Alyssa Lane
German Shepherds are often associated with high insurance premiums due to their classification as a high-risk or dangerous breed. This classification is based on their reputation as guard dogs and police dogs, as well as their athleticism, focus, and intelligence. While USAA is known for its dog-friendly policies, covering dog-related incidents and not discriminating based on breed, it is important to understand the specific terms of their homeowners insurance policies, especially regarding German Shepherds, as they may charge higher premiums for certain breeds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies that cover German Shepherds | Amica, Fireman's, State Farm, Chubb, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual, USAA |
| Companies that don't consider breed | State Farm, Allstate, USAA |
| Companies that may charge more for German Shepherds | USAA, Chubb |
| Companies that may require a home visit or obedience certificate | Amica, Fireman's, State Farm, Chubb, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual, USAA |
| States that cannot deny coverage based on breed | Michigan, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania |
| States that can deny coverage based on breed | Illinois |
| States that can deny coverage based on breed but have companies that don't discriminate | Michigan, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania |
| Average increase in insurance rates for restricted breeds | 1% |
| Types of incidents covered by dog-friendly insurance | Bites, injuries, property damage, lawsuits |
| Types of incidents covered by dog-specific liability insurance | Damage to property, injury to a person |
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What You'll Learn
USAA's dog breed restrictions
USAA is a dog-friendly insurance company that offers coverage for dog-related incidents such as bites to guests or damaged property. USAA does not consider the breed of the dog when determining whether to extend coverage. Instead, USAA considers the dog's bite history and signs of aggression.
USAA is listed by multiple sources as one of the insurance companies that do not have breed restrictions. However, some sources also note that USAA may charge higher premiums or impose specific conditions for certain breeds due to the perceived risk associated with them.
While USAA does not have breed restrictions, it is important to note that each home insurance provider has its own policies and approaches to handling dog-related incidents and breed restrictions. It is always a good idea to contact the insurance provider directly to understand the specific terms and conditions of their policies.
Home insurance providers commonly restrict certain dog breeds due to perceptions about their aggression or likelihood to bite. Some of the breeds that are often restricted include Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and wolf hybrids. These restrictions are based on generalizations about breed behavior, and individual dogs within these breeds may be gentle and well-behaved. However, insurance companies often make policy decisions based on statistical risk assessments.
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German Shepherds' reputation
German Shepherds are a German breed of working dog, originally developed for herding sheep. They are now used in many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police work, and warfare. They are also commonly kept as companion dogs. German Shepherds are considered dogkind's finest all-purpose worker, known for their intelligence, loyalty, courage, and steady character.
However, German Shepherds have also gained a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous. When the breed was introduced to the United States, it became associated with gangsters and bootleggers, which contributed to its reputation as a dangerous breed. This perception was further reinforced during the first half of the twentieth century when German Shepherds became strongly identified with Imperial and Nazi Germany due to their association with purity and militarism. Adolf Hitler, who kept several German Shepherds, including one named Blondi, admired the breed's loyalty and obedience, and they featured in Nazi propaganda.
The protective instinct is natural to German Shepherds, and if untrained, they can become very aggressive. Their size and intimidating appearance, coupled with their strong instinct to protect their family or property, can lead to undesirable behaviors. German Shepherds are often portrayed in the media as aggressive, disobedient, and unpredictable, contributing to their reputation as dangerous dogs.
German Shepherds are among the breeds that may affect homeowners' insurance acceptance due to their perception as a restricted or dangerous breed. However, some insurance companies, such as USAA, do not consider the breed and offer policies regardless, although they may charge higher premiums or require behavioral assessments for specific breeds.
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Dog liability insurance
Home insurance policies that include liability coverage typically cover injuries and property damage caused by dogs. However, some companies exclude certain breeds that are considered more likely to bite or cause injury, such as pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers. Additionally, some companies may increase rates for customers with restricted breeds or deny coverage altogether. USAA, for example, does not consider breed when determining coverage but does take into account a dog's bite history and signs of aggression. Other companies, like State Farm, Allstate, and Chubb, offer coverage regardless of breed.
It is important to note that dog liability insurance typically only covers third-party injuries and property damage, excluding damages caused by dogs to their owners' property or injuries to members of their household. Additionally, liability coverage may not be sufficient for expensive claims, and rates may increase in the future as a result of making a claim. Therefore, dog owners should carefully review the terms of their homeowners' insurance and consider purchasing additional dog liability insurance to ensure they have adequate coverage.
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USAA's policy on dog bite history
USAA is one of the dog-friendly home insurance companies that offer coverage for dog-related incidents, such as bites to guests or property damage. Unlike other insurance companies, USAA does not consider the breed of the dog when determining whether to offer home insurance. Instead, USAA is interested in the dog's bite history and whether it has displayed any signs of aggression in the past.
While USAA does not deny coverage based on dog breed, it is important to note that owning a dog, especially one with a bite history, may affect your home insurance rates. Some insurance companies may charge higher premiums or require additional liability coverage for specific breeds or dogs with a history of aggression. Additionally, making liability claims for dog bites can result in more expensive home insurance rates in the future.
It is worth noting that some states, such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Nevada, New York, and Michigan, have laws prohibiting insurers from canceling or denying coverage based on dog breed. However, some states, like Ohio, require owners of dogs classified as vicious to purchase a certain amount of liability insurance.
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German Shepherds' insurance rates
German Shepherds are known to be intelligent, obedient, loyal, curious, and alert. However, they are also prone to certain health issues, such as degenerative myelopathy, a progressive neurological disease that impacts the hind legs, and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a genetic disease that affects the pancreas. As a result, owning a German Shepherd can be expensive, with costs averaging $15,000 over their lifetime, or up to $99,000 if you include costs such as spaying/neutering, dog walking, and boarding.
Pet insurance can help to offset these costs by providing coverage for illnesses, diseases, injuries, accidents, surgeries, and emergency vet visits. Some companies, such as Lemonade, offer affordable monthly premiums for German Shepherd insurance, while others, like Embrace Pet Insurance, offer coverage for a range of common health issues in the breed. MetLife Pet Insurance is another option, offering flexible plans and premiums that can be customized to fit your budget, with plans starting at $16 per month for one dog.
When it comes to homeowners insurance, German Shepherds may be considered a restricted breed, which can impact your coverage and rates. Some companies, such as State Farm, Allstate, and USAA, offer dog-friendly homeowners insurance that covers dog-related incidents like bites and property damage, regardless of breed. However, these companies may charge higher premiums for restricted breeds or require additional liability coverage. It's important to compare rates and policies from multiple companies to find the best coverage for your German Shepherd at a reasonable price.
In addition to pet insurance and homeowners insurance, you may also consider dog-specific liability insurance or umbrella liability insurance, which can supplement your existing coverage and protect you from financial losses if your dog causes injury or property damage.
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Frequently asked questions
USAA is one of the insurance companies that provide insurance to dog owners regardless of breed. However, they may charge higher premiums for certain breeds.
Homeowners insurance typically includes liability coverage, which protects you financially if your dog causes injury or property damage to others. It usually covers dog bites, medical bills, legal fees, and settlements if you are sued as a result of a dog-related injury.
Some dog-friendly homeowners insurance companies include State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Chubb, and NJM. These companies do not discriminate based on breed and offer policies regardless of your dog's breed.
