Some insurers limit the number of dogs.
According to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, an increasing number of people are denied homeowner's insurance because they own one of a number of particular dog breeds. Keeping Fido could mean higher insurance premiums for you, as well. With dog bites accounting for more than one-third of all liability claims, insurance companies have been passing the resulting bill -- $412 million in 2009 alone -- on to consumers, according to Insurance Information Institute.
Dangerous Dog Law
Some insurance companies will refuse to insure you if your dog has a history of aggressive behavior or has previously bitten someone. Some states have enacted dangerous dog laws, which outline your liability for injuries caused by your dog, how the dog must be contained and whether giving refuge to a dangerous dog is a crime. In some states, dangerous dog owners are required to obtain additional liability insurance.
Identification
Typically, a dangerous dog is defined as any dog that has caused severe injury to a person without provocation on public or private property or that has killed or severely injured another domestic animal without provocation while off your property. A dangerous dog is also one that has a history of attacking people or other domestic animals without provocation or one that has been used in the commission of a crime.
Dangerous Breeds
Some insurance companies ban particular dog breeds altogether. If you are currently insured, you may be dropped by your insurance company for owning a blacklisted breed. Each insurance company has a different list, but some of the "high-risk" breeds identified by insurers include rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, chow chows, doberman pinschers, akitas, Siberian huskies, wolf hybrids, Alaskan malamutes, presa canarios and great Danes.
Case-by-Case
Some insurance companies insure dog-owning homeowners on a case-by-case basis, rather than completely blacklisting certain breeds. State Farm, for instance looks at the past history of the dog and how responsible the owner is by asking a series of questions regarding the dog's bite history and any training received, according to InsuranceYak, a website run by an Ohio insurance professional.
Cost
Dog ownership is covered under the personal liability section of your homeowner's insurance policy, with a typical limit of $100,000 to $300,000 coverage for injuries inflicted upon someone by your dog. Generally, insurance companies will accept the first claim for injuries caused by your dog, but any further claims are usually denied, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Contacting your insurance agent is the best way to find out about your insurer's specific policies regarding dog ownership, insurance coverage and premium costs.
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