Homeowners insurance companies paid out more than $800 million in dog bite and injury claims last year. Animal-related claims like these are among the most common homeowners claims. That’s why some homeowners insurers refuse to insure certain dog breeds. Check the list below, and if you own one of these 12 breeds, consult with your agent.
Twelve dog breeds that insurers avoid
Owners of dog breeds deemed dangerous may get defensive about their breed’s reputation. But insurance companies set policy terms and premiums based on their claims statistics. Here are the 12 dog breeds insurers are most hesitant to insure under your homeowner’s policy.
- Pit Bulls
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Chow Chows
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Siberian Huskies
- Presa Canarios
- Akitas
- Great Danes
- Wolf breed hybrids
Owning one of these breeds does not mean an insurance company will not offer you homeowners coverage. It simply means the insurer may not cover a liability claim caused by your dog. If your dog injures someone and your claim is denied, you are personally on the hook for the financial damages the victim claims.
An insurer may also refuse dog liability coverage if you have a history of dog-related claims.
Finding coverage
If your current insurer has dog breed restrictions and your dog is on the list, there are two things you can do.
The first is to simply shop for another insurer with no restrictions. There are more companies that don’t have breed restrictions than ones that do. The other option is to take out a separate liability policy on your dog.
In either case, shop with an independent agent who can compare policy terms and rates between companies. Make the agent aware of your breed and of any claim history with the dog. It’s better to be transparent upfront and get a clear understanding of coverage than to not disclose and then get denied on a future claim.
Related – It Pays Off to Study Up on Homeowners Insurance
