Some Insurance Companies Won't Cover Dangerous Dog Breeds

For some cases, home insurance companies will not cover Pit Bulls, which has forced some homeowners to give up their beloved dogs. Pit Bulls have a bad reputation, and you only have to Google Pit Bull bitesto view more than two million results to show those reasons. Homeowner Maria Zarate had her homeowner's insurance policy canceled because of her canine. She said she thought state law prohibited such actions, but it does not. She continued to say that it is not fair that just because someone owns a specific dog breed that the service will not be provided.

However, while you know that your Pit Bull is harmless, insurance companies do not see it that way: They see owners of Pit Bulls and other dangerous dog breeds as a liability. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites costed insurance companies a total of $483 million in 2013. The average homeowners insurance claim for a dog bite cost an average of $27,862. 

Some insurance companies apply a concept referred to as the one-bite policy. For example, after a dog has bitten someone, the insurance policy will cover the loss the first time. However, a company may raise your premiums as a result or keep your dog from being covered. Other insurance providers do not presume dogs will be innocent and place restrictions on specific breeds such as Pit Bulls, Akitas, Rottweilers, Mastiffs and Dobermans. Some companies will only restrict a few breeds while other companies exclude 20 breeds or greater.

Homeowners who own a dangerous dog should proceed depending on their insurance provider. When a company decides to restrict specific dogs, there are few exceptions. However, if you own a well-trained dog that your company has blacklisted, you could show your agent the training to create a case for liability coverage. In some cases, the American Kennel Club issues a Canine Good Citizen certificate to clear your dog and to be covered. Finding a dog-friendly company assist you with easier coverage. Under no circumstances should you go without homeowners insurance coverage for dog bites.

Call Pachuta Insurance Today @ 706-769-2262
Sources:
The Morning Call
Nerd Wallet