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

Asked by: Prof. Cecelia Bailey  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (44 votes)

Many homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites and other incidents. 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.

Do I have to tell my homeowners insurance that 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 home insurance go up if you have a dog?

Owning a specific breed can raise your homeowners insurance premium. Because certain dog breeds are known to bite and create other liabilities, there's a greater chance that you would need to file an insurance claim. Your insurance company raises your rate to compensate for that potential claim and payout.

What dogs make your insurance go up?

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.

What dog breeds are not covered by homeowners insurance?

The dog breeds that are most commonly excluded from a homeowners insurance policy include:
  • Rottweiler.
  • Pit Bull.
  • Staffordshire Terrier.
  • Doberman Pinscher.
  • Akita.
  • Alaskan Malamute.
  • Siberian Husky.
  • Wolf breeds.

How can a dog affect your homeowners insurance?

43 related questions found

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.

What dog breeds should I avoid?

Here are 12 breeds you think you might want but should probably avoid – unless you're truly prepared.
  • #1 – Border Collie. ...
  • #2 – Belgian Malinois. ...
  • #3 – Dutch Shepherd. ...
  • #4 – Patterdale Terrier. ...
  • #5 – Siberian Husky. ...
  • #6 – Australian Cattle Dog. ...
  • #7 – Dalmatian. ...
  • #8 – Akita.

Can homeowners insurance discriminate against dog breeds?

Not all insurers restrict coverage based on dog ownership or discriminate between dog breeds. One solution to homeowner insurance coverage problems arising from dog breed restrictions may simply involve finding an insurer that doesn't restrict coverage on account of your best friend's breed.

Are pit bulls covered under homeowners insurance?

Unless your pit bull has bitten someone in the past, you're eligible to receive homeowners insurance coverage through State Farm. The company considers each dog's personal bite history to assess its insurance risk rather than having a rule that impacts every dog from a specific breed.

Can insurance companies deny service dogs?

Does Insurance Cover Service Dogs or Emotional Support Animals? Yes, service dogs and emotional support animals receive the same coverage as any other pet under every home insurance policy, including homeowners, renters and condo insurance.

Does having a pitbull raise your insurance?

Owning a pit bull can raise your rates, because home insurance providers view your pet as a liability risk. While all dog breeds can bite under the right circumstances, larger breeds have the physical capacity to cause more damage. That makes them a bigger liability to insurance companies.

Does homeowners insurance cover pet damage?

Is accidental pet damage covered by my standard home insurance? Unfortunately, most standard home insurance policies won't cover accidental damage caused by pets. The majority of home insurance policies exclude damage caused by pets chewing, scratching, tearing or fouling.

Will my insurance go up if my dog bites someone?

If your pet is on your home insurers' aggressive dog breeds list and bites someone, your policy likely won't cover you, and you could lose your insurance coverage altogether.

Do homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits (typically $100,000 to $300,000). If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount.

Do cats affect homeowners insurance?

Similar to how homeowners insurance covers dogs, homeowners insurance will typically cover any damage that your cat causes to a person or their property. Homeowners insurance is unlikely to kick in if your cat damages your own property by scratching up carpet or using your floors as their litter box.

Does Allstate cover German shepherds?

Allstate does not cover German Shepherds. American Family covers all dog breeds. They will cover your German Shepherd. However, they may require you to fence your yard and provide additional documentation.

Does progressive discriminate against dog breeds?

Allstate, Amica, Farmers, Geico, Progressive, and State Farm do not have any specific breed restrictions. However, they may not cover you if your dog has a history of aggression.

How much is insurance for a pitbull?

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $37 to $50 per month for basic health insurance for your pit bull based on information collected from two pet insurance providers. Adding extras like wellness plans or preventative care can also add to your pit bull insurance cost.

What is considered an aggressive breed?

Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Wolf hybrids, Akitas, and German shepherds are all commonly considered aggressive. Chihuahuas are also notably aggressive, but they rarely cause injury due to their size.

What is the meanest dog in the world?

International Dog Day 2020: 6 most dangerous dog breeds in the...
  • American Pit Bull Terrier. 1/6. American Pit Bulls are one of the most dangerous dogs and have been banned by many countries in the world. ...
  • Rottweiler. 2/6. ...
  • German Shepherd. 3/6. ...
  • American Bulldog. 4/6. ...
  • Bullmastiff. 5/6. ...
  • Siberian Husky.

What is a banned dog?

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 place controls on 10 breeds of dogs, namely the American Pit Bull Terrier; English Bull Terrier; Staffordshire Bull Terrier; Bull Mastiff; Doberman Pinscher; German Shepherd (Alsatian); Rhodesian Ridgeback; Rottweiler; Japanese Akita; Japanese Tosa and to every dog of the type ...

What are the top 10 worst family dogs?

The 21 Worst Dog Breeds for Kids Are:
  • Chihuahua.
  • Akita.
  • Chow Chow.
  • Greyhound.
  • Mastiff.
  • Pekingese.
  • Rottweiler.
  • Husky.

Which is the most disloyal dog breed?

According to Svartberg's data (PDF), a pinscher, a Bernese mountain dog, or an English springer spaniel might be the most disloyal since each ranks very low on playfulness, with moderate sociability.

What is the least adopted dog?

The American Staffordshire Terrier is the least likely breed to be adopted. The chances are even worse for Staffordshire Terrier's who are not babies, as they get adopted at a rate of less than 50%. Chihuahuas and pit bull terriers are the two most common breeds available, and also among the least likely to be adopted.