Which Dog Breeds Affect Homeowners Insurance? An Insightful Guide
For many homeowners, a dog is not simply just a pet, it’s truly part of the family unit. However, when it comes to homeowners insurance, not all dog breeds are viewed equally. Certain breeds may be perceived as much more aggressive than other breeds. These aggressive dog breeds may affect your homeowners insurance policy rates and coverage limits. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know when it comes to how certain dog breeds may impact your insurance rates.
Understanding Insurance Concerns with Certain Dog Breeds
Insurance companies will often categorize specific dog breeds as higher risk due to historical data and statistics related to dog bite claims and other related claims. Breeds of dogs which are often viewed as higher risk include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Siberian Huskies
These breeds are viewed as having a greater potential to cause harm based on their size, strength, and historical incident rates.
How Dog Breeds Affect Your Homeowners Insurance
- Premium Increases: If you own a dog breed which is considered high-risk, it may lead to higher premiums, as insurers will often take on more risk to cover potential claims
- Exclusions: Some insurers may exclude liability coverage for dog bite incidents if you happen to own a high-risk dog breed, leaving you with the out-of-pocket costs if your dog were to bite and injure someone
- Inability to Secure Coverage: In some rare cases, insurance companies may refuse to offer your homeowners insurance if you own a specific breed of dog which they view as high-risk, or they may require you to sign a liability waiver for any dog-related incidents
What Can You Do?
- Shop Around: Shopping around for homeowners insurance policies can be a wise idea, as insurance policies vary widely among providers, with some insurance companies specializing in offering pet-friendly homeowners insurance without any breed restrictions
- Training & Socialization: If your dog is trained and properly socialized, and you can demonstrate this, it may persuade insurers to offer better terms in some cases
- Secure Liability Coverage: If your homeowners insurance won’t cover your dog, you may want to consider obtaining a separate policy which does cover your dog’s breed.
Choose Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance for All of Your Homeowners Insurance Needs
Owning a high-risk dog breed may complicate your homeowners insurance policy search. It’s important to understand how your dog’s breed affects your homeowners insurance options. Taking the right steps to reduce risks, such as obtaining adequate training for your dog, or exploring different insurance providers could be a great idea if you want to have a few options to choose from when it comes to selecting a homeowners insurance policy. You’ll always want to be upfront about owning a dog, especially a high-risk breed of dog, when purchasing or renewing your homeowners insurance policy. Obfuscating details about your dog may lead to a denied claim or even policy cancellation in the event of an incident. If you’re seeking out homeowners insurance and have a dog, you’ll want to contact us to learn more about how we can help you find the right policy for your needs. We look forward to hearing from you soon!