Alyssa Lane
Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites under the liability portion of the policy. However, certain dog breeds are more prone to biting than others, and insurance companies may use breed-specific legislation (BSL) to blacklist these breeds, resulting in higher premiums or outright bans. American bulldogs are often included on these lists, along with pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds. The presence of a blacklisted dog breed may result in higher insurance rates or even policy cancellation. Thus, it is essential to contact your insurance company before bringing a dog home to understand the potential impact on your coverage and explore alternative options if necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of a dog bite claim in 2021 | $49,025 |
| Average dog bite claim | $44,760 |
| Liability coverage range | $100,000 - $500,000 |
| States that do not allow insurers to ban breeds | Vermont |
| States that do not allow breed-based discrimination | Michigan, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania |
| Companies that do not consider dog breed | State Farm, USAA, Chubb |
| Companies that have a shorter list of restricted breeds | Farmers |
| Breeds commonly restricted | Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Wolf Hybrids, German Shepherds, Mixed-breed dogs, American Bulldogs |
| Breeds under the pit bull umbrella | American Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers |
| Percentage increase in home insurance rates for having a restricted breed | 1% |
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What You'll Learn
- Home insurance companies may blacklist certain dog breeds
- Dog bites and liability claims are costly for insurance companies
- Dog breed blacklists can disproportionately affect people of colour
- Some states and insurance companies don't discriminate based on breed
- You can shop around for dog-friendly insurance companies
Home insurance companies may blacklist certain dog breeds
The use of breed lists has been criticised for negatively impacting uninformed consumers, people of colour, and low- to moderate-income earners. Uninformed consumers may not know that their dog choice could affect their insurance or that they have other coverage options if their current insurer cancels their policy. There is also a correlation between breeds and perceptions of who owns them, with a strong correlation between pit bulls and the Black community. Consumers of low to moderate means are impacted when they have to pay more for insurance after being denied coverage elsewhere or when their dogs are excluded from liability coverage.
Dog bite statistics show that certain breeds are more prone to biting than others, and these are the breeds that are often excluded from coverage. These include pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, mixed-breed dogs, and American bulldogs. If your dog has a history of biting, it may be excluded from your policy, or you may need to sign a liability waiver for dog bites. In some cases, you may be denied a homeowners insurance policy altogether. If your dog damages your home or belongings, your loss may not be covered by your homeowners insurance.
Homeowners insurance companies are not always transparent about the breeds they ban, making it challenging for dog owners to choose a suitable provider. However, some states have introduced legislation prohibiting insurers from banning breeds. For example, Vermont "does not allow the exclusion of entire canine breeds." If you are unsure whether your dog is blacklisted, it is recommended to contact your home insurance company before getting a dog. If you face a loss of coverage, you can shop around for a different insurer or consider a different breed.
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Dog bites and liability claims are costly for insurance companies
Dog bites and liability claims are extremely costly for insurance companies. In 2022, liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries cost homeowners insurers $1.136 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). This was a 28.8% increase from 2021, despite the number of claims decreasing by 2.2%. The average cost per claim in 2022 was $64,555, compared to $49,025 in 2021, a 31.7% increase. Between 2013 and 2022, the average value of dog bite claims paid by insurance companies increased by 131.7%. This significant increase is mainly due to the rising cost of medical care and the size of jury verdicts, judgments, and settlements.
The cost of dog bite claims is not only high for insurance companies but also for dog owners. If a claim exceeds the policy limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount, including legal expenses. A single lawsuit, even if won by the dog owner, can cost thousands of dollars in legal fees and lost wages. Therefore, it is essential for dog owners to have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves financially in the event of a dog bite claim.
The personal liability section of homeowners insurance policies typically covers dog bite claims, with coverage limits ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. However, some insurance companies will not insure homeowners who own certain breeds of dogs categorized as dangerous, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers. These companies may charge higher premiums for these breeds or exclude them from coverage altogether. Dog bite statistics show that certain breeds are more prone to biting than others, and insurance companies use this information to determine risk and set premiums accordingly.
In addition to breed, other factors such as the dog's history of biting and the state in which the claim occurs can also impact coverage. Some states have laws that prohibit insurers from denying coverage based on breed, while others have specific requirements for dog owners, such as purchasing additional liability insurance. Dog owners should be aware of the laws and regulations in their state regarding dog bite liability and insurance coverage to ensure they are adequately protected in the event of a claim.
Overall, dog bites and liability claims are a significant financial burden for insurance companies, with costs continuing to rise. While homeowners insurance provides some coverage for dog bite incidents, dog owners should carefully review their policies and consider additional coverage to ensure they are fully protected.
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Dog breed blacklists can disproportionately affect people of colour
Dog breed blacklists have been a common practice among homeowners' insurance companies to mitigate costs resulting from expensive liability claims against dog owners. While insurance companies claim that certain breeds are more prone to biting than others, there is no evidence to support this notion. Dog breed blacklists disproportionately affect people of colour, and this bias is fuelled by the media, politicians, and the general public.
The average dog bite claim has been around $44,760, according to the Insurance Information Institute. To avoid such costs, insurance companies have resorted to creating lists of banned dogs, where the insurer won't provide coverage if a customer owns a particular breed. These lists are often based on dog bite statistics and the perception of certain breeds as more aggressive or dangerous. However, studies have shown that there is no significant difference in the severity of bites between different dog breeds.
The practice of blacklisting certain dog breeds has a detrimental impact on people of colour. Breed-specific legislation (BSL), also known as breed discriminatory legislation (BDL), is influenced by and reinforces implicit racial bias. The media, politicians, and the public have perpetuated the association of specific dog breeds, such as pit bulls, with people of colour, particularly young Black men. This negative stigma has resulted in discriminatory insurance practices and policies that disproportionately affect minority communities.
The racialization of pit bulls is a well-documented phenomenon. The media, politicians, and the public often associate pit bulls with Black owners and culture. This association has led to the perception of pit bulls as a Black-owned dog breed, similar to how violent crime and welfare are disproportionately associated with African Americans. The negative portrayal of pit bulls in the media, such as the sensationalism of pit bull terrier-type dogs, further contributes to the racialization of the breed.
The implementation of breed-specific legislation and insurance blacklists has a significant impact on people of colour. It limits their choices and access to insurance coverage, as they may be denied coverage or face higher costs due to their dog's breed. Additionally, breed-specific legislation can result in criminal penalties for owning a dog that falls under these restrictions, which disproportionately affects communities of colour and low-wealth individuals. The negative consequences of these policies are felt more acutely by those with limited financial resources, as they may not have the means to comply with discriminatory laws or defend themselves in court.
While dog breed blacklists are intended to mitigate costs for insurance companies, they have unintended consequences that disproportionately affect people of colour. The association of certain dog breeds with racialized issues and communities of colour leads to discriminatory practices that limit access to insurance coverage and contribute to the perpetuation of racial biases.
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Some states and insurance companies don't discriminate based on breed
While many insurance companies have lists of banned dogs, not all insurance companies discriminate based on breed. Some companies, like State Farm, USAA, and Chubb, provide insurance to dog owners regardless of breed. However, these companies may charge higher rates for restricted breeds. Other companies, like Farmers, have shorter lists of restricted breeds, primarily focusing on pit bulls, rottweilers, and wolf hybrids.
Some states, such as Vermont, have introduced legislation prohibiting insurers from discriminating against dog breeds. These states do not allow the exclusion of entire canine breeds, and home insurers are required to obey these laws. Several other states are also in the process of passing similar legislation. This movement is supported by dog advocates, including the Animal Defense League, American Kennel Club, Best Friends Animal Society, and Humane Society, who argue that breed-specific legislation can negatively impact uninformed consumers, people of color, and consumers of low to moderate means.
Additionally, some insurance companies may be more concerned about a dog's bite history than its breed. These companies take a case-by-case approach, assessing the dog's bite history and the owner's claims history before deciding on coverage. It is important for dog owners to be honest about their dog's breed and bite history when discussing coverage with their insurance agent. If a dog owner is denied coverage due to their dog's breed, they can shop around for another insurer that does not restrict that breed or consider purchasing a separate dog liability insurance policy or an extended umbrella policy.
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You can shop around for dog-friendly insurance companies
Owning a dog can impact your homeowner's insurance. Dog bites are the most common homeowners insurance claim relating to pets, and insurance companies may attempt to limit their liability for these dog bites by eliminating what they perceive as high-risk breeds. Certain dog breeds are responsible for a majority of home insurance claims, causing some home insurance companies to exclude those breeds from standard home insurance coverage. These breeds vary by insurer but often include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Mixed-breed dogs, and American Bulldogs.
If your dog has a history of biting, it may be excluded from your policy, or you may need to sign a liability waiver for dog bites, meaning your insurer won't cover any medical or legal bills that result from your dog biting someone on your property. In some cases, you may be denied a homeowners insurance policy altogether. If your dog causes damage to your home or personal belongings, the loss may not be covered by your homeowners insurance.
However, not all insurance companies have strict lists of banned dog breeds, and some take dog bite problems on a case-by-case basis. If your home insurance company denies your application due to your dog, you can shop around for coverage with more dog-friendly companies and compare quotes. Dog-friendly insurance companies are those that extend coverage to high-risk dog breeds and dogs with a history of biting. Some dog-friendly insurance companies include Allstate, State Farm, and USAA. State Farm considers each dog an individual and won't ask what breed of dog you own when writing your home insurance policy. They've also partnered with Trupanion to offer pet health insurance. Other dog-friendly companies include Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Amica, Chubb, and the Massachusetts FAIR plan. Most of these companies work on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual dog's behavior and history.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, insurance companies can ban certain dog breeds. These vary by insurer, but often include breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans.
Your insurance company will typically cover dog bites under the liability portion of your policy. However, this depends on your insurer, your dog's breed, and the circumstances of the incident. If your dog has a history of biting, it may be excluded from your policy.
Your homeowner's insurance will not cover damage to your property or belongings caused by your dog.
Yes, you can purchase dog-specific liability insurance to cover damage or injury caused by your dog. You can also look into stand-alone dog liability coverage or umbrella liability insurance.
