Which Dog Breeds Will Homeowners Insurance Not Cover

 
 

Homeowners insurance is a crucial protection for homeowners against unexpected damages and liabilities. However, not all dog breeds are covered by homeowners insurance policies. Insurance companies have specific rules and restrictions when it comes to insuring homes with certain dog breeds. This is because certain dog breeds are considered high risk due to their tendency to bite or attack.

Homeowners insurance policies often exclude coverage for dog bites or attacks caused by certain breeds. Insurance companies may deny coverage or charge higher premiums for homes with certain dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. While these breeds can make great pets, their reputation for aggression and potential for causing harm can make them a liability for insurance companies. It is important for homeowners to understand their insurance policy's coverage and exclusions when it comes to their furry friends.

Breed Restrictions and Banned Dog Breeds

Understanding Breed Restrictions

When it comes to homeowners insurance, breed restrictions are one of the most common reasons why a dog owner may be denied coverage or have their policy canceled. Breed restrictions are a way for insurance companies to limit their liability by excluding certain breeds of dogs that are considered to be more aggressive or dangerous.

Breed restrictions can vary from one insurance company to another, but some of the most commonly restricted breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and Akitas. However, it's important to note that not all insurance companies have breed restrictions, and some may only have restrictions for certain breeds in certain states.

Banned Dog Breeds

In addition to breed restrictions, some insurance companies have a list of banned dog breeds. These breeds are not allowed under any circumstances, even if the dog has never shown any signs of aggression. Some of the most commonly banned breeds include:

  • Wolf hybrids
  • Presa Canarios
  • Cane Corsos
  • Chow Chows
  • American Bulldogs

It's important to note that some insurance companies may have additional breeds on their banned list, so it's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider before adopting a new dog.

Blacklist

Some insurance companies may also have a "blacklist" of dogs that they consider to be a higher risk for liability claims. These dogs may not be banned or restricted outright, but the insurance company may charge higher premiums or require additional liability coverage.

Some of the breeds that may be on a "blacklist" include:

  • Boxers
  • Dalmatians
  • Siberian Huskies
  • Alaskan Malamutes
  • Great Danes

Again, it's important to note that not all insurance companies have a blacklist, and those that do may have different breeds on their list.

In conclusion, if you're a dog owner, it's important to be aware of breed restrictions and banned dog breeds when it comes to homeowners insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance provider before adopting a new dog to ensure that you have the coverage you need.

Insurance Companies and Liability Coverage

Home Insurance Companies

When it comes to insuring your home, you may want to consider the type of dog breed you own. Some insurance companies have specific policies regarding certain breeds, and may not provide coverage if you own one of these breeds. It's important to check with your insurance company to see if your dog breed is on their list of restricted breeds.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is a type of insurance that covers damages or injuries caused by your dog. If your dog bites someone or damages someone's property, liability coverage can help cover the costs. However, some insurance companies may not provide liability coverage for certain dog breeds.

Personal Liability Coverage

Personal liability coverage is a type of insurance that covers damages or injuries caused by you or your family members. This can include damages or injuries caused by your dog. However, if you own a restricted breed, your insurance company may not provide personal liability coverage for your dog.

Umbrella Insurance Policy

An umbrella insurance policy is an additional insurance policy that provides extra liability coverage. This type of policy can be a good option if you own a dog breed that is not covered by your home insurance policy. However, it's important to check with your insurance company to see if they offer umbrella insurance policies for dog owners.

In conclusion, it's important to check with your insurance company to see if your dog breed is covered under your home insurance policy. If your dog breed is on their list of restricted breeds, you may want to consider getting an umbrella insurance policy to provide extra liability coverage.

Specific Dog Breeds

Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers

Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers are often considered aggressive breeds and are known to be involved in many dog attacks. As a result, many insurance companies are hesitant to cover homes with these breeds. Some companies may require additional liability coverage or may exclude coverage altogether.

Rottweilers

Rottweilers are another breed that insurance companies may not cover due to their reputation for aggression. While not all Rottweilers are aggressive, their size and strength can make them a liability risk. Some insurance companies may require additional coverage or exclude coverage altogether.

Chow Chows

Chow Chows are known for their loyalty and protective nature, but they can also be aggressive towards strangers. Insurance companies may view them as a liability risk and may require additional coverage or exclude coverage altogether.

Doberman Pinschers

Doberman Pinschers are a breed that has a reputation for being aggressive and protective. As a result, they may be excluded from coverage by some insurance companies or require additional liability coverage.

Mastiffs

Mastiffs are large and powerful dogs that can be seen as a liability risk by insurance companies. Some companies may exclude coverage or require additional liability coverage for homes with Mastiffs.

Akitas

Akitas are a breed that is known for their loyalty and protectiveness, but they can also be aggressive towards strangers. Insurance companies may view them as a liability risk and may require additional coverage or exclude coverage altogether.

American Bulldogs

American Bulldogs are a breed that is known for their strength and loyalty, but they can also be aggressive towards strangers. Insurance companies may view them as a liability risk and may require additional coverage or exclude coverage altogether.

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are a breed that is often used for police and military work due to their intelligence and trainability. However, they can also be aggressive towards strangers, which may make them a liability risk for insurance companies.

Wolf Hybrids

Wolf Hybrids are a mix between a wolf and a dog and can be unpredictable in their behavior. Insurance companies may exclude coverage altogether for homes with Wolf Hybrids due to their liability risk.

In summary, insurance companies may not cover homes with certain dog breeds due to their reputation for aggression and liability risk. It is important to check with your insurance company before adopting a dog to ensure that you have proper coverage.

Liability Claims and Dog Bite Claims

Liability Claims

Homeowners insurance policies typically include liability coverage, which protects the homeowner from financial responsibility for injuries or damages that occur on their property. However, some dog breeds may be excluded from this coverage due to their perceived risk of causing harm.

Dog Bite Claims

Dog bite claims are a common type of liability claim that homeowners insurance policies may not cover for certain breeds. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites account for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims.

Medical Bills

In addition to liability claims, homeowners insurance may also exclude coverage for medical bills resulting from dog bites or other injuries caused by excluded breeds. This means that homeowners may be responsible for paying for medical bills out of pocket.

Damages

Damages resulting from a dog bite or other injury caused by an excluded breed may also not be covered by homeowners insurance. This can include property damage, such as damage to a neighbor's fence or landscaping, as well as personal property damage, such as a torn piece of clothing.

It is important to note that every homeowners insurance policy is different, and exclusions for certain dog breeds may vary. Homeowners should always review their policy carefully and speak with their insurance agent to fully understand their coverage and any exclusions that may apply.

Training and Canine Good Citizen

Training Your Dog

Homeowners insurance companies may not cover certain dog breeds due to their reputation for being aggressive or dangerous. However, proper training can help mitigate the risk of your dog causing harm to others.

Training your dog not only helps prevent accidents, but it also builds a strong relationship between you and your pet. Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel are essential for every dog to learn.

Additionally, training your dog to walk on a leash without pulling, to not jump on people, and to not bark excessively can also help improve their behavior. It is important to be consistent and patient when training your dog, as it can take time for them to learn and understand new commands.

Canine Good Citizen

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is a certification program offered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) that focuses on responsible pet ownership and basic obedience training.

The CGC program tests your dog's ability to follow basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come, as well as their behavior in public settings. Dogs who pass the CGC test are considered well-behaved and are less likely to cause harm to others.

Some homeowners insurance companies may require that your dog pass the CGC test in order to be covered under their policy. Even if your insurance company does not require it, the CGC program is a great way to ensure that your dog is well-trained and well-behaved.

In conclusion, proper training and certification through programs like the CGC can help mitigate the risk of your dog causing harm to others and may also help you obtain homeowners insurance coverage for your pet.

Pet Insurance and Renters Insurance

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers veterinary expenses for your pet. It can help you pay for unexpected medical bills, routine check-ups, and even some preventative care. However, not all pet insurance policies cover all breeds of dogs, and some may exclude certain breeds altogether.

If you have a dog breed that is considered high-risk, such as a pit bull or Rottweiler, you may have trouble finding a pet insurance policy that will cover your pet. Some insurance companies may exclude these breeds altogether, while others may offer coverage but at a higher premium.

Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers your personal belongings in case of theft, damage, or loss. It can also provide liability coverage in case someone is injured while on your rental property. However, like pet insurance, not all renters insurance policies cover all dog breeds.

Some insurance companies may exclude certain breeds of dogs from renters insurance coverage, especially if the breed is considered high-risk. This is because insurance companies may see these breeds as a liability risk, and may not want to cover them in case of an incident.

It is important to check with your insurance company to find out if your dog breed is covered under your renters insurance policy. If not, you may need to purchase additional liability coverage to protect yourself in case of an incident involving your dog.

Overall, it is important to understand the limitations of your insurance policies when it comes to covering your dog. Make sure to read the fine print and ask questions to ensure that you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your pet.

State-Specific Laws and Regulations

When it comes to homeowner's insurance and dog breeds, state-specific laws and regulations can play a significant role in determining which breeds are covered and which are not. Here's a breakdown of how Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and Nevada handle the issue.

Michigan

In Michigan, there are no breed-specific laws or regulations that prohibit coverage for certain dog breeds. However, some insurance companies may have their own policies regarding certain breeds, so it's essential to check with your insurance provider to see if your dog is covered.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is another state that doesn't have any breed-specific laws or regulations that prohibit coverage for certain dog breeds. However, some insurance companies may have their own policies regarding certain breeds, so it's important to check with your insurance provider to see if your dog is covered.

New York

New York has a law that prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against dog breeds. However, insurance companies are still allowed to consider a dog's behavior when determining coverage. If your dog has a history of aggression or has been involved in an attack, your insurance company may not cover you. Additionally, some insurance companies may have their own policies regarding certain breeds, so it's important to check with your insurance provider to see if your dog is covered.

Nevada

Nevada doesn't have any breed-specific laws or regulations that prohibit coverage for certain dog breeds. However, some insurance companies may have their own policies regarding certain breeds, so it's important to check with your insurance provider to see if your dog is covered.

Overall, while state-specific laws and regulations can play a role in determining which dog breeds are covered by homeowner's insurance, it's important to remember that insurance companies may have their own policies regarding certain breeds. It's always best to check with your insurance provider to see if your dog is covered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, homeowners insurance companies have various policies regarding which dog breeds they cover. Research shows that certain breeds are more likely to be involved in aggressive behavior, which can lead to higher insurance rates or even policy cancellations. The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes that genetics, training, and socialization all play a role in a dog's behavior, but certain breeds may have a predisposition towards aggression.

Homeowners insurance companies may also consider a dog's protective nature when determining coverage. While protective behavior can be a desirable trait, it can also lead to liability concerns if the dog perceives a threat and acts aggressively towards others.

It's important for homeowners to research their insurance company's policies and understand which dog breeds may not be covered. Some companies may require additional liability coverage or exclude certain breeds altogether. It's also important to properly train and socialize any dog, regardless of breed, to prevent aggressive behavior and reduce the risk of liability concerns.

Overall, homeowners should take responsibility for their dog's behavior and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of others.