They say dogs are man’s best friend, but they’re not necessarily an insurance company’s best friend. While nearly 90 million dogs enjoy the easy life in homes across the U.S., their owners face a little more responsibility and risk. For homeowners, understanding how dog ownership affects their home insurance is a key part of the dog ownership equation. Here, we’re going to look at the risks and liability implications of owning a dog, and how Home Insurance West Palm Beach can keep you protected.
The Risks of Dog Ownership
While owning a dog comes with many rewards, it also involves potential risks, particularly regarding liability. Dog bites, while relatively rare, can lead to significant financial consequences. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite claim is a staggering $44,760. Whether the bite occurs on or off the homeowner’s property, the financial liability can be substantial.
Homeowners need to be aware of these risks and how they might impact their insurance coverage. Not all insurance policies cover dog-related incidents, and even if they do, certain breeds with a history of biting may be excluded.
Insurance Implications
Dog-related liability coverage varies by insurer and policy. Some policies provide coverage, while others have exclusions or limits; optional endorsements or separate policies may be available. Ask about applicable coverage amounts, exclusions, and eligibility. It’s important to be aware, however, that insurers are increasingly careful about which particular dogs they’ll cover. When you apply for dog liability insurance, one of the questions you’ll likely encounter is what breed of dog you own.
Commonly Restricted Dog Breeds
Insurance eligibility and dog-related liability terms vary by insurer, policy, and applicable Florida law. Do not assume that any particular breed is automatically excluded. Some sources discuss breeds they consider high-risk, but a breed list is not a reliable statement of current Florida insurance eligibility. Ask an agent to review your dog’s circumstances and the specific insurer’s underwriting rules. Examples sometimes mentioned in older discussions include:
- Akitas
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Chow Chows
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Huskies
- Mastiffs
- Pit Bulls
- Presa Canarios
- Rottweilers
- Wolf Hybrids
Even if your dog isn’t classified under a restricted breed, insurers may still deny coverage if your dog has a history of biting. This issue is especially significant in areas with Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL), which more than 700 U.S. cities have adopted to regulate or ban specific breeds deemed high-risk.
Although organizations like the ASPCA and AVMA argue that BSL is ineffective and difficult to enforce, it remains a factor that can influence your insurance options. Insurers may view BSL as a reason to limit or deny coverage, making it vital to understand how these laws impact your policy.
Options if an Insurer Won’t Accept Your Dog
Don’t lose hope—there are several steps you can take.
- Seek an Exception: If your dog is a service animal or has a Canine Good Citizen certification, some insurers may make exceptions.
- Look for Dog-Friendly Insurers: Companies like Tower Hill, Peoples Trust, and Citizens may offer policies however, Liability coverage may be excluded
- Specialized Canine Liability Policies: These are standalone policies that specifically cover dog-related incidents, providing an alternative if your regular homeowner’s insurance falls short.
Find the Right Policy for You Home Insurance West Palm Beach
At our company, we’re dog owners ourselves and we understand the challenges that come with securing home insurance coverage. Our agents can help West Palm Beach homeowners compare available insurance options, including dog-related liability terms, premiums, limits, and exclusions.
We can discuss available policy options and help you review coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and insurer eligibility requirements. To find out more about Home Insurance West Palm Beach and how we can help you, contact us here.
