Farmers Insurance's Approach To Pitbulls: Understanding The Policy And Pitfalls

Farmers Insurance has recently changed its policy regarding liability insurance for dog bites. The company is no longer providing coverage for three breeds: pit bulls, rottweilers, and wolf hybrids. They are not cancelling policies, but they are requiring customers to sign an exclusion waiver of liability coverage for dog bites. Without the signature, the policy will not be renewed.

Breed bans are illegal in California, and this move is seen as an insurance company tactic to keep dog owners away from those three breeds. While it is true that pit bulls and rottweilers account for over half of fatal dog attacks in the country, there are 11 breeds considered the most dangerous. Farmers has chosen to target these three for now.

The victim of a dog bite will suffer the most from Farmers' policy change. People injured by a dog bite or attack face medical bills, surgery costs, and loss of wages. Farmers is being irresponsible by adopting a blanket policy of exclusion of liability coverage for these three breeds. They should adopt a better policy that ensures victims of dog bites do not continue to suffer long after the dog attack.

Home insurance companies that do not discriminate against pit bulls

Owning a pit bull can make it challenging to find home insurance, as many insurance companies consider them a high-risk breed. However, there are some insurance providers that do not discriminate against pit bulls and offer coverage for these dogs. Here is a list of home insurance companies that do not discriminate against pit bulls:

• State Farm: State Farm is known for its inclusive policies and do not have any dog breed restrictions. They provide personal liability coverage, which is crucial for pit bull owners, as it covers injuries or property damage caused by your dog. State Farm also has a strong reputation for customer service, making them a reliable choice.
• Allstate: Allstate takes an individualized approach to underwriting and does not have breed-specific policies. They determine eligibility based on a dog's behavior, history, and the owner's ability to manage their pet.
• Nationwide: Nationwide does not discriminate based on breed and offers comprehensive coverage, including personal liability for dog bites. They are also known for their reliability and excellent customer service.
• Farmers: Farmers Insurance has been known to cover pit bulls and bully breeds. While they may require an exclusion waiver for dog bites, they do not deny coverage based solely on breed.
• USAA: USAA is an excellent option for military members and their families. They do not enforce any dog breed restrictions and consider a dog's previous bite history when providing coverage.
• Einhorn Insurance: Einhorn Insurance specializes in providing coverage for pit bull owners and is available in most states. They require a personal liability limit of at least $100,000 and offer coverage for injuries inflicted by your pets.

Renters insurance that covers pit bulls

Renters insurance is essential for dog owners, as it covers any accidents or damage to the property and offers liability coverage for bodily injuries. This is especially important for pit bull owners, as pit bulls are viewed as a dangerous breed by insurance companies. Some insurers do not provide coverage at all, but others will simply charge you a higher premium for coverage or include exclusions into your policy.

If you have a pit bull, getting coverage is still possible. But don't settle for the first insurance company that will cover your pet. You should shop around for an insurance policy to get the best coverage at the lowest price.

• State Farm: Their online questionnaire doesn't ask about breed and only inquires if you have a dog at all. Because State Farm doesn't have breed restrictions, you won't have to pay more for your renters insurance policy. However, this also means there is a small chance for your claim to be denied if your dog bites someone.
• Nationwide: Offers renters insurance to pit bull owners, but they may require your dog to have a training certificate, such as The Canine Good Citizen training certificate from The American Kennel Club (AKC).
• Progressive: Offers renters coverage for pit bull owners, but it is not cheap. Someone who owns a pit bull might pay as much as $400 more each year compared to someone who owns a different breed of dog.
• USAA: Military-only carrier that accepts all breeds in most states.
• Umbrella policies: This is additional liability insurance that you buy on top of your homeowners, renters, or auto insurance policies.
• Canine liability policies: This is a separate insurance policy that you buy specifically to protect you from liability claims related to your dog. Canine liability insurance is often available through smaller carriers.

While getting renters insurance as a pit bull owner may be more complicated, it's not impossible. Shop around to find the right policy, or consider adding on supplemental coverage to make sure you are protected.

Home insurance companies that discriminate against pit bulls

• Farmers Insurance
• Progressive
• Liberty Mutual
• The Hartford
• American Family
• Horace Mann

However, some companies do not discriminate against pit bulls and will insure them, including:

• State Farm
• USAA
• Nationwide
• Allstate
• Farmers (in some cases)
• Chubb
• Einhorn Insurance
• United Services Automobile Association

Dog liability insurance

Who offers dog liability insurance?

The following companies offer dog liability insurance:

• XINSURANCE
• InsureMyK9
• Dean Insurance Agency
• Prime Insurance Company
• Federation of Insured Dog Owners
• Einhorn Insurance Agency
• Lester Kalmanson Agency, Inc.
• Evolution Insurance Brokers

The cost of dog liability insurance depends on several factors, such as the dog's breed, weight, state, history and other underwriting factors. Annual premiums typically range from $400 to $1,200, depending on the dog's history.

Umbrella insurance

• Have significant savings or other assets.
• Are worried about liability claims against you when traveling outside the U.S.
• Own things that can lead to injury lawsuits such as pools, trampolines, guns or dogs.
• Have an inexperienced driver in your household.
• Coach kids’ sports.
• Often host parties in your home.
• Serve on the board of a nonprofit.
• Regularly post reviews of products and businesses.
• Take part in sports where you could easily injure others (such as hunting, skiing or surfing).
• Are a public figure.

Frequently asked questions