Home Insurance is NOT Going to the Dogs

If you're like most dog owners your dog is not just a pet, but a part of the family. But insurance companies don't see it this way. While your dogs can be friendly and playful, they are still canines, and subject to canine instincts. Of these instincts, biting is the number one concern.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites account for one-third of homeowners insurance liability claims. In 2008, this totaled over $387 million with an average cost per claim over $24,000.  With statistics like these it is no wonder that insurance companies are reducing coverage for dog bites.

Aside from biting people, some dogs are prone to chewing, tearing and other forms of destruction. Your homeowners insurance will cover damage to your home. But in many cases, if a dog is involved you may have difficulty getting your claim paid.

If you own a home and a dog, you may want to check your policy to see if you are covered. Many insurance companies will not insure homes with certain breeds. Some have even been dropping customers as their policies come up for renewal. Others may charge a higher premium based on the breed. Not all dog breeds are considered an insurance risk. The ones that generally end up on the most unwanted list are:

This is not an all-inclusive list and not all insurance companies have objections to all of these breeds. It's best to check with your insurance agent to find out for sure whether you're dog is on their list. If you find an insurance company that is willing to insure your breed, they will probably recommend an additional unbrella policy to cover liability damages beyond what your policy would normally cover. With the rising cost of healthcare, it's probably a good idea to get a little extra coverage in the event someone is seriously injured.

How can we help? By getting you multiple home insurance quotes from insurance companies that are willing to provide insurance for dog owners at reasonable rates. Check it out. It's easy and absolutely free!