Your homeowner’s insurance and your dog

When it’s your dog
We’re a nation of dog lovers. Many of us have more than one, whether we live in the city or the country. Yet, dog bite losses exceeded $1 billion in 2015, including 35 deaths. Annually, about 885,000 people, half of them children, receive medical attention dog bites, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Insurance companies are well aware of these figures, particularly when certain breeds of dogs are involved. Since the law does not prohibit insurance companies from discriminating based on breed, many decline to write homeowners policies due to the breed. Some of the breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Akita, German Shepherd, Dobermans, and Wolf Hybrid.

On most homeowner’s insurance questionnaires and applications, there is a question asking if you have any dogs. If so, its breed and the bite history. Answering incorrectly may alter your coverage should a claim occur.

However, there are insurance companies that do not discriminate against certain breeds of dogs. You should speak with your insurance agent or company to see if there is an exclusion on your policy before it’s too late.

Breeding dogs is a business
If you are a dog breeder, it’s important to know that most insurance companies exclude any business operation, including dog breeding and dog shows, from their homeowners policy.

Because there are liabilities owners assume with breeding, making sure you have the correct coverage is essential. Here are a few steps to take:

  1. Let your agent or insurance company know you are a dog breeder and get written confirmation that your homeowners policy covers your particular situation.
  2. If it is not covered, ask if you can add the necessary coverage by endorsement.
  3. If your homeowners carrier is unable to add this endorsement, you can purchase an appropriate business policy.
  4. The types of insurance needed for your particular situation include liability and business personal property—kennels and equipment.

While dog owners will do just about anything for their pets, having the right insurance protection makes life with Fido even more enjoyable.