Owning a dog comes with its fair share of responsibilities – one of which is ensuring that your furry friend is covered under an insurance policy. However, this becomes a complex task when you own a breed often flagged by insurance companies as "high-risk" or outright banned from coverage.
Understanding the intricacies of insurance policies and learning how to secure coverage for your dog is crucial for every pet owner.
WHAT ARE BANNED DOG BREEDS BY INSURANCE?
Insurance companies compile and maintain lists of dog breeds they classify as "high-risk" based on various data, including reported bite incidents, claims histories, and broader statistical analyses related to specific breeds' behavior. This classification process is informed by the insurance industry's risk assessment models, which aim to predict the likelihood of future claims based on historical data.
The designation of a breed as high-risk can lead insurers to implement policies such as significantly increasing premiums for homeowners or renters who own these breeds, applying restrictive terms to policies, or opting to exclude the breeds from coverage entirely. Some commonly banned breeds include:
- Akitas
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Any wolf breeds
- Chow chows
- Doberman pinschers
- German shepherds
- Great Danes
- Pit bulls
- Presa Canarios
- Rottweilers
- Siberian Huskies
- Staffordshire terriers
Unfortunately, the restrictions placed on these breeds can leave pet owners struggling to find suitable insurance options.
INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR DOG OWNERS
Pet owners have several insurance avenues to explore, including homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and specific pet insurance policies. Each type of insurance serves different purposes – homeowners and renters insurance typically covers liability for dog-related incidents, whereas pet insurance focuses on the health and well-being of the pet.
Challenges with Insuring Banned Breeds
The core challenge lies in the perception of certain breeds as inherently dangerous. This categorization leads to difficulty obtaining coverage, with some insurers refusing to insure homes with these dogs. The situation puts owners of these breeds in a precarious position, especially in situations where insurance is crucial.
How to Get Your Dog Covered by Insurance
Despite the hurdles, there are strategies to increase your chances of securing insurance for a banned breed. These include:
Research: Look for insurance companies that do not discriminate by breed. Some companies evaluate dogs on a case-by-case basis rather than imposing blanket bans.
Training & Certifications: Enrol your dog in a certified training program or obtaining a Canine Good Citizen certificate from the American Kennel Club can demonstrate to insurers that your dog is well-behaved and less of a risk.
Seek Exemptions: Some insurance policies may offer exemptions for banned breeds if the owner can prove their dog doesn't present an increased risk.
RENTERS INSURANCE & YOUR DOG
For individuals renting their living spaces, acquiring liability coverage for pets, particularly dogs, can often be facilitated more smoothly through renters insurance policies. These policies are specifically designed to offer financial protection to renters against a range of potential liabilities, including those that may arise from their pets' actions.
Typically, renters insurance includes a portion dedicated to personal liability coverage, which comes into play in the event of dog bites or other incidents where the pet causes harm to people or property. This aspect of renters insurance is crucial for pet owners as it can protect them from bearing the full cost of medical bills, legal fees, or other expenses resulting from such incidents.
However, while renters insurance can be a valuable asset for dog owners, it's essential to acknowledge the existence of certain limitations within these policies. Not all renters insurance policies are created equal, and the level of coverage can vary significantly between different providers and even within different plans offered by the same provider.
Like homeowners insurance, a common restriction involves breed-specific limitations or exclusions. Some insurance companies maintain lists of dog breeds that they consider a higher risk based on historical data related to bites and claims.
Furthermore, policyholders should be aware of coverage limits that cap the amount an insurance company will pay out for a single or aggregate claims over the policy period. With pet-related incidents, this means there could be a maximum financial limit for which the insurance will cover expenses related to dog bites or damages caused by the pet.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN’T INSURE YOUR BANNED DOG BREED
Alternatives & Advocacy
Exploring alternative options like specialized pet liability policies might be necessary when traditional insurance routes fail. Additionally, joining advocacy efforts to challenge breed-specific legislation can contribute to long-term change toward breed-neutral policies.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Regardless of your dog's breed, preparing for unexpected incidents is part of responsible pet ownership. Create an emergency fund specifically for your pet, and having a contingency plan in place can mitigate the financial strain of unforeseen events.
Securing insurance for your dog, particularly if they belong to a banned breed, requires diligence, research, and sometimes creativity. While the process may be challenging, understanding your options and advocating for fair policies can make a significant difference. Remember, the goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all pets, regardless of their breed.
If you need help finding the best homeowners insurance coverage for the best price, speak to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a homeowners insurance quote online now.
