Why do insurance companies ask if you have a dog?

Asked by: Hertha Pacocha  |  Last update: December 2, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (5 votes)

Just like with the rest of the people in your family, it's necessary to have your dog on your policy. While it may increase your premium because dogs can pose a liability risk for things like dog bites, your homeowners insurance will likely cover dog-related incidents.

Why does home insurance ask if you have dogs?

Although dogs are the most common pet in the U.S., owning a pet adds a unique liability when it comes to your homeowners insurance policy. This added liability comes from the number of dog bites that occur every year resulting in insurance claims.

How much does a dog increase 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.

Does dog breed affect insurance?

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.

Does owning 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.

Why Does My Insurance Company Ask About Dog Breeds?

35 related questions found

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.

Which dog breeds cost the most to insure?

Pet insurance companies use dog breeds as a factor when setting rates. The most expensive dog breeds for pet insurance are American mastiff, bull mastiff, mastiff, Neapolitan mastiff and Saint Bernard.

How much does homeowners insurance go up with a pitbull?

The rate increase is highly dependent on the insurance company and your pit bull's past history. The good news is insurance rates for big dogs are only about 1% more expensive, on average. That category of dogs can also include breeds like German shepherds, rottweilers, Dobermans and chow chows.

What homeowners insurance companies do not discriminate dogs?

Some dog-friendly insurance companies include Allstate, State Farm, and USAA. Comparing quotes from at least three home insurance companies through an insurance marketplace like Policygenius can ensure you find the best coverage for the lowest price.

Are there certain dog breeds that might not be covered by insurance?

A few types of dog breeds that insurance companies consider more high risk than others include: Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, any wolf breeds, chow chows, doberman pinschers, German shepherds, Great Danes, pit bulls, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Siberian huskies, and Staffordshire terriers.

Can the color of your car affect your insurance premium?

You may have heard red cars are more expensive to insure. But, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the color of the car you drive does not affect the price of auto insurance. Here are some of the factors that help determine your auto premium and what to look for when shopping for car insurance.

Is an American bully a pitbull?

The American Bully breed is a mixture of American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pitbull Terrier, both of which are Pitbull breeds. This means that even though the American Bully isn't a Pitbull, it still shares similar genes. But, make no mistake, the American Bully is not a Pitbull, despite certain similarities.

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.

Do pitbull owners need insurance?

Pit bulls may pose costly insurance issues

Spotlight on: Dog Bite Liability. Accessed May 13, 2022. The personal liability portion of your homeowners or renters insurance policy generally covers such claims. However, in some cases, you may have to add animal liability coverage as an endorsement.

Does having a dog protect your home?

Even small dogs may make enough noise to scare away intruders, though. "Research shows that 'occupancy cues' like dogs are major deterrents in attempts to burglarize homes," says K. Campbell, a certified protection professional. "In fact, the research reveals that dogs of any size are effective.

Does Allstate have dog restrictions?

Allstate Dog Breed Restrictions: The Bottom Line

Allstate determines insurance eligibility for homeowners with aggressive dogs on a case-by-case basis, so you can still get the coverage you need as long as your pup doesn't have a history of violence.

How do I fight pet insurance denial?

If your claim is denied by the pet insurance provider, and you disagree with the decision, you have the option to appeal. To do so, contact the insurer's customer care department.

Which one is not protected by most homeowners insurance?

5 Things That Are Not Covered by a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy
  • Floods.
  • Earthquakes.
  • Home businesses.
  • Everyday wear and tear.
  • Home neglect.

Are pit bulls excluded from homeowners insurance?

Technically, you can get homeowners insurance if you have a pit bull, but it depends on the insurance company. It's common for insurers to ban coverage for pit bulls and other breeds that they deem “dangerous.” If your insurer does agree to cover your pit bull, here is how you'd be covered.

What percentage makes a dog a pitbull?

Pit Bulls Only Had 43.5% DNA Makeup from Their Pitbull Ancestors. Due to crossbreeding, most dogs are misidentified as pit bulls. With less than a 50% genetic match with true pit bulls, many modern pit bull-type dogs are a generic mixed breed. Pit bulls remain one of the most commonly misidentified breeds.

Does Geico insurance cover pitbulls?

All breeds of dogs and cats are covered. Like all pet insurance providers, it does not cover pre-existing conditions.

Are male or female dogs cheaper to insure?

Sex. Your dog's gender affects insurance costs as well. Most insurance companies will cost you more if you have a male dog – this is because male dogs are more likely to get injured or into fights, causing pay outs. Female dogs can also recover better from disease than males, which can reduce their insurance costs.

Which dog breed is cheapest to insure?

Jack Russell Terrier

Among the most affordable purebred dogs to insure is the Jack Russell, a lively little terrier that loves nothing better than a nice big park and a ball to chase. Confident in temperament, Jack Russells make very loyal dogs, and like to keep themselves busy.

Which dog breed has the cheapest insurance?

The cheapest dogs to insure are English springer spaniels, miniature Yorkshire terriers, and goldendoodles. If you're paying more than the average for your breed, you could cut insurance by comparing quotes from multiple pet insurance companies.