Will your insurance be affected if you own a pit bull?

Asked by: Prof. Houston Erdman  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (67 votes)

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.

Can you get homeowners insurance if you have a pitbull?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pets can affect homeowners insurance

21 related questions found

Are pitbulls more expensive to insure?

Policies for Pit Bulls can cost more than those for mixed breed dogs because they are much more likely than mixed breed dogs to make claims for hereditary conditions that are expensive to treat.

Does Geico allow pit bulls?

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.

Are pets covered in homeowners insurance?

Your homeowners insurance policy will cover your pets from a liability standpoint, including if they cause bodily injury or property damage to a third party.

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 pets included in house insurance?

Standard home contents insurance doesn't usually cover pet damage. Home insurance covers you for an array of events that cause damage to your home – damage by a pet isn't likely to fit under one of these events. You could argue it would be classed as Accidental Damage however…

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.

Is a bull terrier a pitbull?

The main difference between a Pit Bull Terrier and a Pitbull is the way they are known and recognized by people. Pitbull is just a term used to describe breeds that look like a bulldog and has the abilities of a terrier. A Pit Bull Terrier is a type of Pitbull dog breed.

Does Farmers Insurance cover pit bulls?

Farmers Insurance doesn't provide liability coverage for dog bite-related claims involving pit bulls, Rottweilers, or wolf mixes. They require their policy holders sign an exclusion waiver of liability for dog bites.

Does Amica cover pitbulls?

Amica Has Excellent Customer Service

Amica is also known for having the lowest rates on the market, comparable to Geico - Geico, unfortunately, does not cover all dog breeds, and they have restrictions on pit bulls, so Amica might be your second go-to company.

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 breeds of dogs raise your 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.

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.

Do you have to carry insurance on a pitbull in Ohio?

Under Ohio Sub. HB 14 — effective May 22 — pit bulls will no longer be considered vicious dogs solely on their breed and the law eliminates the mandatory liability insurance requirement for dog owners.

Does homeowner 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.

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 Farmers Insurance have dog breed restrictions?

Farmers Insurance changes dog bite liability insurance coverage to target certain dog breeds. ... Breed bans are illegal in California and this is seen as an insurance company tactic to keep dog owners away from those three breeds.

Does USAA cover dog bites?

If your pet bites your neighbor, USAA Renters Insurance includes medical expenses and liability protection, so true accidents like these can get solved quickly and affordably, keeping your finances safe and goals for the future on track.

Can you own a pitbull in Florida?

While Florida does not ban pit bulls or any specific breed at the State level, this does not mean that a local ordinance may possibly ban certain dogs or have additional restrictions.