety. By helping dog owners understand how to prevent dog bites and how to interact safely with dogs, insurance companies can reduce the likelihood of dog bite incidents and the associated financial costs.
Overall, dog bite claims present a significant financial burden for insurance companies, and finding insurance coverage for certain dog breeds can be challenging for dog owners. By understanding the risks and costs associated with dog bites and working together with dog owners, insurance companies can help reduce the financial impact of dog bite incidents.
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State Farm does not discriminate against pitbulls
While many insurance companies restrict coverage based on dog breed, State Farm is not one of them. State Farm does not discriminate against pitbulls and offers coverage for homeowners with this breed of dog.
State Farm's motto is "It's not the breed, it's the bite," reflecting the company's belief that any breed of dog may bite and that breed is not a good indicator of insurance risk. The company recognises that any dog can bite, regardless of breed, and that a dog's behaviour is influenced by a unique combination of personality, situation, and circumstance.
State Farm's position on this issue is supported by customer reviews. One reviewer wrote, "I have always been happy with State Farm as my homeowner’s insurance company. They have great service and do not discriminate against 'aggressive' dog breeds, like pitbulls." Another customer shared a similar sentiment, stating that State Farm "does not discriminate against my dogs, nor do I get punished as their owner before they commit any sort of trouble."
In addition to homeowners' insurance, State Farm also offers pet insurance for all dog breeds through Trupanion, a leader in high-quality insurance for cats and dogs. This insurance covers unexpected illnesses and injuries for pets, helping to protect them throughout their lifetime.
It is important to note that while State Farm does not discriminate against pitbulls, other insurance companies do. Some companies refuse to cover pitbulls or charge higher rates for coverage. Therefore, it is advisable for homeowners with pitbulls to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best coverage for their needs.
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Some states ban breed discrimination
While many insurance companies ban certain dog breeds, some states have banned breed discrimination, making it easier for owners of these breeds to find insurance coverage. Breed discrimination laws vary by state, and some states have limitations on breed discrimination or none at all. These include states like Maryland, which has a county where it is against the law to own a pit bull.
In states that ban breed discrimination, insurance companies are prevented from enacting dog breed restrictions in homeowner insurance coverage. This means that even if a dog breed is restricted under an insurance policy, the state law may override this restriction. For example, State Farm, which does not discriminate against dog breeds, is available in states that ban breed discrimination.
Some insurance companies may also make exceptions to breeds they normally restrict. For instance, Auto-Owners does not restrict customers from owning pit bulls in some states, while in other states, the company will limit coverage or deny policies for incidents caused by pit bulls.
It is important to note that even in states that ban breed discrimination, insurance companies may still deny coverage for dogs with a history of aggression or biting. This is because a dog's history of aggression and owner responsibility are considered when determining coverage. Dogs that lack training or socialization are deemed higher risk and may have more difficulty obtaining coverage.
Overall, for pit bull owners, living in a state that bans breed discrimination can provide more options for reasonable insurance coverage. However, it is still essential to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best option.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it seems that Erie homeowners insurance does not cover pitbulls. There are reports of the company dropping coverage for customers who own pitbulls.
Pitbulls are often deemed a dangerous breed by insurance companies, who fear that a pitbull attack could lead to costly injuries due to the breed's size and strength. Some companies refuse to cover pitbulls, while others charge higher insurance rates.
Some insurance companies that do not have breed restrictions and cover pitbulls include State Farm, USAA, and Auto-Owners (in some states).
If your insurance company does not cover pitbulls, you can consider switching to a company that does not have breed restrictions. You can also look into getting umbrella insurance or a standalone dog liability policy to protect yourself from damage or injuries caused by your pitbull.
