When you think about homeowners insurance, you probably consider coverage for things like fire, theft, and natural disasters. But did you know that the breed of your dog can also impact your insurance rates and coverage? Certain dog breeds are considered high-risk by insurance companies due to the potential for liability claims, such as dog bites or attacks. This can affect your policy in several ways.

Why Breed Matters

Insurance companies assess risk when determining your premium and coverage limits. Some breeds are statistically associated with higher rates of bites or injuries, which can lead to costly liability claims. Breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds often make the high-risk list. If you own one of these breeds, your insurer may raise your premium, exclude dog-related incidents from your liability coverage, or even deny coverage altogether.

What You Can Do

  1. Check Your Policy: Before getting a dog, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if there are breed restrictions or exclusions.
  2. Shop Around: Not all insurance companies have the same breed restrictions. If your current insurer won’t cover your dog, consider looking for another provider.
  3. Train and Socialize Your Dog: Proper training and socialization can reduce the risk of bites and injuries, and may even help you secure better rates.

Protecting Yourself

Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and it’s important to understand how it may impact your homeowner’s insurance. Ensuring you have adequate liability coverage for dog-related incidents can protect you financially if the unexpected happens.

Talk to your insurance agent to learn more about how your dog’s breed could affect your policy and explore your options for coverage.