The Controversy Over Banned Dog Breeds
Not all home insurance companies have official lists of restricted dog breeds. Many decide whether to cover a household with a problematic dog on a case-by-case basis.
But among insurers with banned breed lists, the lists can be found within filings made by home insurance companies to state insurance departments. Its a rogues gallery of so-called bad breeds who scare people, bite and knock kids off bikes.
The home insurers banned breeds lists are long and include dogs youd expect, like Rottweilers, some you might not expect, like German Shepherds and rarer breeds like Alaskan Malamutes. Pit bulls of all types top the list.
Many major insurers filings specifically state that coverage wont be provided to households where these dogs live. And they wont renew a policy if the presence of a vicious dog is discovered in the home.
Dog advocatesled by the Animal Defense League, American Kennel Club, Best Friends Animal Society, Humane Society and othersare fighting back.They say its wrong for home insurance companies to discriminate against dogs due to breed. In a plea to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners , they raise an even bigger question: If insurers discriminate against the dog, do they also discriminate against the owner?
The dog advocate groups want a moratorium on banned breed lists. An NAIC spokesperson said the request would be reviewed at the groups spring 2021 meeting.
Is My Dog Covered By My Homeowners Insurance
Whether or not your dog is covered by your homeowners insurance depends on who you have as an insurance provider. With American Family, your home, renters, manufactured home or condo policy will provide dog liability coverage a form of financial protection against liability claims, including lawsuits for accidental bodily injury or damage to someones property. This includes paying for medical expenses if your dog injures someone or helping cover costs if your dog destroys someone elses property.
It’s important to note that your homeowners insurance wont cover damage done by your pets to your own home, such as if your dog chews a hole in your sofa or scratches your doors or woodwork. And, keep in mind, your homeowners policy doesnt cover injuries to you and the residents of your household. It only pays for injuries to others.
Need insurance for your dog? Consider pet insurance from an American Family Insurance agent to help you care for your pet through all stages of its life.
We also offer a special add-on pet coverage that provides up to $1,000 for veterinarian services, final expenses or the cost to replace your dog if death occurs. This coverage is applicable after a covered property loss.
Why Get Pet Insurance For Your German Shepherd
As a pure breed dog, German Shepherds are at a higher risk for certain health and genetic conditions. Hip dysplasia and cataracts are some of the most common issues to plague this pup. German Shepherds are more susceptible than other breeds to a condition called gastric dilatation volvulus, more commonly called âbloat.â This is when the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow. If your German Shepherd is known to scarf down their food, consider getting a slow feeder bowl or keep an eye on them at mealtimes.
And like other large-breed pets, heart issues like murmurs, valve disease, and enlarged hearts are very common.
Fearless and adventure-seeking, German Shepherds can run themselves ragged, which leads to unexpected injuries like torn cranial cruciate ligaments.
Because of their large size and how quickly they grow, German Shepherds are also prone to osteochondritis dissecans of the knee, which is usually diagnosed in puppies between four to eight months of age and almost always requires surgery.
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How Much Is Home Insurance For A German Shepherd
Its impossible to know how much you would pay for homeowners insurance with a German shepherd until you compare quotes from different companies. As you shop for insurance coverage, take note of the companies that either refuse to offer coverage or only provide coverage at a higher price.
Homeowners insurance companies consider many factors when developing home insurance rates, so you may find that your rates are lower or higher than you initially expected. If you have questions about your coverage options or rates, call the company and speak to an agent or representative for more information.
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Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Your German Shepherd Dog
No one wants to think about their German Shepherd getting hurt or sick. But considering a pet owner is faced with a vet bill of more than $1,000 every 6 seconds, having pet insurance for your German Shepherd can be a lifesaver. With many choices in the market, it could be intimidating to understand whether pet insurance is worth it for your German Shepherd. And in this article, our goal is to give you the only information youll need to make an educated decision.
German Shepherds are a full-on, high-activity breed, which means theyll need significant vet care at some point in their lifetime. If your GSD is young and healthy, pet insurance is worth it. Having pet insurance means you never have to face the dilemma of choosing between your GSDs health and your familys financial future.
Read on to see breed-specific information on getting pet insurance for German Shepherd dogs.
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Why These Breeds Are Not Accepted On Homeowners Insurance Policies
The main reason why an insurance company might reject an aggressive breed is a liability. Insuring this breed of canine is a risk. Since the homeowners insurance will cover legal expenses in the event of damage to a persons property or injury, they are taking a significant risk insuring a canine that tends to harm.
Another reason why these breeds might be automatically rejected is if they:
- Have a history of biting, or
- Have damaged a piece of property in the past.
Most of the time, a dog biting history is an automatic denial of the homeowners insurance policy. However, a waiver may be obtained and signed to allow the dog onto the policy in some instances. The same is true for damages. If they have destroyed a part of your home or belongings, they may be automatically rejected.
German Shepherds In Pop Culture
Did you know a dog is featured on Hollywoods Walk of Fame? After being rescued in WW1, Rin Tin Tin, became an acting icon with works in film, radio, and television. His German Shepherd co-star, Stronghead, also has a Hollywood star. Celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Anniston, and Tom Hanks are proud pet parents to German Shepherds.
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Why Do Home Insurance Companies Ask If You Have A Dog
Many homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites and other incidents. Your policys liability insurance is intended to protect you financially by covering medical expenses if someone is injured on your property. The breed of dog is a key factor when it comes to determining your homeowners insurance premium.
The Prohibited Lists: Home Insurance Dog Breed Restrictions
If you own a dog or plan on getting one, be aware of homeowners insurance dog breed restrictions. Dogs such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, Chows, Presa Canarios and Akitas are often on banned-dog lists by home insurance companies.
Generally home insurance covers a homeowners liability for dog bites. But some home insurance companies have lists of prohibited dog breeds they will not sell coverage to you, or will exclude liability and medical payments coverage for dog-related injuries if you own a prohibited breed.
Other insurers dont have a list but will judge dogs on a case-by-case basis. Many insurers ban any dog that has been aggressive or has a history of biting.
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Dog Bite Insurance Claims
Home insurance companies defend their banned breed lists.
Each year there are an alarming number of vicious injuries and fatal attacks against humans by certain breeds of dogs, says Karen Collins, vice president of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association , a lobbying group for the industry. And children comprise half of the dog bite victims.
The number of dog bite claims fluctuates each year, with a recent high in 2017 of 18,522 claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Dog bite claims dropped in 2020 to 16,991, but with an average cost per claim of $50,245.
The cost of settling those claims is close to $800 million, says Collins. Dog advocates regard this as a drop in the bucket because it represents less than 2% of insurers liability losses.
But the dog-bite trend worries insurers. Medical costs for reconstructive surgery and legal costs for court litigation have risen by about 15% in just a single year, says Collins.
Sophia Buchan of Aberdeen Township, New Jersey, was walking with her young children and black Labrador retriever when a pit bull emerged from an unfenced yard and lunged at her son. Her dog intervened and nearly lost a leg. The owner called the dog off but never came out of his house.
The owner still hasnt put up a fence, she added.
Are Dog Owners Covered For Any Incidents Or Damages Their Dog May Cause
Including dogs in your homeowners insurance is possible and important because of the risk that dogs pose. However, not all insurance companies may cover dogs and some may deny coverage for specific breeds so it takes a little extra research when looking for insurance providers.
Spending the extra time to ensure your dog is covered in your homeowners insurance is necessary because if your dog isnt covered, you will have to pay for future dog-related damages out of your own pocket.
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Why Do Some Homeowners Insurance Companies Have Breed Restrictions
Home insurance companies evaluate a range of criteria when determining what rates they offer, including how likely the policyholder is to make expensive claims â like liability claims for dog bites.
Many insurance companies consider your dog’s breed when deciding whether to offer you homeowners insurance or the rate to charge you. Breed is not a perfect indicator of whether a dog will bite someone or cause property damage.
Homeowners Insurance And Dogs
Whether you raised him from a pup or adopted her later in life, you dont just view your dog as a pet: you consider them a member of your family. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, almost 90 million dogs are owned as pets in the United States and while your dog offers a whole lot of love and laughter, they can also be a potential liability. Luckily, we offer dog-friendly homeowners insurance.
At American Family Insurance, we love pets and understand that theyre part of your household. Thats why we want to make sure you understand exactly how your dog affects your homeowners insurance and ensure that you have the proper protection in place not only for your home, but for your dog, too.
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Dog Breeds Excluded From Homeowners Insurance:
These are the most commonly excluded dog breeds according to Policygenius insurance experts:
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Siberian huskies
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Staffordshire terriers
In general, muscular dogs with thick chests are most commonly excluded from coverage, as are wolf breeds. If your dog is excluded from coverage, look for a dog-friendly home insurance company some insurers will cover dogs of any breed provided they don’t have a history of biting. You can also consider supplemental liability protection.
Certain states are banning breed discrimination
Thanks to dog advocate groups, some states are passing legislation to ban insurers from discriminating against certain dog breeds. So far, Illinois, Nevada, and New York have all passed such legislation.
Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover Theses
Homeowners insurance
Your home will be one of the most significant investments you will ever make, both economically and emotionally. Your family will spend countless hours there, among some of your most prized possessions. In the event of any misfortune, let us give you the peace of mind knowing that you are well protected.
Here are a few things not covered under a standard home insurance policy.
Business Activities
If you run an in-home business, your homeowners insurance will not cover the liability arising out of running your business. Homeowners insurance will also not cover damaged property owned by the business. We recommend you purchase a business owners policy.
Your Sewer Backed Up
Torrential downpours could cause sewer backups into your drains and basements, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Most sewer backups, however, are not covered under a standard policy, nor are they covered by flood insurance. The good news: You may be able to purchase a separate rider for protection.
Certain Dog Breeds
Certain dog breeds are also sometimes not covered under your homeowners liability insurance. While the list varies by insurance carrier, breeds that are large or thought to be aggressivelike pit bulls, Rottweilers and German shepherds may not be covered under your policy.
Flood
All homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage resulting from flood. You will need to obtain coverage through the Federal Flood program.
Wear & Tear
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When Is Your Dog Not Covered By Homeowners Insurance
A dog isn’t covered under a homeowners insurance policy if that policy specifically excludes it or lists the breed among its homeowners insurance dog breed restrictions.
Dog bites also may not be covered if the homeowner didn’t notify their insurer when they got the dog, even if it isn’t on the insurer’s restricted list. If the insurer doesn’t know the dog exists, they can claim that the homeowner misrepresented themselves and refuse to pay out. Always notify your insurer when you get a new dog, unless it’s specifically excluded from coverage.
Will The Breed Of My Dog Impact My Insurance Premium
Any dog can impact an insurance premium, especially if it is one of these infamous breeds. If you own one or more of the dog breeds below, you can add umbrella insurance to your existing insurance policy to help protect you from bodily injury liability lawsuits and property damage liability lawsuits. Check them out:
1. Pit Bulls
Owners of pit bull-type dogs have long deal with strong breed stigma. Many people believe pit bulls are way more aggressive than other dog breeds. This is because these dogs are more frequently identified in cases involving severe injuries or fatalities. But this may be due to the popularity of pit bulls. In fact, controlled studies have not found pit bulls to be disproportionately dangerous. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association has found that breed is a poor sole predictor of dog bites.
Still, the stigma exists. Some jurisdictions have passed laws that ban pit bulls and many insurance companies will not cover a pit bull bite.
2. Staffordshire Terriers
Staffordshire Terriers is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that is considered to be within the pit bull-type, and therefore have a reputation of aggressiveness. Staffordshires are known to fight when challenged, especially when encountering stranger dogs. This breed is also considered many to be headstrong and stubborn, which worsens their aggression.
Because of this, many insurance companies will not cover a liability incident that involves a Staffie.
3. Doberman Pinschers
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Does Home Insurance Include Dog Bite Insurance
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover dog bites through your policys liability coverage. Its important to note that this can vary depending on the state you live in and your insurance company. Your dogs breed and its bite history will also affect whether your dog will be extended coverage.
Homeowners insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits . If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount.
Some companies may consider the owner liable if their dog has a bite history. Other companies consider the owner liable regardless of the dogs bite history. According to the Insurance Information Institute , the average cost per claim for a dog bite was $50,425 in 2020.2
Additionally, the bite doesnt have to occur in your home to be covered by homeowners insurance. Dog bites caused by your pet that are found to be your fault are covered almost anywhere they happen. However, there are situations where your insurer wont pay for bite injuries. For example, if you encourage your dog to bite someone or set your dog on a person, you likely wont be covered.
This is why its so important to read the fine print of your homeowners insurance plan to know exactly what you would be held liable for in the event that your dog bites a person.
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Dog Bites And Insurance
State Farm does not ask what breed of dog is owned when writing homeowner or renters insurance. Just like humans, dogs are individuals. Every dog has a unique personality. While a dogs breed may dictate what the dog looks like, how a dog reacts to people or situations isnt guaranteed by breed or type. Most bites or serious injuries are a perfect storm of situation and circumstance. Responsible dog ownership and educating children and adults about how to safely interact with a dog will help reduce the chance of a dog bite or injury. Remember, under the right circumstances, any dog can bite.
Insurance is an important aspect to being a responsible dog owner. When renting a property make sure to have rental insurance because most landlords do not provide coverage should there be a dog bite incident. If you are a homeowner, talk to your insurance agent about what is covered under a standard homeowners policy related to dogs.
You may also want to consider the importance of your dog having insurance of their own. State Farm is working with Trupanion, a leader in high-quality insurance for cats and dogs, to help protect your pet from new and unexpected illnesses and injuries. Discover how a pet insurance policy can be there for your pet during their lifetime. Talk to a State Farm agent or get a free, no-obligation quote online today.
Terms and conditions do apply. We love informed decisions. See the Trupanion policy for full coverage details.
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