Social   Social
Logo
Phone(267)949-6330 
  • Home
  • Get A Quote
  • Products
  • Client Services
  • Our Companies
  • Claims
  • Our Team
    • About Us
    • Sales Team
    • Management Team
  • Contact Us

 

Home > Blog > Dogs & Homeowners Insurance
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020

Dogs & Homeowners Insurance 

 

The cost of homeowners insurance can be impacted by a multitude of things, from loss history to credit score.   Many homeowners don’t expect the cost of a policy to depend on the breed of dog they own, but this can certainly factor into the cost of your insurance  if your dog is on the Dogs of a Vicious Nature list.    Dogs of a Vicious Nature is a term coined by the insurance industry to identify dogs that make up a large percentage of their more expensive dog bite claims. 

 

Homeowners insurance  MAY exclude liability coverage for families that own a Dog of a Vicious Nature.  Just some of the breeds that may be on this list are the Akita, Alaskan, Chow, Doberman Pincher, German Shepherd, Malamute, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Wolfdog and definitely the Pit Bull. 

 

According to the ASPCA, it's estimated that 78 million dogs are owned in the United States. Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog,   Pit Bulls have received a lot of negative press – a breed of dog commonly used in dog fighting - and also a very common breed to see in shelters and rescues.  Pit bulls make up about 6% of the total U.S. dog population.   Of the 31U.S. dog bite related fatalities in 2016, together, Pit Bulls (22) accounted for 71% of the total recorded deaths.

 

How Does a Dog Bite Affect Homeowners Insurance Rates?

According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) more than one-third of all homeowners’ insurance liability claims are attributable to dog bites, costing the industry $571.3 million in 2015, up 7.6 percent from 2014, and up 76 percent since 2003 – when dog-bite claims cost the industry $324.2 million.

 

I.I.I. found the average cost of a dog-bite claim in 2015 was a staggering $37,214, up 16 percent over 2014. Since 2003, the average cost of a dog bite has risen more than 94 percent.

Every insurance company will have different rules and regulations when it comes to insuring a family that owns a dog classified as an aggressive breed.  With that said, there are insurance agencies that still offer affordable homeowners insurance, along with other policy options, that will include coverage for your four-legged family member, no matter what the breed.

 

How to Get Homeowners Insurance to Cover Your Dog

If you own a dog on the Dogs of a Vicious Nature, here are a few tips to help you obtain insurance to cover any dog-related incidents:

· Review your homeowners insurance coverage with your insurance agent - Will they or won't they cover your breed of dog?

· Shop around - One of the benefits of using an independent agent is that they can do the shopping around for you, saving you time and hassle.

· Train and socialize your pet - Exposing your dog to strangers, along with strange dogs, is an important part of developing a safe family member. You may also consider finding a dog trainer to help you with this process.

· Spay/Neuter Your Pet - spaying or neutering your pet can decrease your chances of facing a dog bite lawsuit. In 2009, 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs - 94% of which were not neutered.

· Get an umbrella policy – if your dog bites someone, you could end up being responsible for extensive medical bills or a law suit.  An umbrella policy will provide additional liability coverage at a low cost.  

· Pet Liability insurance - is available in most states if you are unable to obtain coverage under your homeowners insurance policy

 

 

Nobody expects a dog bite to happen. Taking the proper precautions and having adequate insurance can make the difference between financial stability and financial ruin after a dog bite. Your independent insurance agent is a great resource for you and can help make sure you and your four legged best friend are protected.

 

 

Posted 4:40 PM

Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2015

  • insurance(6)
  • fall home maintenance list(4)
  • auto insurance(2)
  • homeowners(2)
  • condo insurance(2)
  • ho-6(2)
  • condo assessment(1)
  • rental car(1)
  • personal liability(1)
  • bonds(1)
  • drones(1)
  • a blockage in the sanitary main(1)
  • sewer back-up: aging sewer systems(1)
  • life(1)
  • renters insurance(1)
  • combined pipelines(1)
  • tort(1)
  • motorcycles(1)
  • loss assessment(1)
  • nations insurance awareness day(1)
  • insurance agent(1)
  • dirt bikes(1)
  • event insurance(1)
  • liability coverage(1)
  • umbrella insurance(1)
  • drone liability(1)
  • graduation(1)
  • full tort(1)
  • insursance(1)
  • identiy theft(1)
  • umbrella(1)
  • rental car insurance(1)
  • jet skis(1)
  • vendor(1)
  • auto liability(1)
  • condo homeowner(1)
  • wedding(1)
  • limited tort(1)
  • tips at keeping my child safe for graduation(1)
  • destination wedding insurance(1)
  • identity theft insurance(1)
  • contractors(1)
  • life insurance(1)
  • jordan seiken(1)
  • broker(1)
  • independent insurance agent(1)
  • condo(1)
  • insurance waiver(1)
  • insurance waiver for rental car(1)
  • drone insurance(1)

View Mobile Version

Raving Fans

Thank you so much for all the time and careful explanation you shared this morning --- You are SO knowledgeable and well spoken!

I have alerted State Farm that I have found a superior company/policy. So, let's proceed with our plan to begin coverage on Monday, July 22!

Many, many thanks again, Julie!

Cynthia Pierce

Read More

Contact Us

  • Travelers Logo
  • Foremost Insurance Group
  • Safeco Logo
  • Chubb Logo
  • Pure Logo
  • Westfield Logo
  • Nationwide Logo
Social   Facebook

Helpful Site Links

Raving Fans Our Story Awards We Give Back BHHS Fox & Roach Accessibility Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Personal Lines Business Lines Signature Client Services Our Mission Careers Refer A Friend Disclaimer Glossary

Latest Blog Updates

Latest Blog Updates
All Posts
Powered by Insurance Website Builder