Can homeowners insurance drop you because of a dog?

Asked by: Karl Quitzon  |  Last update: January 11, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (60 votes)

Can Homeowners Insurance Drop You Because Of A Dog? It's unlikely that your homeowners insurance will drop you because of a dog. However, if your dog falls under the provider's “breed list” that determines which breeds they will or will not cover, you may be required to pay a higher insurance premium.

Can homeowners insurance drop you because of a dog bite?

However, most homeowners insurance policies will cover off-property dog bites because they threaten your home. Dog bite victims will look for compensation for their injuries. A good source of compensation for the damages they can recover is in the equity you have put into your home.

What dog breeds affect homeowners insurance?

According to HomeInsurance.org, “Dog breeds that are typically associated with higher insurance premiums include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, and wolf-dog hybrids.” Forbes.com adds Chows, Great Danes, Presa Canarios, and Alaskan Malamutes to their list.

Should I tell home insurance I have a dog?

Yes, you should tell your homeowner's insurance company if you have a dog. Homeowners insurance for dog owners will indemnify you against claims for damages as a result of your negligence, including dog bites and property damage.

Why do home insurance companies ask if you have a dog?

Your policy's liability insurance is intended to protect you financially by covering medical expenses if someone is injured on your property. The breed of dog is a key factor when it comes to determining your homeowners insurance premium.

How can a dog affect your homeowners insurance?

17 related questions found

Does having a pitbull raise homeowners insurance?

Pit bulls are among the dog breeds that some home insurance companies consider high risk due to potential attacks. This may lead to higher policy rates. State Farm, Allstate and USAA tend to be more lenient with pit bull ownership if you can show your pittie has a history of good behavior.

Can pets be covered under home insurance?

Often offered as an extra-cost option, pet cover under a home insurance policy can provide similar protection to a pet insurance policy. This option provides cover for your veterinary bills when your dog or cat suffers an accidental injury.

Does progressive discriminate against pit bulls?

Progressive's home insurance may cover your pitbull, but it depends on where you live and your dog's history. While you hope it never happens, even dogs with the gentlest demeanors may bite someone if provoked. If your dog ends up biting or injuring someone, you are legally liable.

Does homeowners cover dog liability?

Dog liability cover on home insurance

This means that if your pet attacks someone or causes an incident away from home, you're covered for costs if there is any legal action taken against you. For the cover to be valid you have to be a responsible pet owner.

What is a restricted breed of dog?

Restricted breeds are typically dogs that are considered to be dangerous by the wider public. These dogs are larger and can cause significant injury during an attack, more so than a smaller breed. This is in spite of the fact that studies have shown that aggression in dogs cannot be accurately predicted by breed alone.

What dog is most likely to turn on its owner?

Pit Bull Terriers

Probably the most notorious breed on this list, the pit bull has a reputation for unpredictability and aggression, even against its owner or his family. State and local governments have been vigorous at restricting ownership of this dog with breed-specific legislation.

Will my insurance go up if my dog bites someone?

That depends. If it's a minor incident, you might consider paying out of pocket for any medical expenses in an attempt to avoid the claims process and a potential increase in your premiums.

Does USAA have dog breed restrictions?

USAA's homeowners and renters insurance policies don't enforce any dog breed restrictions. Additionally, the company determines whether to provide coverage based on a dog's previous bite history, meaning that most pit bulls with a clean track record qualify for coverage.

Can you get homeowners insurance with a Rottweiler?

Rottweilers and pit bulls are the most banned breeds on homeowners insurance lists. You may struggle to obtain liability insurance due to a dangerous dog. Fortunately, even if your homeowners insurance company bans your dog breed, you have options for protection.

What is considered pet damage?

Pet damage can include things like excessive pet hair left at the property or urine stains in the carpet or carpet pad. These things are relatively easy to fix, but sometimes hard to spot. At Good Life, we understand that some owners may be hesitant to accept pets due to the potential damage they may cause.

What can I pass my pitbull off as?

10 Dog Breeds Most Commonly Mistaken for Pit Bulls
  • 10 Dogs People Mistake for Pit Bulls. There is so much controversy these days about pit bulls. ...
  • The American Bulldog. ...
  • The Presa Canario. ...
  • The Cane Corso. ...
  • The Bull Terrier. ...
  • The Boxer. ...
  • The Dogo Argentino. ...
  • The Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Why are German shepherds on the restricted breed list?

Different jurisdictions have different definitions. German Shepherds are often targeted by these laws because they're commonly used as protection or in military/law enforcement work. In my opinion, this gives many breeds the undeserved reputation of being automatically labeled as aggressive.

How much is liability insurance for a pitbull?

Canine liability insurance is often available through smaller carriers. Costs depend on your dog's breed and history, and costs can range from under $100 per year to $1,000 per year. Two pet liability carriers that do not exclude pit bulls are Einhorn Insurance and Dean Insurance.

Why is homeowners insurance so expensive?

In addition to industry-wide price increases, your home insurance quotes may also be high because of your credit, a home's age and value, construction type, location, and exposure to catastrophes, among other factors.

Are coyotes in the dog family?

All 34 species in the Canidae family—which includes domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals, and dingoes—use their noses to find food, track one another's whereabouts, and identify competitors, as well as potential predators. A dog's nose is also important for temperature control.

Does umbrella insurance cover dog bites?

Yes, umbrella insurance does cover dog bites. This is because umbrella insurance provides coverage beyond the limits of your other insurance policies, and things like injuries for which cold be held responsible are generally covered by home insurance then extended by umbrella coverage.

Are certain dog breeds more aggressive?

It makes no difference which breed the dog is or whether it's a big dog or a small dog. Even dogs that are normally very friendly can be prone to biting people under certain circumstances, such as if they're feeling threatened, sick, or taking care of puppies.

Does Liberty Mutual homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

One insurer with this policy, Liberty Mutual, “doesn't provide coverage to customers who own or provide boarding to any animals that aren't typically sold in a retail pet store,” says Glenn Greenberg, a company spokesman. Also, damage to your own property generally won't be covered by insurance companies.

Does Geico cover pitbulls?

Breeds typically given this designation include: Pit Bulls or Staffordshire Terriers; Rottweilers; Doberman Pinschers; German Shepherds; Great Danes; Akitas; Chows; and Presa Canarios. So long as your dog is approved, under personal liability coverage, you will be protected if your dog bites someone.

Does Liberty Mutual cover pitbulls?

According to reviews, Liberty Mutual is a company that may cover your pit bull but may charge you a higher rate. There are also a few homeowners insurance companies that reviewers had difficulty getting coverage for their pit bull from. Those companies include American Family, Horace Mann, Progressive and The Hartford.