Do dog breeds affect homeowners insurance?
There’s a large checklist of tasks to complete when you add a dog to your family; set-up veterinarian appointments, get supplies, food, toys, pick out a name, etc. But is notifying your insurance agent on that list? If not, it should be.
Why should I notify my insurance agent if I get a new dog? Deep down in your heart of hearts, you truly believe that your dog could never hurt a fly. But, if for some reason your dog would injure someone on your property, your homeowners insurance carrier will be notified to cover any civil suits and/or medical bills that result from the attack. If you have not notified your insurance provider of your new family addition, they may not cover those expenses.
Will my premium go up? When adding your dog to your homeowners insurance, there is a chance that your premium will go up. This is especially true if the breed of your dog falls under the provider’s “breed list” which determines which breeds they will or will not cover, and which breeds are associated with higher premiums.
What dog breeds may affect my homeowners insurance? According to HomeInsurance.org, “Dog breeds that are typically associated with higher insurance premiums include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, and wolf-dog hybrids.” Forbes.com adds Chows, Great Danes, Presa Canarios, and Alaskan Malamutes to their list. Each insurance company has their own list and rules when it comes to insuring homes with dogs, with some companies willing to cover almost any dog. Prior to adding a new dog to your family, it would be wise to speak with your insurance agent to determine if the dog is on your carrier’s “breed list” and what that will financially mean for your family. Although some individuals may decide to not disclose their new addition to their insurance company due to the possibility of a higher premium, they are putting themselves at risk to paying out of pocket for legal and medical bills resulting from an unforeseen incident. Sources: HomeInsurance.org; Forbes.com