Jane Dotson
Homeowners insurance is a financial safety net that protects against various unforeseen events, but navigating it with a dog can be complex. While most policies cover dog-related incidents, some insurance companies exclude certain dog breeds deemed more likely to bite or cause injury, resulting in higher liability claims. This has led to debates about breed discrimination, with animal advocates arguing that insurers should remove breed ban lists and assess risk based on individual dog behaviour. USAA, a major home insurance provider, offers dog-friendly homeowners insurance and does not have breed restrictions, but coverage may vary, and some dog breeds may not be covered. This article will explore the topic of breed discrimination in homeowners insurance and how it affects USAA policyholders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies that do not discriminate against dog breeds | USAA, State Farm, Allstate, NJM, Chubb, Einhorn Insurance, Dean Insurance, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Amica |
| Companies that do discriminate against dog breeds | Farmers Insurance, Various others |
| States with breed-specific legislation (BSL) | 22 states, including Vermont |
| Average dog bite claim | $44,760 |
| Typical liability coverage | $100,000 to $300,000 |
| Increase in home insurance rates due to restricted dog breeds | 1% on average |
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What You'll Learn
USAA's policy on dog breed restrictions
USAA is one of the few insurance companies that do not consider breed restrictions when providing homeowners insurance. Other companies that offer similar policies include State Farm, Allstate, NJM, Chubb, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Amica, Einhorn Insurance, and Dean Insurance.
Some insurance companies exclude certain dog breeds from coverage, labelling them as "dangerous" due to a perceived higher risk of bites or attacks. Large dog breeds are more likely to be banned due to the severity of bites. The most common dog breeds on the blacklist include breeds in the pit bull family, rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and wolf hybrids.
Home insurance rates may increase by 1% on average for owning a restricted dog breed. If your dog is on the restricted breed list, your insurance company may increase your rates, exclude liability coverage, decline to offer a new policy, or cancel your existing policy.
However, it is important to note that breed discrimination laws vary by state, and some states do not allow insurers to ban breeds. For example, Vermont "does not allow the exclusion of entire canine breeds."
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Dog-related incidents covered by insurance
Homeowners insurance typically covers dog-related incidents such as bites to guests or damage to property. However, the specific incidents and liabilities covered can vary among insurers, and some companies exclude certain dog breeds considered more likely to bite or cause injury.
- Dog bites: Most homeowner insurance policies cover dog bite incidents, with liability coverage ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. This coverage usually applies both on and off the policyholder's property, such as in a park, as long as the dog is not a breed excluded by the policy. However, insurers may not cover dog bite injuries if the dog is on a blacklist or if the owner encouraged the dog to bite.
- Property damage: Liability coverage under homeowner's insurance also typically includes protection against financial losses if a dog damages someone else's property. However, damage to the policyholder's own property caused by their dog is generally not covered.
- Injuries caused by dogs: In addition to bites, insurance companies may cover other injuries caused by dogs, such as falls when a dog jumps on someone.
It is important to note that some insurance companies do not consider dog breed when determining coverage, while others may have specific breed restrictions or higher premiums for certain breeds perceived as high-risk. These breeds may include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers. Additionally, some states have introduced legislation prohibiting insurers from banning breeds based on breed-specific legislation (BSL).
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Dog breeds that affect homeowners insurance acceptance
The breed of dog you own can impact your ability to obtain homeowners insurance. Some insurance companies have a blacklist of dog breeds that they will not cover, while others assess dogs on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as bite history and aggressive behaviour.
Insurance companies that do not consider breed when providing quotes for homeowners insurance include State Farm, USAA, and Chubb. These companies may, however, charge higher premiums for certain breeds. Some companies, like Farmers, typically restrict coverage for breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers, and wolf hybrids.
Dog breeds that are frequently blacklisted or deemed high-risk by insurance companies include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Wolf Hybrids
The presence of a dog, especially one from a restricted breed, can increase insurance premiums due to the increased liability and risk of costly damage or injury if a bite occurs. Dog bites can result in expensive liability claims, with an average claim costing around $44,760.
It is important to disclose any pets to your insurance provider to ensure proper coverage. Failure to do so may result in denied claims, cancelled policies, or legal issues in the event of a dog-related incident.
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How dog breed affects insurance rates
Homeowners insurance is a financial safety net that protects against various unforeseen events, but it may not cover every aspect of pet ownership. Dog-related incidents are a common concern for insurers, and some companies exclude certain dog breeds that are considered more likely to bite or cause injury. This is largely based on statistics showing that certain breeds are involved in more bite incidents and severe injuries. The average payout for a dog bite claim is around $44,760, and insurers are always looking to minimize risk and lower the chances of having to pay out expensive liability claims.
Some insurers have a blacklist of aggressive dog breeds, and if your dog's breed is on this list, they won't sell you insurance under any circumstances. The most commonly restricted breeds include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and wolf hybrids. However, some companies, such as State Farm, Allstate, and USAA, do not consider breed when offering insurance, and instead focus on the dog's bite history and behaviour. These companies may still charge higher premiums for certain breeds due to the perceived risk associated with them.
While most homeowners insurance providers cover dog-related incidents, coverage may vary among insurers. In addition to breed restrictions, some companies may deny coverage if your dog has a history of aggression or property damage, or if it is not properly trained or socialized. It is important to understand your insurance policy and speak with your insurer about breed-specific exclusions if you have concerns.
If you are having trouble finding insurance due to your dog's breed, there are other options available. Some companies offer canine liability insurance, which provides stand-alone coverage for high-risk breeds. Additionally, some states do not allow insurers to ban breeds, so it is worth checking the breed discrimination laws in your area.
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Companies that don't discriminate against dog breeds
While most homeowners' insurance providers cover dog-related incidents, some companies exclude certain breeds considered more likely to bite or cause injury. This is largely based on statistics showing that these breeds are involved in more bite incidents and severe injuries. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) allows insurance providers to enact discriminatory policies, including blacklists, against certain dog breeds.
However, some insurance companies, such as State Farm, Allstate, and USAA, do not ask about the breed of dog a homeowner owns. Companies like State Farm, Allstate, and USAA offer policies regardless of your dog's breed. They may, however, involve higher premiums or specific conditions due to the perceived risk associated with the breed. Other companies that may not discriminate against dog breeds include NJM and Chubb.
Some states do not allow insurers to ban breeds. For example, Vermont "does not allow the exclusion of entire canine breeds." Many other states have introduced similar legislation, and home insurers are required to obey each state's laws.
Dog advocates, led by the Animal Defense League, American Kennel Club, Best Friends Animal Society, and Humane Society, among others, are fighting back against breed-based discrimination in insurance. They argue that it is wrong for home insurance companies to discriminate against dogs due to breed and that breed lists have a detrimental impact on uninformed consumers, people of color, and consumers of low or moderate means.
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Frequently asked questions
No, USAA does not discriminate against dog breeds for homeowners insurance. USAA provides insurance to dog owners regardless of breed. However, they may charge higher premiums for certain breeds perceived as high-risk.
Dog breeds that are commonly considered high-risk include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and wolf hybrids. These breeds are often subject to restrictions or higher premiums due to their size and perceived aggression.
Dog ownership can impact homeowners insurance in several ways. Some insurance companies may increase premiums, exclude liability coverage for dog-related incidents, or deny coverage altogether for certain breeds. Additionally, dog bite history and aggressive behaviour can affect coverage.
If your dog's breed is restricted by your homeowners insurance company, you can explore other insurance providers that do not discriminate based on breed, such as State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, or Chubb. You can also consider purchasing additional liability coverage or dog-specific liability insurance to protect against dog-related incidents.
