Does my house insurance cover my dog?

Asked by: Mollie Klocko IV  |  Last update: June 20, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (38 votes)

While your homeowners insurance policy is designed to protect you financially in the event of damage to your property, your pets aren't covered the same way your couch or your television are covered under your policy. Homeowners insurance covers pets as a liability.

Should I tell my 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.

Does homeowners insurance cost more if you have a dog?

When adding your dog to your homeowners insurance, there is a chance that your premium will go up. This is especially true if the breed of your dog falls under the provider's “breed list” which determines which breeds they will or will not cover, and which breeds are associated with higher premiums.

What breed of dogs are not covered by homeowners insurance?

The most common types of dog breeds that are not allowed on most homeowners insurance include Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Akitas, Siberian Huskies, Mastiffs, and more. Insurance companies do not want to risk insuring these breeds as they tend to be aggressive, which would result in more expenses for the company.

Can I add my dog to my insurance?

Yes, you have to add your dog onto your homeowners insurance policy to make sure your furry friend is properly covered for anything that may occur. Dogs are a big part of your home and, unfortunately, a big part of the home insurance claims history.

Does my home insurance cover dog bites

35 related questions found

Do you have to declare a dog on home insurance?

Do you have to inform your home insurance provider that you have pets? As much as we love our animals, they can be more destructive than toddlers. So, if you have a pet, you'll need to tell your insurance provider or potentially risk having a claim rejected.

Can homeowners insurance drop you because of a dog?

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.

Does homeowners insurance cover your dog attacking another dog?

Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits (typically $100,000 to $300,000).

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.

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.

Does having a pit bull raise your 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.

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.

How much more is homeowners insurance with a pitbull?

The increase is highly dependent on the insurance company that you select and your pit bull's past history. Rates nationwide increased about 1% on average if a policyholder had an "aggressive" breed of dog, according to a ValuePenguin study.

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.

Can my dog be put down for biting another dog?

Euthanasia can be required after a dog bite in California if the dog has rabies, if the dog has bitten at least 2 people, or if the dog has bitten and seriously injured someone, and had been raised to attack people or fight.

What happens if another dog bites my dog?

The state of California is a strict liability state. This means that if your dog bites another dog, animal, or person, generally you are responsible for paying the vet bills and any other necessary damages to the owner of the animal that was bitten.

What should you do if a dog attacks your dog?

What should I do if my dog is attacked by another dog?
  1. Do Not Try to Stop the Attack by Getting Between the Two Dogs.
  2. Take Your Dog to the Vet Immediately if Emergency Care is Needed.
  3. Gather as Much Information as You can Before Leaving the Scene of the Attack.
  4. Take It to the Vet for an Examination As Soon As Possible.

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.

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.

Does home insurance cover damage caused by pets?

No, unfortunately, most standard home insurance policies won't cover accidental damage caused by pets. Some will exclude all pet damage, while others will exclude damage caused by scratching, chewing, tearing, vomiting or fouling.

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.

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.

Does Geico cover German shepherds?

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.

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.

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.