Many consider their dogs to be members of the family. At the same time, certain breeds have appeared in the news as a result of injuries they have caused to other dogs and to people. Insurance companies have noted these incidents and some carriers have incorporated breed restrictions on home insurance policies.
Even though some large breeds are known to be good guard dogs, owning certain dog breeds raise home owners insurance premiums or potentially restrict you from obtaining home insurance.
If you are shopping for home owners insurance or are considering adding a new dog or puppy to your family, it’s important to know if the breed you desire is on the "no-insure" list:
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Akita
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Alaskan Malamute
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Chow Chow
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Doberman Pinscher
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German Shepard
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Pit Bull
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Presa Canario
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Rottweiler
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Siberian Husky
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
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Wolf Hybrid
According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite liability claims have consistently risen over the past 10 years, reaching levels in the hundreds of millions annually. It’s not only the potential for biting, but the property damage some breeds may cause to your home or your neighbor’s home.
Breed restrictions within home insurance policies vary from carrier to carrier, and from state to state. Your best bet is to consult with your insurance agent to see if your current insurance company has a breed restriction policy in place.
The good news is dog owners can take extra steps to secure a home insurance policy while reducing the potential for high premiums. Putting your dog through training courses and providing certification of completion to your insurer is one way to do this. Installing sturdy fencing to secure your dog on the premises is not only a smart safety precaution, but is favored by insurance carriers as well.
It’s also important to note that some insurance carriers determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis and may not cancel your homeowners policy, but will write an endorsement that excludes any potential dog liability claims.
Learn more about homeowners insurance from NetQuote – get your free homeowners insurance quotes today.
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