- Some homeowners insurance companies exclude certain dog breeds from coverage.
- Large dog breeds are more likely to be banned due to the severity of bites instead of frequency.
- Consider buying pet liability insurance if you have a restricted breed of dog.
While dogs are a man's best friend, they do add risk to a household and present challenges when you shop for homeowners insurance if you've run into the dog breeds insurance blacklist.
Here's how dog breeds can affect your homeowners insurance, including the specific types of aggressive dog breeds that might increase your premiums or limit coverage options.
Do Dogs Affect Homeowners Insurance?
Yes. Dogs affect homeowners insurance since your dog's breed can have a big impact on what that coverage looks like.
Why Insurance Companies Consider Dog Breeds a Risk Factor
Insurers pay close attention to dog breeds because they want to minimize risk and lower the chances of having to pay out expensive liability claims.
Over her nearly 30 years working in the insurance industry, Deborah Turner has seen various dog breeds fall in and out of favor with insurers. Many factors determine which breeds are banned, said the president of Dean Insurance Agency, which specializes in canine coverage.
"It may be media driven, losses they have paid out on a certain breed, personal experience of underwriters, or reports about which breeds are biting," Turner says.
How Dog-Related Claims Impact Insurance Premiums
Owning a pup can lead to higher home insurance premiums because of increased liability. And since insurers are always looking to minimize risk, certain breeds are more likely to be banned by homeowners insurance companies or face higher premiums, whether fairly or not.
These are usually more "aggressive" and "dangerous" dogs that are more likely to cause costly damage if they bite. And this is largely based on statistics showing these breeds are involved in more bite incidents and severe injuries.
Can You Be Denied Homeowners Insurance Because of Your Dog?
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) allows insurance providers to enact discriminatory policies, including blacklists, against certain dog breeds. Whether you may be denied homeowners insurance because of your dog will depend on where you live, as some states have restrictions or outright bans against BSL.
According to the BSL Census, 22 states currently have enforced BSL policies. The other 28 states do not, either as a result of state-wide bans or a lack of BSL in the state. The following states have enforced BSL policies:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers dog bites under the liability portion of your policy. If your dog injures someone (whether on your property or off), your insurance can help cover medical bills, legal fees, and other damages. That said, coverage depends on your insurer, your dog's breed, and the circumstances of the incident.
When Dog Bites Are Covered by Home Insurance
Dog bites are usually covered when:
- The injured person is a guest or passerby, not someone living in your home.
- The incident happened on your property or in a location where your dog was legally allowed to be.
Situations Where Dog Bite Claims May Be Denied
There are some situations where your insurer won't pay for dog bite injuries. For example, if you own a breed that your insurer has blacklisted, encouraged the dog to bite someone, or were trespassing on your neighbor's property.
Liability Coverage for Dog Attacks on and Off Your Property
In most cases, your homeowner's insurance policy's liability coverage will cover dog bite incidents that occur both on- and off-property, like at a park, as long as your dog isn't a breed excluded by your policy. But it's still worth checking your policy to make sure it doesn't specifically limit coverage to dog bites that occur on your premises.
Dangerous Dog Breeds List: Which Breeds Can Affect Your Insurance?
Some insurance companies label certain dog breeds as "dangerous" due to a perceived higher risk of bites or attacks. If you have one of these dog breeds, expect to pay higher premiums or be denied coverage.
Common Dog Breeds Restricted by Insurance Companies
Dog breeds insurance blacklist usually varies by carrier, but here are some of the most common dog breeds that homeowners insurance companies tend to restrict.
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Huskies
- Akitas
- Wolf Hybrids
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Mastiffs
- Chow Chows
Why Certain Breeds Are Considered High-Risk
"Any dog breed can be aggressive," says Dr. Courtnye Jackson, a veterinarian and founder of The Pets Digest. However, insurers consider certain breeds high-risk and often restrict them since they're statistically more likely to cause costly bites.
For example, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers aren't necessarily more aggressive than other dog breeds, but their physical strength and strong jaws can result in more severe injuries when bites do occur.
How to Get Insurance If You Own a Restricted Breed
If you have a dog on the restricted list, you still have coverage options. Some insurers specialize in pet-friendly policies and may offer coverage without breed restrictions. You can also provide proof of training and behavioral assessments or consider umbrella liability insurance for extra protection.
Pit Bulls and Homeowners Insurance
Though pit bulls are loving pets, their reputation, media portrayal, and bite statistics often land them on insurers' restricted breed lists.
Why Pit Bulls Are Often Considered High-Risk
Insurance companies label pit bulls as high-risk due to their physical strength and the potential severity of injuries if they bite. So even if your pit bull has zero history of aggression, the breed as a whole may still be flagged based on perceived risk, past claims data, and local laws (like breed-specific legislation).
Which Insurance Companies Cover Pit Bulls?
Some companies are more lenient and assess dogs on a case-by-case basis rather than by breed. A few insurers that may cover pit bulls include State Farm, USAA, NJM, and Chubb. Keep in mind that policies and breed restrictions can vary by location, so always check with an agent first.
Tips for Finding Coverage if You Own a Pit Bull
If you own a pit bull, you can ask an independent agent to help you find accommodating insurance companies. If you still can't find a willing insurer that way, consider looking into a canine liability policy that offers stand-alone coverage geared toward these high-risk breeds.
Dog-Friendly Homeowners Insurance: Companies That Accept All Breeds
Some insurance companies don't blacklist specific breeds and instead assess dogs based on individual behavior, training, and bite history.
Best Insurance Providers for Dog Owners
Policies vary by state, but these providers are often known to accept all breeds or evaluate dogs on a case-by-case basis:
How to Find a Policy Without Breed Restrictions
Talk to insurance brokers and agents about dog-related coverage, including for bites or property damage. Brokers and agents often have insights into companies that may be more lenient with breed restrictions or offer specialized pet coverage. They can also help you understand the fine print so you're aware of any limitations or requirements.
How an Umbrella Policy Can Offer Extra Protection
If you're worried about liability exposure, especially with a large or restricted-breed dog, you may want to buy an umbrella policy to add an extra layer of protection. This type of insurance kicks in after your standard homeowners policy is maxed out and can help cover medical bills, legal fees, as well as settlements or court-ordered payments.
How to Get Homeowners Insurance if You Own a Restricted Breed
If your current insurer excludes your pooch from homeowners insurance coverage, here's how you could still protect your home (and your pup).
Getting a Canine Liability Insurance Policy
Pet liability insurance is a solid option if you can't find an insurance company to include your dog in coverage. It's a specialized policy that covers injury or damage caused by any kind of dog.
You could add it as an endorsement on your current home insurance policy or purchase it as a separate policy.
Proving Your Dog Is Not a Risk
Getting proper insurance coverage is only one part of being a responsible pet parent. Training your dog, no matter its breed, is just as important.
"Start training early and recognize any signs of aggression early on so [you] can deal with them before it gets out of hand," Jackson says. That way, you'll reduce your dog's perceived risk, potentially lower your insurance premiums, and hopefully never need to utilize your liability coverage.
And if you haven't already, train your dog to get Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC). Some insurers are more open to covering breeds they usually restrict if they have this certification.
Compare Pet-Friendly Homeowners Insurance Quotes
FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?
Many homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites under liability insurance, but some exclude certain breeds. Check with your insurer.
What dog breeds do homeowners insurance companies blacklist?
The dog breeds that insurance companies commonly blacklist include pit bulls, rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, and German shepherds, but restrictions vary by provider.
Can I get homeowners insurance if I have a pit bull?
Some insurers will cover pit bulls, while others may require a special liability policy.
What happens to my homeowners insurance if my dog bites someone?
If your dog bites someone, your homeowners insurance may pay medical bills and legal fees if it's covered. If not, you could be responsible for all costs.
How can I find homeowners insurance that covers all dog breeds?
You can find homeowners insurance that covers all dog breeds by looking for insurers that don't have breed restrictions or consider adding canine liability insurance for extra protection.
