Alyssa Lane
Home insurance companies often exclude certain dog breeds from coverage, labelling them as dangerous or aggressive due to a perceived higher risk of bites or attacks. These breeds are considered more likely to cause costly damage if they bite, and this perception is largely based on statistics showing that these breeds are involved in more bite incidents and severe injuries. The most commonly restricted breeds include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, chow chows, Dobermans, and wolf hybrids. Some insurers also consider a dog's bite history and behaviour when determining coverage. If your dog is a restricted breed, you may be denied coverage or face higher premiums. However, some insurance companies, such as Chubb, State Farm, and USAA, do not discriminate based on breed and only consider a dog's bite history. Understanding breed restrictions is crucial for dog owners to find the best insurance options and ensure coverage for any dog-related incidents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for breed restrictions | Higher risk of aggression or causing injury |
| Companies with breed restrictions | Allstate, American Family, Auto-Owners, Nationwide, Progressive, Travelers, Homesite |
| Companies that do not restrict by breed | AIG, Chubb, Hippo, Encompass, State Farm, USAA, Farmers |
| Commonly restricted breeds | Rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, chow chows, Dobermans, wolf hybrids |
| Alternative options | Pet liability insurance, canine liability policies, umbrella liability insurance |
| Other factors considered | Dog's bite history, aggression, damage to property, owner responsibility |
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What You'll Learn
Why do insurers exclude certain dog breeds?
Insurers exclude certain dog breeds due to the perceived risk of insuring them, which can also increase home insurance costs. Dogs that are considered high-risk can bring about costly medical expenses, with an average of $58,545 per claim in 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). Large dog breeds are more likely to be banned due to the severity of bites instead of frequency. Certain dog breeds are categorized as "'dangerous" because they are responsible for a high number of dog bite claims. The most commonly restricted dog breeds include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, chow chows, and wolf breeds.
Some insurers also consider a dog's history of biting or damaging property. Dogs with a history of biting may be excluded from a policy or require a liability waiver, which means the insurer won't cover any medical or legal bills resulting from dog bites. In some cases, insurers may deny a homeowners insurance policy altogether.
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) allows insurance providers to enforce discriminatory policies, including blacklists, against certain dog breeds. However, several states prohibit insurers from discriminating against dog breeds. Organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) argue against breed-specific legislation, noting that any dog can bite and that it is challenging to enforce.
If your dog is a restricted breed, you may need to explore alternative options, such as purchasing a separate pet insurance policy or a dog liability insurance policy to cover dog-related liabilities. Some companies, like State Farm, USAA, and Chubb, provide insurance to dog owners regardless of breed but may charge higher premiums for restricted breeds. It is essential to shop around and compare coverage with multiple companies to find the best option for your specific situation.
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What to do if your dog is ineligible for homeowners insurance
If your dog is ineligible for homeowners insurance, there are several options you can consider. Firstly, it is important to understand the reasons for your dog's ineligibility. Common reasons for dogs being excluded from homeowners insurance policies include breed restrictions and a history of aggressive behaviour or biting.
If your dog belongs to a restricted breed, it is worth noting that not all insurance companies implement breed-specific restrictions. Some insurers may offer policies that do not exclude certain dog breeds or have shorter lists of excluded breeds. Shopping around and comparing coverage with multiple companies can help you find a dog-friendly insurer. Additionally, some states prohibit insurers from discriminating against dog breeds, so it is worth checking the legislation in your state.
If your dog has a history of biting or aggressive behaviour, you may still be able to find coverage with an insurer that focuses on individual dog behaviour rather than breed restrictions. Some companies, such as State Farm, consider a dog's personal history of aggression rather than its breed. Additionally, you can explore the option of pet liability insurance, which is a specialized policy that covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog, regardless of breed or bite history.
In some cases, if your dog has a Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC), you may be able to request an exception from your insurer. Alternatively, you can ask your insurer to exclude your dog from the policy instead of cancelling your insurance and then find separate pet insurance that specializes in canine liability policies.
It is important to understand your homeowners insurance policy and be transparent with your insurer about your dog to ensure proper coverage. If you are unable to find coverage for your dog, consider alternatives such as training and socialization to improve your dog's behaviour and reduce the risk of incidents.
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States with breed-specific legislation
Home insurance companies may exclude certain dog breeds from coverage or charge higher premiums due to the increased risk of insuring them. This risk is often associated with larger breeds or those with a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous, such as Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Chow Chows, among others. These breeds are perceived to be more prone to biting or causing severe injuries if a bite occurs.
In the United States, Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) allows insurance providers and state, city, and local municipalities to enact discriminatory policies or blacklists against certain dog breeds. BSL began in the 1980s in response to media attention surrounding fatal dog attacks, particularly those involving Pit Bulls. While the effectiveness of BSL is debated, it is currently enforced in 22 states, with 73 municipalities having repealed their BSL bans as of 2022.
Some states have taken steps to prohibit insurer discrimination against dog breeds. For example, Vermont does not allow the exclusion of entire canine breeds, and similar legislation is under review in Illinois. The National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) adopted a model law in 2022 that prohibits insurance companies from denying homeowners liability insurance based solely on the breed of their dog. Additionally, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) has called for all states to implement legislation preempting BSL from local governments and organizations.
It is important to note that insurance policies and breed restrictions can vary by state and carrier. If your dog's breed is restricted or banned, you may need to shop around for alternative insurers or consider pet liability insurance, which covers injuries or damage caused by any kind of dog.
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How to prevent your dog from biting
Homeowners' insurance companies may exclude certain dog breeds from coverage, or charge higher premiums, due to the perception that these breeds are more likely to cause costly damage in the event of a bite. Breeds commonly restricted include Rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, chow chows, and wolf breeds. Some insurers also consider a dog's bite history, and may deny coverage or request a liability waiver if a dog has bitten someone in the past.
To prevent your dog from biting, it is important to understand the common reasons why dogs bite, and to be able to recognise the signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression. Dogs may bite as a reaction to a specific situation, or as a form of play. They may also bite if they are in pain, injured, or sick. It is important to socialise your dog so that they do not become frightened by everyday things, which can increase the risk of aggression or biting. Supervise children and dogs at all times, and teach children to treat dogs gently and with respect, giving the dog space and opportunities to rest.
If your dog shows signs of aggression, seek professional help from a qualified expert, such as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or a veterinary behaviourist (Dip ACVB). You can also train your dog to be gentle by teaching them bite inhibition, which refers to a dog's ability to control the force of its mouthing. When playing with your dog, allow them to mouth your hands, and continue until they bite especially hard. At this point, give a high-pitched yelp and let your hand go limp, then stop playing for a short time. Repeat this process until your dog can play with your hands very gently.
Always keep your dog on a leash when in public, and ensure your yard is securely fenced. Be cautious around strange dogs, and ask permission before greeting an unfamiliar dog. Approach slowly and calmly, without making direct eye contact, and avoid running past a dog. If your dog bites someone, separate the dog from the scene, check on the victim's condition, and encourage them to seek medical advice. Provide important information, such as your contact details and your dog's rabies vaccination history.
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Alternatives to homeowners insurance
If you are unable to obtain traditional homeowners insurance, there are several alternatives to consider. FAIR Plans (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plans) are state-managed insurance pools that provide essential coverage for homeowners who have been denied insurance by private companies. These plans are specifically designed to offer core protection against fire-related damages, including wildfires, and may also cover other perils such as explosions, vandalism, and smoke damage. FAIR Plans are often a last resort for homeowners in high-risk regions where private insurers are unwilling to provide coverage.
High-risk insurance is another alternative for homeowners whose properties are considered too risky for standard insurance companies. These insurers cater to homes with a higher likelihood of damage due to location, outdated systems, or a history of multiple claims. While high-risk insurance can provide tailored policies to address specific risks, the premiums are typically higher.
In certain states, you may be able to obtain coverage through the excess and surplus (E&S) market, which can be a viable alternative to traditional insurance. However, it's important to consult with your lender if you have a mortgage on your home to ensure compliance with your agreement.
Another unconventional alternative is to prepare a crowdfunding account, such as GoFundMe, in advance. This allows you to rely on the support of your community in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as a fire or other disasters.
Lastly, as a last resort, you could consider selling your house to forego the need for homeowners insurance. If you choose to rent or become a tenant, you can opt for a renters policy or a contents-only policy, which covers your personal property and provides temporary accommodation if your rented home becomes uninhabitable.
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Frequently asked questions
Insurance companies are always looking to minimize risk, so they may exclude breeds that are considered more likely to bite or cause injury, which can result in higher liability claims.
Many factors determine which breeds are banned, including media portrayal, losses paid out on a certain breed, personal experience of underwriters, or reports about which breeds bite the most.
Commonly restricted dog breeds include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, chow chows, Dobermans, and wolf hybrids or wolf breeds.
