There are three major things that most home insurance companies would likely ban such as dogs, swimming pools, and trampolines. Home insurance policies may limit certain breeds, surprising homeowners considering dog ownership or concerned about coverage implications. In other words, some dog breeds can get banned, increase your rate, or have limits to your home insurance policy.
For instance, if your dog bites or hurts someone, you will cover the full cost of medical bills and legal fees. This is because your home insurance company might reject your claim if your dog belongs to one of the banned breeds. Knowing which dog breeds are banned by your home insurance can help you choose a provider and take appropriate action.
Dog Breeds Banned By Home Insurance
It is more difficult for homeowners to select a home insurance provider when breeds are banned by the company. The most popular dog breeds that are banned nationwide were determined by reviewing data from over 40 home insurance providers.
The top 12 dog breeds that home insurance companies most frequently ban are as follows:
- Doberman pinscher.
- Rottweiler.
- Pitbull.
- Chow chow.
- Hybrids and wolf dogs.
- Presa canario or canary dog.
- Akita.
- German shepherd.
- Mastiff.
- Husky.
- Malamutes from Alaska.
The term pit bull refers to a variety of Bull Terrier breeds as well as their mixes. In addition, pit bulls include American Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Does Home Insurance Cover Dogs
Home insurance policies cover dog-related incidents, but coverage can vary significantly depending on the breed and the dog’s history. Most policies cover damage and dog bites, but some insurers limit or exclude certain high-risk breeds. The World Health Organization estimates that each year in the United States, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs.
It’s reasonable that providers might view some breeds as higher risk and place limitations on or even deny coverage for them. It’s important to confirm the coverage and any breed-specific exclusion with your company.
Why Are Certain Dog Breeds Banned By Home Insurance
Certain dog breeds are frequently banned by home insurance due to their perceived higher risk of aggression or injury. Providers classify certain breeds like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls as high risk due to their higher chance of serious bite incidents. By managing possible claims and preventing larger payouts for dog-related injuries or damages, insurers benefit from this risk assessment. Many dog owners and advocacy groups, including the American Kennel Club and the Animal Protection Federation, believe these regulations are unfair and discriminatory.
When Are Dogs Banned By Home Insurance
In addition to breed limitations, certain insurers refuse to cover dogs that have a track record of biting people or causing property damage.
Past biting incidents
Your dog might be not getting coverage from your home insurance if it has a history of biting, or you might have to sign a liability waiver. This implies that if your dog bites someone on your property, your insurer won’t pay for any resulting medical or legal expenses. You can occasionally be completely turned down for a home insurance policy.
Harm to your house, other buildings, or personal belongings
Your home insurance might not cover the loss if your dog damages your house or personal items. This implies that you might not get compensated for damage caused if your dog gnaws through some furniture or drywall.
Injuries to other people from dog bites
Personal liability insurance only pays for injuries to other people, not yourself, if your dog bites or hurts you. That implies you would not be able to make a homeowners insurance claim if your dog bit you and you had to go to the hospital.
Why Is It Important to Get Coverage for My Dog
Your dog must be covered. If your dog is not insured, you may be facing significant financial and legal repercussions in the event of an incident.
Accidents
Even if your dog is loving and kind, you might not be able to predict how they will act in strange situations or when they interact with people they don’t feel comfortable around. Your dog must be insured for these unforeseen circumstances even though it doesn’t make them dangerous or unruly. Furthermore, knowing that your pet is insured will assure you that, should something go wrong, you and your pet are both covered.
Avoiding lawsuits
Another effective strategy to discourage people from turning a lighthearted jab into a lawsuit is to have insurance. Someone may be less inclined to file charges following an incident if they are aware that they can get compensation from your insurer. Accidents can also be avoided by teaching your dog manners in public settings and not to bite people.
How to Get the Right Dog Breed
You need to conduct research on dog breeds and consider their behaviors to make sure the pet you choose will fit into your home and lifestyle. Also, you will still be financially protected in the event of a dog-related claim.
Your home insurance costs may be reduced if you adopt a dog not on the banned breeds list. However, pet owners must take other factors into account as well. There are other actions dog owners should take to help prevent aggressive behavior in their pets, such as spending money on appropriate training and socialization.