A prospective client called me a few weeks ago to quote the insurance for a new camping trailer they were buying. The quote I provided them was much better than anything they’d seen from their current carrier so they asked me to review all of their other policies. There was only one small hitch. They have a dog, a Rottweiler. I couldn’t help them with their home insurance.
There are several dog breeds that insurance carriers won’t write a home or renter’s policy on or will lead them to cancel that policy. The breeds vary from carrier to carrier but include;
- Pit Bull
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- Akita
- Chow
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Dingo
- Husky
- Italian Mastiff
- Malamute
- Wolf (or wolf mix)
- Great Dane
Most of these breeds are pretty obvious. They have a reputation or history of being aggressive dogs (Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, etc.). Others, such as the German shepherd have rolled off some carriers lists because of good behavior over a long period of time. And others are big softies (Great Dane, Italian Mastiff, etc.) but they are big. The concern is that these dogs could knock someone (an elderly parent or a child) over resulting in a law suit against the homeowner.
If you have one of the dogs on this list, don’t hide it. Discuss it with your agent and see what your options are. If you’re considering a new dog, think twice about the obvious ones as you’ll have fewer choices for home or renters insurance and it will be more expensive. Own rental property? Be sure to address what is and what is not an acceptable pet in your lease contract. I’ve actually seen owner’s policies cancelled based on a tenant having a Pit Bull. If you have a question or comment, post it in the comments section or drop me an email.
