Dog Breeds: Insurance Blacklist

Dog bites are a major financial burden for the insurance industry, leading some insurance companies to refuse coverage to certain dog owners. The breeds most often banned by insurance companies include pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and mastiffs. Some companies also ban wolf dogs and wolf hybrids, as well as mixed breeds of the aforementioned dogs.

Wolf dogs and wolf hybrids

Wolfdogs are challenging animals that require a lot of space and should not be left alone. They need much more exercise and attention than a domestic dog and can be difficult to train. They also crave the company of a "pack", which means they are not suitable to be left home alone.

Due to their wild ancestry, wolfdogs may be more aggressive than domestic dogs and may be unsafe around children and other family members. They are less inclined to think of humans as friendly and may not try to please them in the same way that a domestic dog does. This can lead to a real risk of aggression or injury, especially without an experienced handler.

In the US, wolf hybrids are blacklisted by some insurance companies and homeowners may be refused coverage if they own this breed. The average dog bite claim has been around $44,760, and insurance companies are trying to rein in costs by refusing to provide coverage for certain breeds. In the UK, first-generation wolfdogs are subject to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and require a licence to own.

Wolfdogs are not suitable for inexperienced dog owners and vets recommend adopting a domestic breed of dog instead.

Presa Canario (Canary dog)

The Presa Canario, or Canary Dog, is a large Spanish dog breed of mastiff or catch dog type. It is found mostly on the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, and was traditionally used as a guard dog and for herding cattle. It was also used for dog fighting, which was legal in Spain until 1936.

The breed is large, with a heavy muscular body. Males stand at 60-66 cm at the withers and weigh 50-65 kg, while females are slightly smaller and weigh about 10 kg less. The head is broad, square and powerful, and the ears stand erect if cropped. The breed also has a sloping topline, with the rear being slightly higher than the shoulders. The paws are cat-shaped, and the animal moves with a cat-like motion.

The Presa Canario is considered dangerous by insurance companies due to its size and strength. It is often included on restricted breed lists, and some insurance companies will not provide coverage if a customer owns the breed. This is due to the high cost of liability claims against dog owners, with the average dog bite claim costing around $44,760.

In the US, some states have restricted the use of dog-breed profiling by insurance companies. For example, Michigan and Pennsylvania have banned the practice, and ten other states have pending legislation to prohibit insurers from discriminating against dog breeds.

If your current insurance provider will not cover you due to owning a Presa Canario, there are alternative options. Some insurance companies do not use banned dog lists, and others will insure a household by excluding coverage for liabilities due to damage caused by a dog. It is also possible to train your dog to get a Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club, which may allow you to request an exception from your insurance company.

Pit bulls

The decision to restrict or ban coverage for pit bulls is based on financial considerations. Dog bites are a major financial burden for the insurance industry, with dog bite-related claims accounting for more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claims paid out in 2013, amounting to about $490 million. The average claim cost is around $30,000, but can be much higher.

Some insurers may still cover pit bulls but exclude coverage for any damage or injury caused by the dog. Others may only deny coverage if the dog has a history of biting or aggressive behaviour. Some states have banned breed discrimination by insurance companies, including Illinois, Nevada, and New York.

Pit bull owners can improve their chances of coverage by demonstrating their dog is well-behaved. This can be done by signing the dog up for a training class, vaccinating the dog, earning a Canine Good Citizen certificate, and neutering or spaying the dog.

Rottweilers

Due to their reputation as aggressive dogs, Rottweilers are often excluded from homeowners insurance policies, and owners may struggle to find liability coverage for this breed. Insurance companies cite the financial burden of dog bite claims as a reason for denying coverage to certain breeds, including Rottweilers. The average cost of a dog bite claim is around $44,760, and in some cases, claims can exceed $1 million.

If you own a Rottweiler, it is important to ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage in case your dog bites someone. Some insurance companies may offer liability plans specifically for restricted breeds like Rottweilers, but these plans can be expensive. In some states, it is mandatory to insure Rottweilers, and owners can face penalties and fines if they fail to do so.

To improve your chances of obtaining insurance coverage for your Rottweiler, it is crucial to provide proper training and socialization for your dog. Early socialization and lifelong obedience training are essential to establish the owner's dominance and prevent aggressive behavior. Additionally, spaying or neutering your Rottweiler can reduce the likelihood of biting.

By taking these proactive measures, you can increase your chances of finding insurance coverage for your Rottweiler and also contribute to a more positive public perception of this breed.

Doberman Pinschers

However, their guard-dog qualities mean they can be aggressive towards strangers and other people's dogs. Between 2005 and 2017, Dobermans were responsible for six fatal attacks on humans, ranking them 7th among the most dangerous dog breeds. Dobermans are also less likely to be friendly towards other pets.

Due to their aggressive tendencies, Dobermans are often placed on insurance companies' restricted breed lists. Doberman owners may find that their homeowner's insurance policy does not cover their dog, and they may need to purchase separate Doberman Pinscher liability insurance. This is because insurance companies will often deny coverage to certain dog owners to reduce their financial risk. Dog bites are a major financial burden for insurance companies, accounting for around one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claims.

Frequently asked questions