What Breeds are Commonly Restricted from Home Insurance Coverage?
If your dog bites someone and causes undue harm, you may be the target of a lawsuit. Insurance provides the defense and covers medical bills and settlements up to the policy limit. Many homeowners and renters policies have breed restrictions. If your pup’s breed is on the list, you’ll have to turn elsewhere for coverage. Fortunately, canine liability insurance doesn’t exclude dogs based on breed.
Why Does Homeowners Insurance Have Breed Restrictions?
In theory, homeowners insurance breed restrictions limit risk by removing canines they believe to be a higher risk than other breeds. However, studies disprove this idea, as municipal breed restrictions have minimal impact on the number of ER visits due to dog bites. The idea that some breeds are more aggressive than others permeates society due to misinformation and anecdotal evidence. In reality, a recent study proved that what a dog looks like does not determine its true personality.
Which Breeds Are Commonly Restricted?
Due to human influence, some breeds have inherited behaviors, such as protecting and herding. Additionally, they may be faster, stronger, and more athletic to accomplish the tasks humans bred them for long ago. Illegal dog fighting often takes advantage of these features, contributing to the misconception that some breeds are naturally bloodthirsty. Consequently, insurance and municipal restrictions frequently include these:
- Rottweilers
- Pit bulls
- Siberian huskies
- German Shepherds
- Doberman pinschers
- Great Danes
How Can You Prevent Dog Bites?
One of the best ways to raise dogs that don’t bite is to socialize them early. Take your puppy, after appropriate shots, to dog parks, on walks, and social gatherings with other dogs. The more people and animals your dog meets, the more comfortable they’ll be in new situations.
You should also expose your dogs to unfamiliar sounds and smells to help them acclimate. For example, you can take walks by a road to get your pup used to cars.
Obedience training is another excellent way to teach dogs that biting isn’t an appropriate response. You can use treats, praise, and play as rewards for non-aggressive behavior. Positive reinforcement is more effective than negative, so avoid harsh words and punishments while training.
Finally, recognize the signs your dog is uncomfortable. As the owner, you have the right to say no to others’ requests to pet your dog and the responsibility to keep your pet feeling safe.
What Can Canine Liability Insurance Do for You?
Even well-trained, gentle dogs can become aggressive if they feel threatened. In the moment, things happen so fast that you may not be able to intervene. Canine liability insurance covers your defense in the event of a civil case, ensuring you don’t spend thousands. Then, the insurance company will pay the claim if the judge finds the suit in the plaintiff’s favor.
Your canine liability coverage will protect you no matter where you go in the U.S. If you move, go on a road trip, or take a vacation, you and your pet remain safe.
About Dog Bite Quote
At Dean Insurance Agency, we’ve been providing protection to dog owners since 2012, with more than 10,000 policies issued. Our underwriting criteria and years of experience providing this coverage enable us to offer competitive and fair policy premiums. Our policies are available in every state except Alaska & Kentucky. The quote is free, and there is NO obligation to purchase!
Social Title: Which Dog Breeds Does Home Insurance Coverage Usually Exclude?
Social Description: Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover all dog breeds. Learn why canine liability insurance has no breed restrictions and why coverage is so important.