Home Insurance: What Breeds Peace Of Mind?

Owning a dog can bring a lot of joy, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. If you're a dog owner, it's important to make sure that you have the right insurance coverage in case your dog bites someone or damages their property. While homeowners insurance typically covers these types of incidents, some insurance companies have restrictions on certain dog breeds that they consider to be high-risk.

The most commonly restricted dog breeds include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and wolf hybrids. These breeds are often excluded from coverage because they are perceived to have aggressive tendencies and a high rate of incidents or claims. However, it's important to note that not all insurance companies discriminate based on breed, and there are companies like State Farm that provide coverage for all dog breeds.

If your dog is restricted by your insurance company, you may want to consider alternative options such as purchasing a separate canine liability insurance policy or an umbrella insurance policy that provides excess liability coverage. It's also worth shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies, as you may be able to find a provider that doesn't restrict your dog's breed.

Dog breeds that are restricted by insurance companies

Insurance companies may restrict certain dog breeds due to the risk of expensive liability claims for dog bites or other dog-related injuries. While not all insurers have strict lists of banned dog breeds, some companies implement restricted breed lists to manage costs. This response provides an overview of dog breeds that are commonly restricted by insurance companies and offers suggestions for dog owners seeking insurance coverage.

Commonly Restricted Dog Breeds

The following dog breeds are most commonly restricted by insurance companies:

• Wolf dogs and wolf hybrids
• Presa Canario (Canary dog)
• Pit bulls, including American Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• Rottweilers
• Dobermans
• German Shepherds
• Alaskan Malamutes

Mixed Breeds and Bite History

In addition to the above-mentioned breeds, insurance companies may also restrict mixed breeds, such as a German Shepherd mix. Dogs with a prior history of biting or displaying aggressive behaviour are also likely to be restricted, regardless of their breed.

Impact on Insurance Rates

Having a restricted dog breed can result in increased insurance rates or excluded liability coverage for any damage caused by your dog. In some cases, insurance companies may decline to offer a new policy or cancel an existing one if you own a restricted breed.

Options for Dog Owners

If your insurance company won't cover your dog, consider the following options:

• Shop around for insurance companies that don't discriminate based on breed, such as State Farm, USAA, or Chubb.
• Obtain a DNA breed test for your dog, especially if it is a mixed breed, to prove it doesn't belong to a restricted breed.
• Contact your insurance company and ask about exceptions, such as providing documentation of your dog's temperament or completing a canine good citizen certification.
• Consider alternative insurance options, such as a dog liability insurance policy or an extended umbrella policy.

What to do if your dog is a restricted breed

If your dog is a restricted breed, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of finding suitable accommodation.

Firstly, it is important to be honest about your dog's breed. Trying to hide your dog or lie about its breed can lead to negative consequences, such as termination of your lease or legal action. Instead, be proactive and create a "pet resume" that showcases your dog's best qualities and your responsibility as an owner. Include details such as training certificates, vet records, photos, and videos. You can also provide references from professionals who have interacted with your dog, such as trainers, vets, groomers, or dog walkers.

Another option is to look into service animal or emotional support animal certifications. Service animals and emotional support animals are protected under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which prohibit discrimination and allow these animals to be exempt from breed restrictions.

Additionally, consider purchasing pet liability insurance or pet insurance that covers your specific breed. This can help alleviate concerns about potential property damage or injuries caused by your dog.

When searching for a place to live, consider renting from private property owners, who may be more flexible and open to negotiation than large rental corporations.

Finally, be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding restricted breeds. Some cities and counties have specific bans or restrictions on certain dog breeds, which may impact your options.

Why companies restrict dog breeds

Insurance companies restrict certain dog breeds due to the risk of expensive liability claims. Dog bites and injuries caused by dogs are covered under the personal liability section of homeowners insurance policies. However, some insurance companies deny coverage for specific dog breeds that are considered more likely to cause injuries and trigger expensive claims. The average cost of a dog bite claim was around $44,760 in 2021, according to the Insurance Information Institute. By restricting certain breeds, insurance companies aim to minimise their financial exposure.

The breeds that are most commonly restricted by insurance companies include pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and wolf hybrids. These breeds are often associated with aggression and are responsible for a significant number of dog bite claims. Some insurance companies also restrict mixed breeds, such as a German Shepherd mix.

In addition to breed restrictions, insurance companies may also consider a dog's history of biting or aggressive behaviour when determining coverage. Dogs with a bite history may be excluded from liability coverage or require their owners to sign a liability waiver.

The consequences of breed restrictions can be detrimental, as they often result in dogs being surrendered to already overcrowded shelters, affecting their temperament and making it more challenging to find loving homes for these banned breeds. Breed restrictions can also encourage irresponsible dog ownership, as owners may avoid seeking veterinary care or proper training for their pets.

It's important to note that not all insurance companies restrict dog breeds, and some companies, like State Farm, Chubb, and USAA, provide insurance regardless of breed. Additionally, certain states, such as Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania, have passed legislation prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed.

States that ban insurers from discriminating against dog breeds

Some states in the US have banned insurance companies from discriminating against certain dog breeds. These include Michigan, Illinois, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania. Other states, such as Arizona and Connecticut, have prohibited municipal breed bans, meaning that cities within the state cannot ban specific dog breeds.

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) also prohibits dog breed surcharges for assistance animals, which applies to both homeowner and renter insurance.

What to do if your insurance company won't cover your dog

If your insurance company won't cover your dog, there are several steps you can take to find alternative coverage. Firstly, determine whether your dog is a service dog, as you may be able to receive an exception from your insurer. Secondly, consider training your dog to obtain the Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC) to request an exception from your current insurer.

If these options are not feasible, you may need to find a new insurance provider. Start by comparing quotes from multiple companies to find one that does not restrict your dog's breed. Some recommended companies that do not discriminate based on breed include State Farm, USAA, and Chubb. However, these companies may charge higher rates for restricted breeds, so be sure to shop around for the best deal. Alternatively, consider purchasing stand-alone dog liability coverage or an extended umbrella policy to cover any damage or injuries caused by your dog.

If you are unable to find coverage due to your dog's breed, you may want to consider getting a DNA breed test, especially if your dog is a mixed breed. This can help prove that your dog does not belong to a restricted breed, making it easier to obtain coverage. Keep in mind that some states, such as Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania, prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed.

Remember, it is essential to be honest about your dog's breed and bite history when applying for insurance. Failing to disclose this information could result in denied claims or policy cancellation.

Frequently asked questions