Dog breeds that affect your insurance coverage

Americans love their dogs. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) estimates that about 85 million dogs live in roughly 69 million households. Although dogs are the most common pet in the U.S., owning a pet adds a unique liability when it comes to your homeowners insurance policy. This added liability comes from the number of dog bites that occur every year resulting in insurance claims. While you might be able to claim a pet bite on your insurance policy, some companies have coverage exceptions. Even if you have a friendly dog who has never hurt anyone in the past, it is worth knowing how your homeowners insurance coverage works in case anything happens. At the end of the day, you want to make sure that you and your furry friend are both covered in the event of a liability claim.

Will my home insurance cover me if I have a dog?

Several million dog bites are reported annually, many of them involving children. On top of the legal ramifications, medical expenses can quickly add up. In extreme cases, an insurance claim for a dog bite could add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to the Triple-I, dog bite claims averaged approximately $49,000 in 2021 with 17,989 claims reported.

Liability coverage on home insurance policies is designed to help protect you financially if you are found at fault for injuries caused to others on your property or for damage to the property of others. This type of coverage may or may not protect you if your dog bites someone.

Coverage generally applies if the person or people were bitten by your dog on your property or elsewhere. However, not all dog breeds are covered and if you own a dog that is considered a restricted breed by your insurer, your claim may be denied. It’s important to ensure that you have read and understand your home insurance policy to determine if your dog is covered before something happens. If you are unsure whether your policy covers your dog, you may want to speak with your insurance company for clarification.

Top dog breeds that insurers won’t cover

Dogs that are typically included on an aggressive breed or restricted breed list with insurance carriers may be prone to cause more injuries if a bite occurs. They could also cause more extensive injuries simply because they are a larger breed. Due to the increased risk, some insurance carriers try to manage this risk by implementing a restricted breed list. Other home insurers may only ask about your pet’s bite history, and are not as particular about the breed.

A homeowners insurance dog list usually varies by carrier. However, the following dog breeds are most commonly restricted:

• Akita
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Chow Chow
• Doberman Pinscher
• German Shepherd Dog
• Great Dane
• Mastiff
• Pit Bull
• Presa Canario
• Rottweiler
• Siberian Husky
• Wolf Hybrid

If you own a dog that’s not on the restricted dog breeds list, you may still have trouble getting insurance coverage if your dog has bitten someone in the past.

What to do if your insurer won’t cover your dog

If your current insurer would exclude your dog from homeowners insurance coverage or would not insure you at all because of your pet, there may be alternatives to help you find homeowners coverage:

• If your dog is a service dog, you may receive an exception from your insurer to cover your pet.
• You may be able to train your dog to get Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC) to request an exception.
• Find the best insurer that does not restrict your dog’s breed.
• Ask your insurer to exclude your dog from the policy instead of canceling your insurance and find pet insurance that specializes in canine liability policies.

To discuss your options, it is best to talk with your homeowners insurance company or your property insurance agent to determine the best course of action.

Insurance companies that don’t discriminate by breed

Several states prohibit (or are in the process of passing legislation to prohibit) insurers from discriminating against dog breeds. If you live in a state that does not prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against certain breeds and are interested in dog-friendly homeowners insurance coverage, consider the following companies:

• Allstate
• Auto-Owners
• Farmers
• Geico
• USAA (if eligible)

These carriers are known to write homeowners insurance policies that typically do not exclude certain dog breeds from coverage, or have shorter lists of excluded dog breeds. That means you may be able to have your home insured without concern if you have a dog belonging to a breed that other insurers would deny coverage. However, if your dog has a history of biting, these companies still may deny coverage due to the pet’s known history.

How does your dog impact your insurance rate?

Dog bites can come with high medical bills and court settlement costs. The Triple-I reports that the average cost an insurance company had to pay out for dog bite claims in 2021 was $49,025. If your insurance company covers your dog and it bites someone, claims costs may cause premium increases.

Frequently asked questions

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    What happens if I don’t tell my homeowners insurance company about my dog?

    Failing to tell your insurer about your dog or omitting the dog’s breed could land you in hot water. If you file a claim for an injury from a dog that’s not covered on your insurance policy, the company may deny the claim, leaving you financially responsible for all medical bills and court costs. Considering that the average claim paid in 2021 for a dog bite is almost $50,000, it’s best to be upfront about your dog or find an insurer willing to accept your restricted pet.
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    If my dog is mixed with the breed of dogs that homeowners insurance won’t cover, can I get insured?

    If you have a mixed breed that may include a dog from the restricted dog list, your insurer may still not cover your pet. In fact, your dog may not be insurable if it’s bitten someone in the past, even if it’s a poodle or a labrador. It’s best to be honest about your pet’s history and breed ahead of time instead of finding out you are not covered after you file a dog bite claim.
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    Can an insurer cancel my homeowners insurance if I get a restricted breed?

    Insurance companies aren’t required to cover everyone. They could cancel your homeowners insurance policy if you have a restricted breed from the homeowners insurance dog list or if you lie about the type of dog you have or its biting history. If you receive a notice from your insurer that your policy will be canceled, you might be able to apply for an exception by showing your pet is a guide dog or has Canine Good Citizen certification. Otherwise, you will need to seek new coverage with another carrier.
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    Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

    Insurance policies may cover dog bites up to your policy’s liability limits, provided the dog does not have a prior history of biting others, is not excluded from your coverage and injures someone who does not live in your household. It is wise to consult with your insurance agent or home insurer to learn if your carrier has an aggressive dog breeds list. If your dog’s breed is on the list, you can discuss your options with your agent and then make an informed decision that benefits you and your household, including your canine companion. In some cases, you may need to shop around for a company that will cover your dog, even if you have to pay a slightly higher premium for your policy.