How Do Dogs Affect Your Homeowners Insurance?

How do dogs affect your homeowners insurance? It sounds like a silly question when dogs are part of so many peoples family. Man’s best friend has always been there to help us hunt, herd, fetch, and keep watch. Think about it…

Lassie was always helping her master.

Snoopy played it cool on top of his doghouse.

Scooby-Doo solved mysteries.

Dogs have become more like a member of the family for most.

According to a July 2015 PR Newswire article, dogs top the list as the choice pet with 71% of Americans having at least one dog.

READ MORE: A Cat’s Perspective on Pet Insurance

How Do Dogs Affect Your Homeowners Insurance?

Remember when you were young and your parents always had silly rules? What did they know?

It’s like that with insurance companies. Contrary to popular belief insurance companies aren’t out to get you. They are people too. They want nothing more but to keep you safe from potential harm.About

Approximately 4.7 million dog bites take place each year; of these, 800,000 seek medical care for the bite.

–Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

There are certain dogs that are considered aggressive or dangerous. These dogs may have a history of viscious-like tendancies. Some homeowners insurance companies dislike these breeds of dogs due to fear of what they may do.

Just like our parents…Looking out for our best interest.

Each and every insurance company will handle specific dog breeds a little different. Some companies may choose not to insure your home if you have a breed of dog on their banned list.

You may even find where a mix breed with the excluded dog is considered off limits.

Insurance companies have compiled years of research and statistics to determine what dogs are considered risky.

$37,214 was the average cost per dog bite claim in 2015.

-Insurance Information Institute:  Dog Bite Liability

What Types of Dogs Are Considered Dangerous?

Below is a list of some of the most common dogs insurance companies aren’t fond of. This is not a definitive list. Check with you insurance agent for details regarding your policy.

I realize your dog may be well behaved. But looking at the history of these breeds of dogs, the likelihood of an accident happening is considerable.

Dogs never bite me. Just humans.

Marilyn Monroe

Should I Tell My Insurance Agent?

Yes, you need to have an open conversation with your insurance agent letting him or her know you do have a dog.

Should your dog cause injuries or damage to someone, your homeowners or renters insurance policy may excluded your breed of dog. You may not be covered. Leaving you with complete responsibilty.

If that’s not enough, your insurance company may cancel your policy.

Why Keep a Dog and Bark Yourself?

Make no bones about it, we’re here to help you.

Everyone has a different tolerence to risk. Maybe one of these breeds of dogs are part of your family.

Our job is to help you manage the risks that come at you daily so you can enjoy time with your family and friends.

Take a minute and throw us a bone here.

Photo Credit: 2007_0408_121218 via photopin (license)