Insurance companies calculate premiums based on a risk assessment. Many factors can drive up your homeowner’s insurance — and pets are one of them. Your pet may even be the reason an insurance company denies you coverage.
Why Pets Increase Your Insurance Rates
You may love your pet, but your insurance company thinks only about the damage it may cause. Your child’s hamster or your family cat probably won’t affect your insurance premiums, but if they damage your furniture, don’t expect to file a claim.
What your insurance provider is concerned with is how your pet can damage the property of others or cause bodily injury. Dogs are the worst offenders, but they’re not the only pet that can raise your insurance rates.
If your pet causes property damage or bodily harm, you could face a personal injury lawsuit. That’s the liability risk your insurance company takes on when they include your pet on your homeowner’s policy. Simply put, aggressive or dangerous pets will increase your rates.
Which Pets Raise Home Insurance?
Dogs may be the most popular pets, but certain breeds have a reputation for being aggressive. These dog breeds may raise your premiums:
- Pit bull
- Rottweiler
- German shepherd
- Cane corso
- Wolf hybrids
- Bull terrier
Every insurance company has its own list of allowable breeds, and you will likely find a company willing to add your pit bull to your policy. Of course, you should expect to pay extra for this.
If you have an exotic pet, such as a snake, you may also see an increase in your homeowner’s insurance premiums. Farm animals, such as goats or horses, can also cause a lot of damage or personal injury. Talk to your insurance company to find out whether they cover your pets and how they affect your premiums.
Some Insurance Companies Will Deny Coverage
Your insurance company may deny coverage for your dog or exotic pet or ask for a higher premium than you’d like to pay. That doesn’t mean you have to choose between your pet or your home. You can shop around for alternative providers or ask for a canine liability exclusion.
Exclude the Dog or Get an Umbrella Policy
If you can’t find an insurance company that allows your pet, you can choose to exclude your canine or exotic friend entirely. By excluding the dog from your policy, you agree to pay for any damages or injury out of pocket. Keep in mind that a dog attack can easily cost thousands of dollars just in medical bills and even potentially bankrupt you.
To avoid being personally liable for your pet, consider purchasing an umbrella liability policy. An umbrella liability policy adds an extra layer of insurance covering any incidents that occur at home. This policy must specifically include the pet.
Finding the right home insurance can take some time for pet owners. Be prepared to pay a premium for liability coverage or expect to pay for any damage or injury your pet causes. Even with insurance protection in place, train your pet properly to prevent it from damaging things or harming anyone.
FAQs
Dogs are the worst offenders, but they're not the only pet that can raise your insurance rates. If your pet causes property damage or bodily harm, you could face a personal injury lawsuit. That's the liability risk your insurance company takes on when they include your pet on your homeowner's policy.
Should I tell my homeowners insurance about my dog? ›
If the insurance company you're using has restrictions based on breed, you will need to disclose your dog's breed. Failing to do so could cause any claims you make to be denied. Some insurance companies, like State Farm, don't have any exclusions based on breed.
Why do insurance companies ask if you have pets? ›
Pets can damage not only your home and property but property belonging to other people that visit or live near you. More significantly, dogs can bite people, leaving you and your insurance company liable for their injuries. So overall, pets are seen as a liability by many insurance companies.
What should you not say to homeowners insurance? ›
Avoid admitting fault or underestimating damages as this might lead to lower compensation or even denial of your claim. Honesty is crucial when dealing with an insurance adjuster, so avoid providing false information which can lead to serious consequences like claim denial or legal repercussions.
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 pets increase home insurance? ›
That's the liability risk your insurance company takes on when they include your pet on your homeowner's policy. Simply put, aggressive or dangerous pets will increase your rates.
Do dogs cost more to insure? ›
As you can see, cats are typically less expensive to insure than dogs, and pet insurance rates for accident-only plans (which cover things like broken bones or poisoning) can be significantly lower than rates for comprehensive accident and illness plans (which cover treatment for both accidental injuries and illnesses) ...
Should I tell the insurance company I have a dog? ›
Insurance companies base homeowners insurance premiums on risk, and pets— including many larger breeds of dogs—pose a potential bite risk. This is why you should declare any pets you have to your insurance company.
Can homeowners insurance drop you because of a dog? ›
Yes, it's possible for your homeowners insurance company to drop you because of a dog. Two reasons why your insurer might drop you is if your dog bit several people and you've filed multiple liability claims or if your dog's breed is on your insurer's list of banned dog breeds.
What voids pet insurance? ›
Some of the most common things pet insurance does not cover are: Pre-existing illness or injury - In general, insurers will not cover illness or injury that your pet had or showed signs of having before the policy started.
Insurance adjusters often start with a lowball offer, hoping you will accept it without question. To scare an insurance adjuster, you must demonstrate that you know the true value of your claim. Reject the lowball offer in writing and provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the offer is inadequate.
How do I argue with homeowners insurance? ›
How to Dispute a Home Insurance Claim Denial
- Review Your Insurance Policy. ...
- Document Your Claim. ...
- Contact the Insurance Company. ...
- Seeking Legal Counsel. ...
- Strategic Analysis of Denial Reasons. ...
- Detailed Documentation and Evidence Gathering. ...
- Effective Communication With Insurance Companies. ...
- Negotiation and Settlement.
Having a dog can increase your cost for homeowners insurance. Pet ownership is one element that insurers use to determine risk. The exact cost of adding a dog to your homeowners insurance will depend on the breed and where you live, among other factors.
Does house insurance cover dogs? ›
Some insurers will cover pet damage – but others won't, and home insurance that does include pet damage only includes certain kinds of damage, or even certain animals. However, it's still possible to find some insurers that will offer pet damage cover.
Does homeowners insurance cover pet damage? ›
Homeowners and renters insurance don't typically cover pet damage caused by your own pets. However, the liability protection provided by those policies may cover you if your pet destroys someone else's property. You can also seek compensation from another person's insurance if their pet damages your things.
Does house insurance cover my dog? ›
Some insurers will cover pet damage – but others won't, and home insurance that does include pet damage only includes certain kinds of damage, or even certain animals. However, it's still possible to find some insurers that will offer pet damage cover.
Does having a pitbull raise homeowners insurance? ›
Compared to “safer” dog breeds that are smaller and are considered family-friendly, like the Cavalier King Charles spaniel or bichon frise, large dogs with higher incidences of attacks like pit bulls and rottweilers are typically flagged by insurance companies and can result in higher rates or denied coverage.
Do indoor dogs need pet insurance? ›
Yes, pet insurance covers your indoor pet for accidents. While you might not like to dwell upon the bad things that could happen to your furry friend, and hope that being at home will keep them safe, accidents can happen. What if an intrepid dog consumes something toxic left too close to the edge of the kitchen table?
