UPDATED: AUGUST 07, 2023 | 2 MIN READ
Owning a dog means you’re responsible for the damages it causes, whether digging in a neighbor’s yard or biting someone. Homeowners insurance provides coverage for these actions. Some insurers offer coverage, but not for restricted dog breeds.
Which Restricted Dog Breeds Will Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance Not Cover?
There are restricted dog breeds that insurers refuse to cover. They exclude certain breeds and large dogs from liability coverage. In addition, insurers don’t provide coverage for trained attack dogs, aggressive breeds, and dogs with a history of violence.
Breeds excluded from homeowners insurance:
- Pitbull
- Akita
- German Shepard
- Rottweiler
- Doberman pinscher
- Alaskan Malamute
- Chow Chow
- Great Dane
- Staffordshire terrier
- Mastiff
- Siberian huskie
- Cane Corso
- Wolf hybrid
When Doesn’t Your Home Insurance Cover Your Dog (Even If It’s Not a Restricted Breed)
In certain situations, insurers don’t cover your dogs even if they aren’t restricted dog breeds. Below are the following reasons insurers won’t cover you:
Damage to your home or personal property
Coverage is not included if your dog damages your home or personal property. If your dog chews through a dog, you might be covering those costs yourself.
History of biting
Does who have a history of biting people, dog bite claims are likely to be excluded from your policy unless you sign a liability for dog bites. If your dog bites someone on your property, it won’t cover legal or medical bills.
If your dog bites or injures you
Personal liability coverage only includes coverage if someone else is bitten, not you. If a dog bites you and you have to go to the hospital, you wouldn’t be able to claim on your homeowners insurance.
Will Your Dog’s Breed Increase Your Home Insurance Premium?
Restricted dog breeds may increase your homeowners insurance premiums, especially if you have filed a claim. In addition, some insurers cancel insurance policies if a pet bites, or injures someone, even if the dog was provoked.
Alternative Insurance Options For People With Restricted Dog Breeds
If you don’t want to change insurance companies but want coverage for your restricted dog breed, there are some options.
Canine Liability Insurance
Canine liability insurance is a dog-friendly insurance policy that covers any breed of dog. It’s purchased through smaller insurance companies, and you still have to notify your insurer that you have a restricted dog breed.
Umbrella Policy
An umbrella policy covers you if your dog causes damages or injuries. It supplements your standard homeowner’s policy but offers a greater liability limit. If your dog causes $400,000 in injuries, but your standard policy only covers $300,000, the umbrella insurance would cover the remaining $100,000.
8 Dog-Friendly Home Insurance Companies
Many insurance companies are dog-friendly. Some places offer you coverage if it’s necessary to have coverage for your pet just in case something happens.
- Chubb
- Hippo
- Plymouth Rock
- State Auto
- State Farm
- AIG
- Encompass
- Safeco
Should I get pet liability insurance?
It’s a specialized policy that covers all breeds for damage and injuries. Pet liability insurance covers your dog’s care, vaccinations, and physical exams.
Adding it to your current policy is simple, or you can take it on as a separate policy. It’s a great option if you aren’t able to get a company to include your dog in your homeowners coverage.
FAQs
What dog breeds affect homeowners insurance?
Breeds excluded from homeowners insurance are Pitbulls, Akitas, German shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Alaskan malamutes, Chow chows, Great Danes, Staffordshire terriers, Mastiffs, Siberian huskies, Cane Corso, and any wolf hybrids.
Does owning a certain breed of dog make you ineligible for homeowner’s insurance?
No, you may just have to pay a higher insurance premium. Dog breeds typically associated with higher insurance premiums include Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Pitbulls, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, Siberian Huskies, and wolf-dog hybrids.
Can I get homeowners insurance if I own a pitbull?
Yes, there is separate pitbull liability insurance. You can add to your standard homeowners insurance to ensure that you’re covered if your dog bites someone.
Are German Shepards a restricted dog breed?
Yes, German Shepherds are on the list of restricted dog breeds and may or may not be covered by homeowners insurance.
Does USAA have dog breed restrictions?
A great homeowners insurance company that’s pet-friendly is USAA. It only serves members of the U.S. military and their families, but they don’t have dog breed restrictions. They only consider restrictions if the dog has a history of biting. So, if your pitbull has a clean track record, it qualifies for coverage.
How To Get Home Insurance With Restricted Dog Breeds
Finding home insurance with restricted dog breeds is as simple as picking up the phone. It’s always good practice to call around to at least three places to ensure you are getting the best rates available.
