Jane Dotson
Dog ownership is a dream for many, but it's important to be aware of the potential impact on your homeowners insurance. Some insurance companies exclude certain dog breeds, deeming them high-risk due to their size, temperament, and past behaviour, which can lead to higher liability claims. This means that if your dog is on their restricted list, you may face higher premiums, or even a refusal of coverage. The most commonly restricted breeds include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Chow Chows. However, it's worth noting that not all insurers have strict banned breed lists, and some will take dog bite history into account instead. If you're concerned about insurance coverage, it's essential to shop around and understand your policy's coverage, as well as your state's breed discrimination laws.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commonly restricted breeds | Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Wolf breeds, Malamutes, Cane Corsos, Huskies, Bull Terriers, Wolf Hybrids |
| Reasons for restrictions | Risk of aggression, likelihood of causing injury, size, history of biting or damaging property, lack of training or socialization |
| Impact on insurance | Increased premiums, denied claims, cancelled policies, difficulty finding housing and veterinary care |
| Alternatives | Shop around for insurers without breed restrictions, increase liability coverage, purchase separate pet insurance or personal umbrella insurance policy |
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What You'll Learn
Dog breeds commonly excluded by insurance companies
Some insurance companies ban specific dog breeds, while others review individual dog behaviour to determine coverage. Breed restrictions are often based on the perceived risk associated with certain aggressive dog breeds, which may have a higher likelihood of dog bite incidents. Dog bites can lead to expensive liability claims, with medical expenses totalling an average of $58,545 per claim in 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute. To manage costs, insurance companies may implement a restricted breed list.
The most commonly excluded dog breeds include:
- Rottweilers
- Pit Bulls
- German Shepherds
- Chow Chows
- Wolf breeds
However, it's important to note that not all dogs of these breeds are aggressive, and proper training and socialisation can help prevent biting incidents. Some states, such as Vermont, do not allow the exclusion of entire canine breeds, and there are insurance companies that do not enforce breed restrictions. It is recommended to shop around for insurance and review all insurers that do not impose breed restrictions or offer more flexible policies.
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How dog breed affects insurance premiums
Dog ownership is a dream for many, but it comes with responsibilities, and one of those is insurance. Homeowners' insurance policies can vary significantly due to the dog breed in the house. Insurance providers may assess risk factors associated with specific breeds, and this evaluation can influence the cost of coverage or even result in a denial of coverage.
Some insurance companies maintain lists of banned dog breeds, and if a customer owns one of these breeds, the insurer won't provide coverage. These lists are often kept hidden from consumers. The most commonly excluded dog breeds include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and Wolf breeds. Other breeds that are frequently restricted include Huskies, Malamutes, and Cane Corsos.
Insurance companies base these restrictions on historical data and the likelihood of an incident occurring. Breeds with a higher risk of aggression or causing injury are often excluded. For example, larger breeds can cause more extensive injuries if a bite occurs, simply due to their size and strength. Additionally, some insurers consider the dog's history of aggression or property damage when determining coverage. If a dog has a history of biting or causing damage, it may be excluded from the policy or require a liability waiver, leaving the owner without legal or financial protection if an incident occurs.
However, not all insurers discriminate based on breed. Some companies, such as AIG, Chubb, Hippo, and Encompass, accept even the most dangerous dog breeds. Other insurers may offer pet liability insurance as a separate policy or an add-on to standard coverage, which covers injuries or damage caused by any dog breed. In some states, insurers are prohibited from discriminating against dog breeds, and breed-specific legislation has been introduced to reduce the frequency of dog attacks.
It is important for dog owners to understand their insurance coverage and shop around for the best options, as the impact of dog breed on insurance premiums can vary significantly between companies.
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Dog behaviour and its impact on insurance coverage
Some insurance companies have lists of banned dog breeds that are considered high-risk for aggressive behaviour or causing injuries. Commonly restricted breeds include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and wolf breeds. These restrictions are based on historical data and the perceived risk associated with certain breeds, which may have a higher likelihood of dog bite incidents due to their size and strength. However, it is important to note that not all dogs of these breeds exhibit aggressive behaviour, and proper training, socialisation, and supervision can help prevent biting incidents.
In addition to breed restrictions, some insurers also consider a dog's individual behaviour and history when determining coverage. Dogs with a history of biting or damaging property may be excluded from policies or require liability waivers. Insurers may also take into account the owner's responsibility, as dogs that lack training or socialisation are considered more unpredictable and, therefore, higher risk.
The impact of dog behaviour on insurance coverage can vary depending on state laws and individual insurance companies. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Vermont, prohibit insurers from discriminating against specific dog breeds. In these cases, insurers may offer coverage with dog-related damages exempted or increase liability coverage for dog-related incidents. Alternatively, pet liability insurance or separate pet insurance policies can provide coverage for dog-related liabilities.
It is important for homeowners to understand their insurance policy's coverage and exclusions regarding dog ownership. Being transparent with insurance providers about the breed and behaviour of their dog can help ensure proper coverage in the event of a claim. Additionally, proactive steps such as regular socialisation and training can help prevent biting incidents and reduce the risk associated with dog ownership.
Overall, dog behaviour and its impact on insurance coverage are complex issues that vary depending on individual circumstances and state regulations. Homeowners should carefully consider their insurance options and take necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of their dogs and the safety of those around them.
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Insurance companies that don't enforce breed restrictions
Home insurance companies often ask about dog ownership because liability coverage on home insurance policies is designed to protect you financially if you are found at fault for injuries caused to others on your property or for damage to the property of others. However, not all dog breeds are covered, and some insurance companies ban specific dog breeds, while others review individual dog behaviour to determine coverage.
The most commonly excluded dog breeds are Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and many wolf breeds. If your dog is considered a restricted breed by your insurer, your claim may be denied. In some states, Auto-Owners does not restrict customers from owning pit bulls, but in other states, they will limit coverage for incidents caused by pit bulls or outright deny a policy.
Some insurance companies will not deny you a home or renters policy if you have a pit bull, but they won't cover any damage your pit bull causes. Nearly every company will deny coverage for dogs who have bitten someone before.
Breed blacklisting for insurance policies has been outlawed in some states and cities, like Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania. In those states, insurance companies are legally prohibited from canceling or not renewing your coverage based on your dog's breed alone.
State Farm is one of the most well-known home and rental insurance companies without dog breed restrictions. Other insurers that do not impose breed restrictions include AIG, Chubb, Hippo, and Encompass.
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What to do if your dog is banned by your insurance company
If your dog is banned by your insurance company, there are several steps you can take to ensure you still have adequate coverage. Firstly, it is important to understand that insurance companies consider certain dog breeds to be high-risk due to a perceived risk of aggression or causing injury, which can result in higher liability claims. These breeds are often excluded from coverage or may even lead to a denial of coverage altogether. Commonly banned breeds include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and wolf breeds.
To mitigate this issue, you can consider the following options:
- Shop around for a different insurer: Not all insurance companies impose breed restrictions. Some insurers, such as AIG, Chubb, Hippo, and Encompass, are known to accept even the most dangerous dog breeds. Compare coverage and rates among multiple companies to find one that suits your needs.
- Explore pet liability insurance: Consider purchasing a specialized pet liability insurance policy, which covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog. This can often be added as an endorsement to your current home insurance policy or purchased separately.
- Increase your liability coverage: If your current insurer allows, you can increase your liability coverage to ensure you have adequate protection in the event of a dog-related incident.
- Socialize and train your dog: Properly training, socializing, and supervising your dog can help prevent biting incidents and may reduce the risk associated with your dog.
- Check your state's laws: Breed discrimination laws vary by state, and some states have introduced legislation prohibiting insurers from banning specific breeds. Understand your rights and options based on your state's regulations.
- Disclose your dog to your insurer: Always disclose any pets to your insurance company to ensure proper coverage. Failure to do so may result in denied claims or legal issues in the event of a dog-related incident.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you have appropriate coverage in place despite your dog being banned by your initial insurance company. It is important to be proactive and comprehensive in your approach to finding the right insurance coverage for your needs as a dog owner.
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Frequently asked questions
Commonly restricted breeds include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and Wolf Hybrids.
Insurance companies restrict certain breeds because they are considered high-risk, with a higher likelihood of dog bite incidents and extensive injuries due to their size.
You can shop around for a different insurance company that does not restrict your dog's breed, or consider purchasing separate pet insurance or pet liability insurance to cover dog-related liabilities.
