Farmers Insurance And Pit Bulls: Understanding The Policy Pitfalls

Farmers Insurance no longer covers dog bites for certain breeds, including pit bulls, rottweilers, and wolf hybrids. The company now requires customers to sign an exclusion waiver of liability coverage for dog bites involving these breeds. This means that if a dog bite incident occurs, the policyholder will be responsible for any associated costs, such as medical bills or legal claims. The change in policy has surprised many dog owners, who feel that the company is discriminating against them based on their dog's breed rather than individual behaviour or risk factors. As a result, some customers have chosen to switch to insurance companies that do not have breed-specific restrictions.

Farmers Insurance no longer covers dog bites for certain breeds, including pit bulls

Farmers Insurance has stopped covering dog bites for certain breeds, including pit bulls, rottweilers, and wolf hybrids. The company now requires customers to sign an exclusion waiver of liability coverage for dog bites involving these breeds. Without this signature, the policy will not be renewed.

This change in policy has surprised many dog owners, who feel discriminated against based on their dog's breed rather than their individual risk level. While Farmers Insurance is not cancelling policies, the requirement to sign the exclusion waiver has been in place since mid-January.

According to Erin Freeman, the chief communications officer for Farmers, these three breeds accounted for 25% of dog bite claims and cause more harm when they attack than any other breed. However, pit bull owners argue that insurance companies should look at the individual owner and dog, including factors such as obedience training, rather than just the breed.

This policy change by Farmers Insurance reflects the challenges faced by pit bull owners in obtaining home insurance. Pit bulls are often deemed high-risk by insurers due to their history of being used in dogfighting and the frequency of improper training practices that can lead to biting. As a result, some insurance companies restrict coverage or charge higher rates for homeowners with pit bulls.

Homeowners with pit bulls may need to shop around for insurance companies that do not have breed restrictions or make coverage decisions based on individual dog behaviour. State Farm, USAA, and NJM are examples of companies that consider a dog's bite history rather than its breed when providing coverage.

It is important for homeowners to disclose the presence of any dogs, including pit bulls, to their insurance company. Failing to do so may result in denied claims or cancellation of the policy.

Some insurers refuse to provide home insurance for owners of pit bulls

Insurers that do provide coverage often set up restrictions. For example, Farmers Insurance is one of the companies that no longer provide liability coverage for dog bite claims when it comes to pit bulls, rottweilers, or wolf hybrids. Owners of these breeds are asked to sign exclusion waivers of liability coverage for dog bites, and without the signature, the policy will not be renewed.

However, some insurers make coverage decisions based on a dog's individual behaviour rather than its breed. For example, State Farm, USAA, and NJM do not restrict coverage or deny claims based on a dog's breed. Instead, they consider each dog's personal bite history to assess its insurance risk. Similarly, Auto-Owners does not restrict customers from owning pit bulls in some states.

If your current home or renters insurer won't allow pit bulls, it is important to shop around for coverage elsewhere. You can ask your agent or fellow pit bull owners for help in finding accommodating insurance companies. It is risky to go uninsured if you have a dog, as you could face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs if your pet lashes out.

If you can't find a willing home insurer, you can look into a canine liability policy, which offers stand-alone coverage for "bully" breeds that other companies won't insure. Dog Bite Insurance, Xinsurance, and the Einhorn Insurance Agency are three agencies that may be able to help you find insurance for your pit bull.

Some companies will insure homes with pit bulls but at a higher cost

Owning a pit bull can make it more challenging to find home insurance coverage, and some insurers will not insure homeowners with this breed of dog. However, some companies will provide insurance for homes with pit bulls, albeit at a higher cost.

Some insurers will not provide coverage for pit bulls at all, while others will charge a higher premium. The exact price increase is difficult to pinpoint as each company has its own approach to insuring dog owners. However, it is important to note that in certain states, such as Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania, insurers are not permitted to deny or cancel coverage based solely on breed.

When looking for insurance for a home with a pit bull, it is advisable to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies. Some insurers, such as State Farm, USAA, and NJM, base their coverage decisions on a dog's individual behaviour rather than its breed. These companies consider each dog's bite history and personal circumstances rather than implementing a blanket rule for specific breeds.

It is crucial to disclose the presence of a pit bull or any other dog to your insurance company. Failing to do so may result in denied claims or even policy cancellation. While it may be tempting to exclude your pit bull from coverage, this is a risky approach as you would be financially responsible for any incidents involving your dog.

If you are unable to find a standard home insurance company that will cover your pit bull, there are alternative options. You can explore umbrella insurance, which provides additional liability coverage beyond your regular homeowners insurance. Another option is canine liability insurance, which offers stand-alone coverage specifically for dog-related incidents.

State Farm, USAA and NJM make coverage decisions based on a dog's behaviour, not breed

State Farm, USAA, and NJM make coverage decisions based on a dog's behaviour, not breed. These companies are among the few that do not discriminate based on breed. Instead, they consider each dog's personal bite history to assess its insurance risk.

State Farm, for example, follows the motto "It's not the breed, it's the bite," and does not ask what breed of dog is owned when writing homeowners or renters insurance. Similarly, USAA does not enforce any dog breed restrictions and decides whether to provide coverage based on a dog's previous bite history.

Alternatives to home insurance for pit bull owners include umbrella insurance and canine liability insurance

If you're a pit bull owner, you may find it challenging to get home insurance. Some insurers refuse to provide home insurance for owners of pit bulls and other restricted breeds. However, there are alternatives to home insurance for pit bull owners, including umbrella insurance and canine liability insurance.

Umbrella insurance is a supplementary form of insurance that provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your standard homeowners insurance. It covers injuries, property damage, certain lawsuits, and personal liability situations. This type of insurance can be useful if your primary policy excludes pit bulls or other breeds considered high-risk.

Canine liability insurance, also known as animal liability insurance or dog owner liability insurance, is a standalone policy that covers damages or injuries caused by dogs, regardless of their breed. It compensates victims for medical expenses, legal costs, and property damage resulting from dog bites or attacks. This type of insurance is typically offered by smaller insurance providers and can be a good alternative if you're struggling to find traditional home insurance that accommodates pit bulls.

While these alternatives can provide additional coverage, it's important to note that you should still notify your insurance company about owning a pit bull, even if you purchase a separate or supplementary policy.

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