Does having a cat affect homeowners insurance?

Asked by: Jennifer Luettgen  |  Last update: October 19, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (57 votes)

Most pets do not tend to add to your home insurance rates. In fact, for most companies, it is only larger dogs that cause such increases to your insurance rates. As such, cats do not usually have any effect on your home insurance. This is because cats are considered unlikely to cause any serious damage to someone.

Why does home insurance ask if you have pets?

Having a dog can increase your cost for homeowners insurance. Pet ownership is one element that insurers use to determine risk. The exact cost of adding a dog to your homeowners insurance will depend on the breed and where you live, among other factors.

Are any animals an issue for homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance generally only covers wildlife damage caused by animals like deer or bears. Damage from smaller pests like squirrels and other rodents generally isn't covered by your home insurance policy because the infestations are considered preventable.

Does cat breed affect insurance?

The exact premium you'll pay depends on your cat's age, health, and, most importantly, breed.

Does homeowners insurance cover cat bites?

Cats and dogs:

As they are both more common housepets, cats and dogs are treated similarly by insurance providers. Both are typically covered by personal liability coverage if they bite, scratch, or harm another's body or property in or outside of your home.

Pets can affect homeowners insurance

28 related questions found

What happens if an indoor cat bites you?

You should see a physician as soon as possible. Most cat bite wounds are small punctures that drive pathogenic bacteria deep into the skin. Left untreated, a serious infection can develop within 24 to 48 hours.

What to do if you get bit by a domestic cat?

If a cat or dog bites you, you should:
  1. Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
  2. Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop any bleeding.
  3. Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
  4. Keep the wound elevated above your heart to prevent swelling and infection.

Are male cats more to insure?

Your pet's gender

And if females do get ill, they're often more resilient and need less treatment. Also, male pets can be more boisterous, which means they're more likely to have accidents or get into fights with each other. Normally, you'll pay more for your pet insurance if you have a male dog or cat.

Why is my cat insurance so high?

Premiums may vary significantly based on your pet's age and breed, the cost of veterinary care where you live and the insurance policy you choose. Be aware that rates tend to increase as your pet gets older and more prone to health issues.

Why are cats cheaper to insure than dogs?

Despite the fact that dogs live fewer years on average, you could still easily spend $1,500 more over its lifetime to insure a dog rather than a cat. Dogs cost more to insure than cats, in part due to data that shows they more often require care than cats, and it's more expensive when it's needed.

What is not normally covered by homeowners insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover damage caused by flooding, earthquakes, termites, mold, or normal wear and tear. Learn about all the different home insurance exclusions and how to get covered.

Should I tell my homeowners insurance about my dog?

Over four million people get bitten by dogs every year and many dog bite claims are from first-time offenders. If you don't have them on your policy and an unfortunate incident occurs, your homeowners policy wouldn't cover the claim and you'd be responsible for paying the medical bills and legal expenses yourself.

Is it bad to not have pet insurance?

Pet insurance can be a good way to help offset a major unexpected vet bill, like cancer treatment or a broken bone, which can cost thousands of dollars. Without pet insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for vet expenses.

Why do people take out pet insurance?

Pet insurance exists to protect you against unexpected costs related to your pet, such as vet bills. Find out how pet insurance works, what to look for, how much it might cost and some of the other things to consider if you're thinking about buying a policy.

How much does having a dog raise homeowners insurance?

Home insurance rates only go up by 1% for having a restricted dog breed, on average. If your dog is on the restricted breed list, it's most likely your insurance company will increase your rates slightly, or they could exclude liability coverage for any damage your dog causes.

Why take out pet insurance?

Pet insurance can give you peace of mind knowing you will be financially protected in the event your dog or cat suffers an illness or injury. With the unpredictable costs of vet visits, not having pet insurance could mean the risk of being hit with an expensive bill if an unfortunate worst-case scenario occurs.

What is the most expensive cat to insure?

What Are the Most Expensive Cat Breeds To Insure?
  1. Siberian Forest Cat $457 per month. ...
  2. Bengal $404 per month. ...
  3. Ragdoll $381 per Month. ...
  4. American Shorthair $376 per month. ...
  5. Maine Coon $374 per month. ...
  6. Russian Blue $369 per month. ...
  7. Siamese $327 per month. ...
  8. Sphynx $326 per month.

What is cat risk in insurance?

A catastrophe bond (CAT) is a high-yield debt instrument that is designed to raise money for companies in the insurance industry in the event of a natural disaster. A CAT bond allows the issuer to receive funding from the bond only if specific conditions, such as an earthquake or tornado, occur.

What pets cost more to insure?

The average cost of pet insurance is higher for dogs — 69% more expensive than cats for accident and illness policies. Older animals and larger animals also have higher insurance rates, as these pets tend to have the most health issues.

What is the downside of having a male cat?

A Note About Neutering and Spaying

Intact males are more likely to spray urine in and around your home. They're also more prone to aggression and escape attempts to go in search of female cats. Intact females tend to vocalize loudly to attract males.

Are girl cats or boy cats better?

The truth is that the sex of the cat really doesn't matter when it comes to choosing the purrfect pet for you. Although there are some behavioral differences between male and female cats as they grow from kittens to adults, a cat's genetics and environment play a bigger role in how well the two of you will bond.

Is it better to have 2 male cats or a mix?

It's suggested that you choose two male cats or a male and female combination if bringing home two kittens who are not already bonded as they tend to get along better than two females. Cats generally don't like eating close together, so consider placing your kittens' food bowls across the room from each other.

What are the first signs of rabies in a cat?

During the first 2-4 days of infection, your cat may have a fever, less energy than usual, and decreased appetite. Symptoms tend to progress quickly to weakness or paralysis of the legs, seizures, difficulty breathing, hypersalivation (too much saliva) due to difficulty swallowing, and abnormal behavior.

Why do cats bite gently?

In these instances, our four-legged friends are simulating the act of grooming to highlight your value and importance to them, as if you were one of their own litter. Another reason that your cat might want to lick and nibble you is to get your attention.