How Will Owning a Dog Impact Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
December 18, 2018
When you are deciding on whether to get a dog you may be wondering, how much will it shed or will it bark a lot, but you may also want to consider how it will affect your homeowners policy. While a dog’s effect on your homeowners policy is often not a big enough reason not to get one, it is important to be aware of the different factors that may affect your policy.
Why an Insurance Provider Has Concerns About Dogs
While your dog may be the sweetest thing in the world, many animals can be unpredictable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 4 million people are bitten by dogs each year with close to one million requiring medical treatment. But that’s why you have insurance, to plan for the unexpected.
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover dog bites and incidents, along with medical bills for those injured by the incident. However, you should review your specific policy.
Which Breeds Worry Insurance Providers Most
In the eyes of most insurance providers, all dogs are not equal in how they will affect your policy. In fact, if you own some breads your insurance provider may refuse to insure it or may require you to sign a liability waiver for bites that occur. The following breeds tend to affect premiums most; however, it’s important to note that there are some insurers that don’t discriminate based on dog breed.
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Canary Dogs
- Doberman
- German Shepherd
- Pit Bull
- Rottweiler
- Siberian Husky
- Wolf Hybrids
What Kind of Homeowners Policy Do You Need
According to III, most homeowners or renters insurance policies will have coverage for dog bites and attacks. This liability coverage typically ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the policy. As you can tell, there are many factors that affect your insurance policy by owning a dog. So if you adding a dog to the family, it’s best to talk with your independent insurance agent to help determine the best provider for your unique situation!
