10 Dogs that Can Affect your Homeowner's Insurance

Bentley, American Bulldog I took care of for several months.

I am a dog lover, though I do not own any pets, and I know a little more about dogs than your average person. I know a little more because I spent much of my childhood reading books about dogs and attending American Kennel Club events. At one point, I was sure I would be a show dog breeder as an adult. I want to preface this article by letting the world know that I love dogs, and that I know individual dogs in many of these "dangerous breed" categories that are sweet, loving dogs. However, I do want people that own any of these breeds, or that are considering getting a new puppy that may fall into these categories, to weigh their choice in dogs carefully because it can and will affect your ability to get or keep homeowners insurance.

Here is a short list of dogs that can cause an insurance company to deny you homeowner's coverage:

1. Pitt Bulls- Every company that I checked into exclude pitt bull owner's from coverage, or have much higher rates. This includes American Pitt Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers.
2. Rottweilers

Cane Corso

3.Dobermans
4.Chow Chows
5. Wolf Hybrids
6. German Shepherds
7. Akitas
8. American Bull Dogs
9. Cane Corsos

10. Presa Canarios

Furthermore, some companies will deny coverage if your dog is a mix that includes any of these breeds, especially if it strongly favors one of these in appearance.

The reason that insurance companies are so cautious about dogs in homeowner's insurance is because of liability. If your dog bites someone, it can be claimed on your homeowner's insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the nationwide average payout on a dog bite claim was $32,072 per claim in 2014. Also, dog bites account for one third of all homeowner's liability claims.(see their article on dog bite liability) The risk to insurance companies for dog breeds that have histories of aggression is too high for them to take on.

Presa Canarios

Now I know it sounds like all these dogs are getting a bad rap, but here is some good news: Some Insurance companies will consider a dog associated with these breeds if they have achieved a certification that shows they are non-aggressive and well-trained. One such award is the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Award, which encourages responsible dog ownership and well-behaved pooches. Both purebred and mix breed dogs can receive this award, and it may be the difference in affordable homeowner's insurance and through the roof rates. You can find more information about the AKC's Good Citizen Award here.

The list I have provided today is not a complete list of all dog breeds that can cause an insurance company to refuse to write homeowner's insurance, but these are the most prevalent in the lists that I have looked through. I do want to encourage all dog owners to take responsibility for your dog and be sure they are well socialized, well behaved doggies. I would love to meet your dogs, and my one-year-old would love to stand about a foot away from them and squeal with excitement. Let us quote your homeowner's insurance! We have very competitive rates and lots of experience. Call us at 336-342-4438, or email me for more information!