What breed of dog is uninsurable
14 Dog Breeds Blacklisted by Insurance Companies
While you might love your dog, the companies that carry the insurance for your house, apartment, or condominium might not. In fact, your dog's breed might determine whether or not an insurance company is even willing to provide coverage for your home.
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The motivation for denying insurance to households with certain breeds of dogs is based on financial considerations. As one representative of Allstate Insurance told me, "We are in the business of evaluating risk, and based on what we know, the dogs on our 'uninsurable list' pose a higher risk."
She went on to tell me that dog bites are a major financial burden for the insurance industry. "Dog bite-related claims accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claims paid out in 2013. That amounted to about $490 million, with the average claim costing close to $30,000. But the actual costs can be much higher. In 2011, a Washington State Superior Court jury awarded a $2.2 million verdict to a woman who was attacked by two neighborhood pit bulls near her home in Tacoma, Washington. The woman sued the dogs' owners whose homeowners' policies were unfortunately limited to $100,000 each."
Insurance companies' "bad dog" lists
In association with National Dog Bite Prevention Week (which occurs in May annually) a number of insurance companies have issued their lists of dog breeds that they consider dangerous and according to their rules can result in denial of coverage. These lists have various names depending on the company, such as "excluded dog breeds," "aggressive dog list," "insurance list of dangerous dogs," "prohibited dog breeds," and one simply labels it their "bad dog list."
The dog breeds that can be found on these lists seem to be drawn from a series of research studies, such as one commissioned by the U.S. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, published in 2000. It looked at the statistics on fatal dog bites (click here to read more).
However, it seems as though any dog bite incident that receives wide media coverage can also land a dog breed on such a list. Thus the Presa Canario was a dog breed that few people had heard of prior to the media coverage of a 2001 incident in San Francisco. The media luridly described how a woman was viciously mauled to death by two of these big dogs in the hallway of her apartment building. As a result, the owner of these dogs is now serving a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Although the Presa Canario remains a rare breed in North America, it now seems to appear on every prohibited dog breed list issued by insurance companies.
State restrictions on dog-breed profiling
The use of such lists is not acceptable everywhere. In the U.S., the states of Michigan and Pennsylvania have restricted the use of dog-breed profiling by insurance companies. Ten other states have pending legislation that would similarly prohibit companies to deny insurance to someone based only on the breed of dog in their household. These laws propose that insurance companies should only be allowed to deny or revoke a policy or to increase the premium, based on the risk associated with a specifically named dog. That means that the individual dog must have a known history of being aggressive or must have been officially designated as dangerous.
The insurance companies counter by saying that such laws will not work. They argue that by the time the dog has bitten someone and has therefore been deemed dangerous, there has already been a claim filed. That means that it's already too late for the insurance company because they will have to cover the claim under the pre-existing unrestricted policy. The companies argue that the only way to reduce their financial risk is to ban certain dog breeds from coverage. Nonetheless, there are some insurers that do not use a banned dog list and other companies that will allow a household to be insured simply by excluding coverage for liabilities due to damage caused by a dog.
The 14 most blacklisted dog breeds
Looking at the various uninsurable dog lists, I found a reasonable amount of variability as to which breeds were to be allowed or disallowed. Still, there were 14 breeds of dogs that appeared on virtually all of the lists that I consulted. Most of these blacklisted not only the specific breed but any mixed breed that presumably included a genetic relationship to one of the banned breeds.
The 14 most often blacklisted dog breeds were:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Presa Canarios
- Chows Chows
- Doberman Pinschers
- Akitas
- Wolf-hybrids
- Mastiffs
- Cane Corsos
- Great Danes
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Siberian Huskies
Nonetheless, remember that each company draws up its own list based on its opinion of the risk the dog breed presents. No specific scientific criteria are required for a dog breed to be blacklisted, and it is possible that simply one report in the media might be enough to cause an official in an insurance company to decide that one or another dog breed is dangerous. That situation is bound to lead to some odd choices as to which breeds are uninsurable.
For example, take the experience of Michael Richbourg of Atlanta, Georgia. While he was being pre-screened for a home insurance policy, he was asked if he owned any dogs. He answered that he had two mixed breeds and while he wasn't sure about one of them he thought that the other appeared to be mostly Schipperke (pronounced "skipper-key"). At that point, the agent said that he could not process the insurance application further since his company had blacklisted the Schipperke as being a high-risk breed.
For those of you who don't know the breed, Schipperkes are small, black, fox-faced little dogs with a height of around 12 inches (30 cm) and a weight of around 15 pounds (7 kg). I suppose that if such a dog became really angry at your shoelaces he could do great harm to your running shoes but I fail to see how this breed could reasonably be entered onto a list of dangerous dogs and effectively classed the same as a 120-pound (55 kg) Presa Canario or a 200-pound (90 kg) Mastiff.
Copyright SC Psychological Enterprises Ltd.
Uninsurable Dog Breeds
Actuarial Risk
Breed regulations are enacted throughout the world because specific dog breeds have demonstrated a disproportionate rate of mauling, maiming and killing not only human beings, but farm animals, pets and service dogs. A dogs breed indicates the potential to inflict serious or fatal injuries because of the power of their jaws and certain inherit genetic traits, which were specifically selected for the breeds purpose. Insurance companies have long known this and have acted to protect their financial interests. The following types of dog breeds are most often considered high-risk dog breeds by many insurance companies:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Presa Canarios
- Chows Chows
- Doberman Pinschers
- Akitas
- Wolf-hybrids
- Mastiffs
- Cane Corsos
- Great Danes
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Siberian Huskies
Dr. Stanely Coren addressed this issue in a piece in Psychology Today back in 2014.
The motivation for denying insurance to households with certain breeds of dogs is based on financial considerations. As one representative of Allstate Insurance told me, We are in the business of evaluating risk, and based on what we know, the dogs on our uninsurable list pose a higher risk. She went on to tell me that dog bites are a major financial burden for the insurance industry. Dog bite-related claims accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in 2013. That amounted to about $490 million, with the average claim costing close to $30,000. But the actual costs can be much higher. In 2011, a Washington State Superior Court jury awarded a $2.2 million verdict to a woman who was attacked by two neighborhood pit bulls near her home in Tacoma, Washington. The woman sued the dogs owners whose homeowners policies were unfortunately limited to $100,000 each.
14 Dog Breeds Blacklisted by Insurance Companies by Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC, Psychology Today, May 27, 2014
Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2018, costing more than $675 million, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Here are some articles about the breeds of dogs insurances companies will not cover. Pit bulls are at the top of every list.
The Ultimate Guide to Homeowners Insurance for Dog Owners
Americas Most Dangerous Dog Breeds [Infographic] 2018 Forbes
Learn About our Legislative ProposalDog breeds banned by home insurance companies
Key points
- Some home insurance companies ban certain dog breeds, which means there is no liability coverage if your dog injures someone or destroys their property.
- Dog breeds banned by home insurance companies often include Doberman Pinschers, pit bulls and Rottweilers.
- Consider shopping around for insurance companies without breed restrictions or buying a canine liability or umbrella insurance policy if you own a restricted breed.
Certain insurance companies may raise your home insurance rates, or limit or exclude coverage in your policy, if you own a specific dog breed. Owning a banned dog breed could mean your home insurance company will deny a claim if your dog bites or injures someone, leaving you to pay the entire cost of injuries and legal fees.
The average cost of a dog bite claim in 2021 was $49,025, according to the Insurance Information Institute. When insurance companies review dog liability claims, certain breeds show up more often than others. Knowing what homeowners insurance companies ban dog breeds may help you decide which carrier to use and what to do if you own a banned dog breed.
Dog breeds most often banned by homeowners insurance companies
Insurance companies are not always open about the breeds they ban, making it harder for homeowners to decide which company to choose. We analyzed more than 40 home insurance companies across the country to find the most common banned dog breeds.
The top 12 banned dog breeds most often banned by homeowners insurance companies are:
- Doberman Pinscher
- Pit bull
- Rottweiler
- Chow Chow
- Wolf dogs and hybrids
- Presa Canario (canary dog)
- Akita
- German Shepherd
- Husky
- Mastiff
- Alaskan Malamute
Pit bull is a term used to encompass several Bull Terrier breeds and mixes of these breeds. American Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers all fall under the pit bull umbrella.
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Why do some insurance companies deny certain breeds?
The simple answer to why some insurance companies deny certain breeds is risk exposure. In 2021, there were 17,989 dog bite liability claims filed resulting in more than $882 million paid by home insurance carriers, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
These breeds are responsible for a high number of dog bite claims and insurance companies want to minimize paying expensive claims, states Elissa Weimer-Sentner, professional dog trainer and owner of Paw & Order Dog Training. Its like an insurance company requiring a self-latching gate if you own a swimming pool. The more risk mitigation factors you provide, the less risk exposure you and your insurer have.
While some companies may focus more on each individual dogs temperament and history, many go with blanket bans on the breeds most likely to bite. Blanket breed bans leave no option for professionally trained assistance, search and rescue or therapy dogs that fall under these breed types, advises information website PetPlace.
Is dog breed discrimination legal?
Yes, dog breed discrimination is legal in most states. However, in a few states, legislation has been passed to limit or eliminate breed discrimination by home insurance companies. Some states may not allow breed discrimination but have other requirements, like a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage youll need if you own a specific dog breed.
States with limitations to breed discrimination or no breed discrimination include:
- Connecticut
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New York
- Pennsylvania
Not only can insurance companies use breed-specific legislation (BSL), but local cities and counties can also ban certain dog breeds. For instance, if you live in Prince Georges County, Maryland, it is against the law to own a pit bull. Even if you have homeowners insurance through a company that doesnt ban dog breeds, your liability claim may be denied if you are held legally responsible for owning a banned breed in your area.
The consequences of dog breed bans
Breed bans often force dog owners to surrender their pets to animal shelters that are already overcrowded, warns Tom Bohne, founder of pit bull advocacy group Kennel to Couch. Shelter life can not only affect their temperament but also build anxiety and other negative behaviors. It can make it more difficult for banned dogs to be adopted, especially when insurance companies and BSL make it harder for them to find loving homes with good owners willing to put in the work to train and exercise them properly.
Banning a breed can also encourage irresponsible dog ownership, says Weimer-Sentner. Owners may avoid seeking veterinary care, neglect their dogs health and avoid outside activities, limiting their socialization. It can also lead to fewer dogs being microchipped and spayed or neutered, all to avoid detection.
Rather than considering a dogs breed or size when it comes to insurance coverage, insurers should look at the individual dog and consider its history, upbringing and temperament, Bohne advises. Just like people, every dog has its own personality, agrees Weimer-Sentner.
When are dogs not covered by homeowners insurance?
Breed bans are not the only thing that can cause a dog to not be covered by homeowners insurance. A home insurance policy may not cover a dog of any breed if it has a history of property damage or biting.
Biting history
If your dog has a bite history, your insurance company may require you to sign a liability waiver before issuing a homeowners policy. The insurer could exclude the dog from liability coverage, which means if you file a claim for legal or medical bills relating to your dog biting, it wont be covered. Owning a dog with a bite history could also cause an insurance company to deny coverage or not renew your policy.
If your dog bites you or someone in your household, regardless of its breed, your homeowners insurance will not cover your medical bills. Personal liability coverage under a home policy only covers injuries or damage to others, not household members.
Property damage
Your homeowners insurance also wont cover a claim if your dog damages your home, belongings or other structures on your property. That means if your dog destroys all the clothes in your closet or chews your drywall or carpets, you wont get reimbursed to repair the damage or replace your belongings.
Your insurance company may also not cover damage your dog causes to someone elses property if the dog is on the insurers banned breed list.
What do I do if my insurer wont cover my dog?
If your insurer wont cover your dog, you have a few options. Asking about exceptions, shopping around and considering alternate insurance are good places to start.
Ask about exceptions
Although some insurance companies ban dog breeds without exception, others may assess individual dogs on a case-by-case basis. Ask the insurer if you can provide documentation that proves your dogs temperament. This could be the dogs foster parents, your neighbors or your veterinarian, says Bohne.
Your insurance company may require you to get training or have a certain kind of yard or fence for your dog before agreeing to cover your dogs liability, says Weimer-Sentner. If your pet is certified as a therapy or service dog, let your insurance company know. Completing these programs is a sign that your dog can be controlled in many situations and is less prone to bite or cause damage.
Shop around
Not all home insurance companies ban dog breeds. Shopping around can help you find an insurer that doesnt ban your dogs breed or has pet restrictions. Be up front that you have a dog and ask if there are any reasons the company would exclude them from coverage.
The insurance company might charge you a higher premium because of your dogs breed, warns Weimer-Sentner. Shopping around can help determine which insurer is best for your needs and budget.
Consider alternative insurance
If you prefer to stick with your insurance company or cant find one that will accept your dogs breed, it may be time to consider alternative insurance options.
This could include an umbrella insurance policy with another carrier. Umbrella insurance offers excess liability coverage when you exhaust the underlying limits on your home or car insurance policy. If you go this route, make sure the umbrella insurer is aware of the breed restriction on your home insurance policy. The insurance company can then confirm if it would cover your dog under the umbrella policy if you have to file a liability claim.
Weimer-Sentner suggests another option: a canine liability, or pet liability, insurance policy. This policy will take the place of your homeowners liability coverage in the event you have to file a liability claim.
What can I do to help prevent my dog from biting?
Many things can affect a dogs tendency to be aggressive, such as their family lineage, overall health, early socialization and training, explains Weimer-Sentner. Appropriate veterinary care and proper training can go a long way in preventing your dog from biting. Buying pet insurance is one way to offset the costs of vet care over your pets lifetime.
There are other things the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends you can do to help prevent your dog from biting:
- Be a responsible pet owner. This includes selecting the right dog for your family based on temperament, size and energy level. Get the pet proper training, exercise it regularly and spay or neuter it to keep your pet happy, healthy and less reactive.
- Educate your family and friends. Knowing how and when its appropriate to approach a dog is a valuable skill to have. Approaching an anxious or frightful dog in the wrong way can cause the dog to react negatively, which increases the chance it will bite someone.
- Socialize your dog. If you get your dog as a puppyor even rescue an older dogsocialize it early with friends, family and other dogs. This allows the dog to be comfortable in different surroundings and situations. Also, use a leash in public places and ensure you always have control of your dog.
- Pay attention to a dogs body language. Dogs cant communicate like humans, but they rely on gestures, posture and vocalization to express themselves. Although we cant always know what a dog is thinking or feeling, picking up on cues can signal that a dog is frightened, stressed or feels threatened.
On top of socializing your dog, you should also know its triggers, advises the Insurance Information Institute. If your dog gets overly excited when someone comes to the door, secure your dog in a crate or other room to limit the risk of them injuring someone. If loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings, strangers or unexpected touch triggers your pet, it may be best to leave the dog at home instead of putting it in a situation it may react negatively to.
Owning a dog comes with a great deal of responsibility. If you cant care for your dog properly, it can increase the chance of it biting or damaging property in the future. Making your dog a good canine citizen and having the right insurance coverage in place is a great way to protect yourself and your dog.
Dog breeds banned by home insurance companies FAQs
Just like homeowners companies, renters insurance companies can have breed restrictions. If there is a ban on certain dog breeds under a home policy, the same insurer likely bans dog breeds on a renters insurance policy. You can contact your insurance company to determine if there is a breed restriction.
Yes, homeowners insurance covers dog bites under the liability insurance portion of your policy. However, there could be restrictions or exclusions under the policy. For instance, if your dog has a bite history, it could be excluded from coverage, even if its not a banned dog breed.
If your dog doesnt have a bite history but then bites someone, causing medical or legal bills, these expenses would typically be covered by homeowners insurance, up to the limits in your policy.
Your dogs breed could increase your home insurance premiums, depending on the insurance company.
Each insurer has its own policy on covering dogs, so its best to let the insurance company know you have a dog, its breed and its history, especially if its bitten someone before or shown aggression. The company may exclude your dog and have you sign a liability waiver or choose to not insure your home at all.
