Dog Breeds and Property Insurance: 2024 Homeowners Guide (2024)

While it isn’t guaranteed that your rates will go up after a claim, there is a good chance that they will. However, this isn’t just for claims involving dogs. Any claim resulting in a substantial payout by an insurance company will likely increase your premiums, as your insurance company will assume you’ll be more likely to file a claim in the future.

The list of excluded dog breeds varies by insurance company, so you’ll want to ask each company when you get a quote to find out if your dog is excluded from coverage. Recently, advocates for dogs petitioned the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to stop discriminating based on a dog’s breed. Some states also have laws preventing this.

Most home insurance policies cover liabilities resulting from your pet. This means that insurance will typically only cover you if your pet harms another person or their property. Home insurance policies won’t cover when your pet harms you and your property, or when your pet gets injured.

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. Certain states, like Michigan, Nevada, New York and Pennsylvania, have gone so far as making dog breed discrimination illegal.

Dog Breeds and Property Insurance: 2024 Homeowners Guide (2024)

FAQs

Dog Breeds and Property Insurance: 2024 Homeowners Guide? ›

Dog breeds banned by home insurance companies often include Doberman Pinschers, pit bulls and Rottweilers.

What breed of dog is uninsurable? ›

Dog breeds banned by home insurance companies often include Doberman Pinschers, pit bulls and Rottweilers.

What type of dog raises a homeowner's insurance premium? ›

Dobermans have been the top dog breed for dog bites in the 1970s. Since then, they are often described as overprotective and aggressive. Insurers often consider German Shepard as a dangerous breed. Being frequently used by militaries and police officers, it shows that they can be trained.

Should I tell my homeowners insurance about my dog? ›

Yes, you should tell your insurance company if you have a dog. That's especially true if yours tends to show up on lists of vicious or dangerous dog breeds.

Do you have to add a dog to homeowners insurance? ›

Do I have to add my dog to my homeowners insurance policy? If you're asked about household pets on a home insurance application, you should always be truthful. Even if the questionnaire you fill out doesn't explicitly ask, it's still your responsibility to let your insurer know if there are any animals in the house.

Why are cane corsos illegal in the US? ›

Why Are Cane Corsos Subject to BSL? Cane Corsos are large muscular dogs initially bred for hunting and guarding. Due to their size and strength, they can be seen as intimidating, and when not properly trained or socialized, they may exhibit aggressive behavior.

Does owning a pitbull increase homeowners insurance? ›

Yes, you should expect slightly higher home or renters insurance rates if you have a pit bull. 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.

Does your dog breed matter for home insurance? ›

While some insurance companies exclude specific breeds from coverage, there are others that exclude coverage for any and all dogs. If you own a dog, make sure to ask about coverage specifics and if there are any restrictions so you can find the best homeowners insurance policy for you and your four-legged friend.

Does having a dog reduce home insurance? ›

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.

Can HOA ban pit bulls? ›

An HOA can enforce pet limits in the community. Your HOA dog rules can have limitations on breed, the number of pets, and maximum size or weight. For example, if the community is comprised of families with a lot of young children, you might want to prohibit dangerous dog breeds, such as pit bulls and rottweilers.

What not to say to home 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.

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.

Is it worth making a pet insurance claim? ›

It's usually not too difficult to know when you should claim, and you can always check your policy documents or speak to your insurance provider if you're not sure. The only time it might not be worth claiming is if your policy excess – that's the amount you pay to make a claim – is more than the cost of the treatment.

Do German shepherds make homeowners insurance go up? ›

However, they can increase rates based on a dog breed, which means you may pay more on your premium if you own a German Shepherd or another breed on the common blacklist.

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.

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?

What type of dog is least adopted? ›

Black dogs and cats wait four times longer to get adopted from shelters and rescues as their lighter coated and more colorful counterparts. This phenomenon even has a name: Black Dog and Cat Syndrome.

Are there any dog breeds banned in the US? ›

A number of breeds have been restricted or banned, including Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers ("Pit Bulls"), Chow Chows, German Shepherd Dogs, and Doberman Pinschers, and the list is growing.

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