Paul Sanchez
Owning a dog, especially a breed that is perceived as dangerous, can affect your homeowners insurance. Pitbulls are considered by some insurers to be a greater liability risk than other dog breeds, which can make it difficult to find an insurance company that will cover your dog at a reasonable rate. GEICO, for example, has been known to insure some pitbulls, but it does have renters insurance and home insurance dog restrictions that can make insuring a pitbull more difficult in some states.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in insuring a pitbull | GEICO may insure some pitbulls, but it does have GEICO renters insurance and home insurance dog restrictions that can make insuring a pitbull more difficult in some states |
| High rates | The cost of adding a pitbull starts at $25/month |
| Denial of coverage | Some companies refuse to cover pitbulls |
| Alternative options | Umbrella insurance or canine liability insurance |
| Dog-friendly companies | State Farm, Amica, Farmers, and USAA |
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What You'll Learn
Geico's dog insurance policies
GEICO's homeowners insurance may insure some pit bulls, but it has restrictions that can make insuring this breed more difficult in certain states. While GEICO does not appear to offer specific insurance policies for pit bulls, it does offer dog insurance in partnership with Embrace Pet Insurance. This insurance provides nose-to-tail coverage for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and dental care.
GEICO's dog insurance offers flexible and affordable plans, allowing customers to customize their plans to fit their budgets and their dogs' needs. Customers can choose their deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual payout limits. The insurance covers accidents like sprains, ACL ruptures, foreign body ingestion, poisonings, and broken bones. It also covers veterinary bills, diagnostic testing, treatments, and ongoing care.
GEICO's dog insurance can be easily managed online through the user-friendly MyEmbrace online portal, where customers can update their policies, submit claims, and update their information. It is recommended to enroll pets when they are young and healthy to avoid any diagnosis being labeled a pre-existing condition, as dog insurers will not cover pre-existing conditions. When choosing a dog insurance policy, it is important to consider the dog's age, breed, health history, and budget.
It is worth noting that some home insurance companies have breed restrictions and may refuse to insure certain dog breeds deemed to be a higher risk for liability claims. This can make it challenging for owners of certain breeds, such as pit bulls, to find insurance coverage at a reasonable rate. In such cases, alternative options like umbrella insurance or stand-alone dog liability policies can be considered.
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Home insurance companies that cover pit bulls
Owning a pit bull can make it more challenging to find home insurance, as some companies have breed restrictions, and pit bulls are often deemed a higher risk for liability claims. However, there are several home insurance companies that offer coverage for pit bulls. Here are some options:
State Farm
State Farm is one of the most popular options for homeowners with pit bulls. They do not have breed restrictions and do not ask about the breed or type of dog a person owns. Instead, they consider each dog's personal bite history to assess its insurance risk. State Farm offers personal liability coverage, which can protect homeowners if their dog injures someone or causes property damage.
USAA
USAA is another insurance company that does not enforce any dog breed restrictions. They decide whether to provide coverage based on a dog's previous bite history, and most pit bulls with a clean track record qualify for coverage. However, USAA policies are only available to U.S. military members and their families.
Allstate
Allstate takes a customized approach to underwriting different dog breeds, including pit bulls. They determine home insurance eligibility for homeowners with dogs considered "aggressive" on a case-by-case basis, considering each dog's behaviour, history, and the homeowner's management of their pet.
Amica, Farmers, and Auto-Owners
Amica and Farmers are also mentioned as companies that allow pit bulls in most cases. Additionally, Auto-Owners does not restrict customers from owning pit bulls in some states, although they may limit coverage for incidents caused by pit bulls or deny policies in other states.
Geico
Geico may insure some pit bulls, but it has renters and homeowners insurance dog restrictions that can make insuring a pit bull more difficult in certain states.
It is important to note that even if a company does not have breed restrictions, they may still charge higher rates for homeowners with pit bulls. Additionally, most insurance companies will deny coverage for dogs with a history of biting. Therefore, it is recommended to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurers to find the best coverage for your needs.
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The impact of dog breed on insurance rates
Insurance companies often deem certain dog breeds, particularly pit bulls, as possessing a higher risk of liability claims, specifically those related to dog bites and injuries. This perception stems from statistical data, such as a 2019 study in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, which indicated that pit bull attacks were more frequent and severe compared to other breeds. As a result, insurance providers may increase rates for homeowners with pit bulls or implement breed restrictions altogether.
The impact of breed restrictions varies among insurance companies. Some insurers, like State Farm, Farmers, Amica, and USAA, are known to be more accommodating towards pit bull owners, either by not enforcing breed restrictions or considering each dog's bite history and behavior. On the other hand, companies like GEICO may have renters and homeowners insurance dog restrictions that make insuring a pit bull more challenging in certain states. Liberty Mutual, for instance, offers pit bull home insurance but charges higher rates.
The financial implications of dog breed restrictions are significant. Dog bite claims can be costly, with an average claim costing around $44,760, according to the Insurance Information Institute. To mitigate these expenses, insurance companies may deny coverage for specific breeds, leaving dog owners vulnerable to out-of-pocket costs in the event of a dog-related incident. This underscores the importance of dog insurance, which can provide financial protection for veterinary care, accidents, illnesses, and even liability claims in some cases.
While breed restrictions exist, dog owners are advised to shop around and compare insurance rates from multiple providers. Additionally, they should proactively communicate with their insurance company about their dog's presence, as failing to disclose this information may result in denied coverage in the event of a claim. Ultimately, the impact of dog breed on insurance rates underscores the complex interplay between insurers' risk management and dog owners' responsibilities in ensuring adequate coverage for their four-legged family members.
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Dog bites and insurance liability
Dog bites and other dog-related injuries can be very costly for homeowners insurance providers, sometimes even running into millions of dollars. The average dog bite claim has been around $44,760, according to the Insurance Information Institute, with the average cost per claim rising to $69,272 in 2024. This is why some insurance companies have breed restrictions, deeming certain breeds a higher risk for a liability claim from a dog bite.
In 29 US states, dog owners are liable for injuries their pets cause, with some exceptions, such as if the dog was provoked. In 17 states and the District of Columbia, liability is not automatic but attacks are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, with fines. There are no laws for dog bites in four states: Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and North Dakota.
There are three kinds of laws that impose liability on dog owners:
- A dog-bite statute: where the dog owner is automatically liable for any injury or property damage the dog causes without provocation.
- The one-bite rule: where the dog owner is responsible for an injury if they knew the dog was likely to cause that type of injury. In this case, the victim must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
- Negligence laws: where the dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because the dog owner was unreasonably careless (negligent) in controlling the dog.
Some insurance companies require dog owners to sign liability waivers for dog bites, while others charge more for owners of breeds such as pit bulls and Rottweilers. Some companies will not offer insurance to dog owners at all, while others will cover a pet if the owner takes the dog to behavioural modification classes or uses a muzzle, chain, or cage.
It is important to let your homeowners' insurance company know that you have a dog. If you don't, you may not be covered if you need to file a liability claim involving your dog.
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Options for homeowners with pit bulls
Owning a pit bull can affect your homeowners insurance. Some insurance companies will not insure homeowners with certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls, as they are deemed to be a higher liability risk. Dog bite claims can be expensive for insurance companies, and pit bulls have a reputation for being more prone to attacking. This means that some insurers will refuse to cover pit bulls, while others will charge higher insurance rates.
GEICO, for example, may insure some pit bulls, but it does have renters and home insurance dog restrictions that can make insuring a pit bull more difficult in some states.
To find home insurance with a pit bull, it is recommended that you shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance companies. Some companies that are known to be pit bull-friendly include State Farm, Amica, Farmers, and USAA. USAA policies are only available to U.S. military members and their families, but they do not enforce any dog breed restrictions. State Farm also allows all dogs provided there is no bite history. Farm Bureau may also be an option, as it is not known for having a dog breed blacklist, although it may have breed restrictions in some states.
If you are unable to find a suitable homeowners insurance policy, you may want to consider umbrella insurance or canine liability insurance. Umbrella insurance is a supplement to your existing homeowners insurance that gives you a higher liability policy limit. Canine liability insurance, also called animal liability insurance or pet liability insurance, provides coverage for injuries caused by your dog or pet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Geico does have breed restrictions for its renters insurance and home insurance. However, it may insure some pitbulls.
Some companies that do not have breed restrictions include State Farm, Amica, Farmers, and USAA. Some companies that do have breed restrictions but may still insure some pitbulls include Farm Bureau and Liberty Mutual.
Some other options include umbrella insurance and canine liability insurance.
