Alyssa Lane
Dog bites and related injuries are expensive, with medical expenses totaling an average of $58,545 per claim in 2023. This is why home insurance companies ask about dog ownership and why some dog breeds are considered high-risk and are restricted or denied coverage. The most commonly restricted breeds include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and Wolf Breeds. However, some insurance companies do not enforce dog breed restrictions, and certain states ban insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commonly restricted breeds | Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Wolf Breeds, Great Danes, Siberian Huskies, Staffordshire Terriers, Wolf Hybrids |
| Reasons for restriction | Perceived risk of biting or aggressive behaviour, higher likelihood of dog bite incidents, higher liability claims, higher medical expenses, lack of training or socialisation, size |
| Insurance options for restricted breeds | Shop around for accommodating insurance companies, consider canine liability policy, increase liability coverage, add optional coverages or endorsements to policy |
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What You'll Learn
Dog bites and insurance liability
Dog bites are a serious issue, and in the US, there are nearly 90 million dogs living in homes. Dog bites can result in vicious injuries and even fatalities. In 2020, there were 16,991 dog bite claims, with an average cost per claim of $50,245. The cost of settling those claims was close to $800 million. The average cost per claim increased by 18.3% in 2024 to $69,272.
Dog bites can lead to high medical bills and court settlement costs, and dog owners may be liable for these costs. This is where insurance comes in. There are several types of insurance policies that can provide coverage for dog bites, including homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and dog liability insurance. However, it's important to note that not all insurance policies cover dog bites, and there may be exceptions for specific dog breeds or dogs with a history of biting.
Some insurance companies have lists of banned dog breeds, and they will not provide coverage if a customer owns one of these breeds. Commonly restricted breeds include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and Doberman Pinschers. These breeds are often restricted because they are considered more prone to causing injuries if a bite occurs and may cause more extensive injuries due to their larger size.
In some states, there are laws that prohibit insurers from canceling or denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed. For example, Pennsylvania and Michigan have such laws in place. However, other states may exclude coverage after a dog bite, and some states require specific amounts of liability insurance for dogs that are considered more likely to bite.
If your dog is considered a restricted breed or has a history of biting, you may have trouble finding insurance coverage. In this case, you may need to purchase additional insurance policies, such as umbrella insurance or animal liability insurance, to protect yourself financially in the event of a dog bite claim.
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Dog breed restrictions and bans
The most commonly restricted dog breeds include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, chow chows, and various wolf breeds. These breeds are often labelled as "'dangerous" due to their physical strength and the potential severity of injuries if they bite. Even if a dog has no history of aggression, it may still be flagged based on perceived risk, past claims data, and local laws. In addition to breed, other factors such as a dog's history of biting, temperament, past behaviour, and size can also influence insurance coverage.
Some insurance companies do not enforce dog breed restrictions and offer coverage to homeowners with high-risk breeds. These companies may assess dogs on a case-by-case basis or focus on dog bite prevention education rather than breed restrictions. Additionally, some states have made it illegal for insurers to discriminate against certain dog breeds, focusing instead on owner responsibility and individual dog behaviour. Dog advocates are working to remove breed ban lists and encourage risk assessment based on a dog's individual behaviour.
It is important for dog owners to understand their insurance coverage and speak with their insurer about breed-specific exclusions. If a dog owner is denied coverage due to their dog's breed, they can explore other insurance options, such as additional liability coverage or pet liability insurance, which covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog.
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Factors determining dog breed restrictions
Dog breed restrictions are implemented by insurance companies, landlords, and local laws. The primary concern is the risk of dog bites, which can result in expensive liability claims. While some sources argue that breed is not a determining factor in aggression, it is a common factor in breed restrictions.
Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often exclude specific dog breeds because the risk of insuring them is considered too high. The personal liability section of a homeowner's insurance policy typically covers legal and medical expenses if a guest is bitten or has their belongings damaged by a dog. However, some insurance companies won't cover larger breeds or those with a reputation for being dangerous due to the increased risk of injury. Certain dog breeds are categorised as "dangerous" because they are responsible for a high number of dog bite claims.
Some states in the US have passed legislation to ban insurers from discriminating against certain dog breeds. As of 2024, several states prohibit insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed. However, if a dog has a history of biting, insurance companies may still deny coverage or require a liability waiver for dog bites.
Landlords and Property Managers
Breed restrictions by landlords and property managers are often based on concerns about potentially harmful or aggressive dogs. They aim to protect tenants, other dogs, and property. In addition to breed restrictions, weight and age restrictions are also common. Smaller breeds and older dogs are generally considered less destructive and more suitable for apartments due to their smaller size.
To get around breed restrictions, prospective tenants can provide a dog resume, references, training certifications, and a DNA test to demonstrate their dog's behaviour and their responsibility as an owner. Some landlords may be open-minded and judge each case individually.
Local Laws and Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is the term for laws that regulate or ban certain dog breeds to decrease dog attacks on humans and other animals. BSL is often supported by concerns over the increasing number of vicious injuries and fatal attacks by specific breeds. However, critics argue that BSL is ineffective and discriminatory, and that factors beyond breed, such as nurture and training, play a more significant role in a dog's aggression.
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High-risk dog breeds and insurance options
Certain dog breeds are considered high-risk by insurance companies due to their reputation for being aggressive or dangerous, and their involvement in a high number of bite incidents and severe injuries. As a result, some insurance companies may deny coverage or charge higher premiums for these breeds. The most commonly excluded or restricted dog breeds include:
- Rottweilers
- Pit bulls, including Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bull Terriers, and American Staffordshire Terriers
- German Shepherds
- Chow Chows
- Doberman Pinschers
- Wolf breeds
- Alaskan Malamutes
If your dog is one of these restricted breeds, you may face challenges in finding insurance coverage. However, there are still options available to ensure that you and your dog are protected:
Shop around and compare different insurance companies
Not all insurance companies have the same restrictions on dog breeds. Some insurers, such as AIG, Chubb, Hippo, and Encompass, are known to accept even the most dangerous dog breeds. By comparing multiple companies, you may be able to find one that will provide coverage for your high-risk breed.
Consider pet liability insurance
Pet liability insurance is a specialized type of policy that covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog, regardless of breed. You can add it as an endorsement to your current home insurance policy or purchase it separately. This can be a good option if you are unable to find an insurance company that includes your dog in their standard coverage.
Look into umbrella policies
If you are concerned about liability exposure, especially with a large or restricted-breed dog, you may want to consider an umbrella policy. This type of insurance provides additional coverage for medical bills, legal fees, and settlements after your standard homeowners policy limits have been reached.
Check your state and local laws
In some states, breed-specific legislation (BSL) is banned, prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog's breed. As of 2024, several states have enacted laws to prevent insurers from discriminating against certain dog breeds. Be sure to research the laws in your specific state and locality to understand your rights and options.
Focus on dog bite prevention
One of the best ways to avoid filing an insurance claim is to prevent your dog from biting in the first place. Educate yourself and your family members on responsible dog ownership and take steps to ensure your dog is well-trained and socialized. This can help reduce the risk of incidents occurring and keep everyone safe.
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State laws on breed-specific insurance
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a highly controversial topic in the United States, with varying laws across different states, cities, and municipalities. BSL allows insurance providers to deny coverage or increase premiums for specific dog breeds perceived as aggressive or dangerous, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and wolf-dog hybrids.
Some states have enacted BSL policies, allowing insurance companies to ban certain dog breeds from coverage. These states often have their own "banned breed" lists, which may include common breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Boxers. However, there is a lack of conclusive data to support the claim that specific dog breeds are more innately risky or drive insurance claims.
On the other hand, several states have taken a stand against BSL, introducing laws that prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing rates based solely on a dog's breed. As of 2024, 13 states had laws prohibiting BSL, while 16 others allowed limited local exceptions. Notable examples include New York and Nevada, which passed restrictions forbidding or limiting insurers from solely relying on a dog's breed when determining homeowner's liability coverage. These states advocate for a breed-neutral approach, focusing on owner responsibility and individual dog behaviour.
The National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) also adopted a model law in November 2022, prohibiting insurance companies from denying homeowners and renters liability insurance based on dog breed. Additionally, some insurers, like State Farm, choose to evaluate dogs on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as bite history and individual behaviour rather than breed restrictions.
It is important for dog owners to be aware of the breed-specific laws and regulations in their state and local area. They should also disclose any pets to their insurance company to ensure proper coverage and understand the limitations and requirements of their policy.
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Frequently asked questions
Insurance companies consider some dog breeds high-risk because they are perceived to be more aggressive and likely to cause injury, which can result in expensive liability claims.
Insurance companies consider a dog's temperament, past behaviour, size, and strength when assessing whether a dog breed is high-risk. They also take into account the dog's bite history and the owner's responsibility in training and socialising the dog.
Some dog breeds that are commonly considered high-risk by insurance companies include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and Wolf Breeds. However, it's important to note that not all insurance companies enforce dog breed restrictions, and the determination of high-risk breeds can vary by location and insurer.
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