About 69 million U.S. households own dogs, according to the American Pet Products Association’s 2021-2022 Pet Owners Survey. The American Veterinary Medical Association states there are nearly 85 million dogs living in U.S. households.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Over half of dog bite injuries occur at home with dogs that are familiar to the victim. Dog bite-related injury rates are highest for children ages five to nine years old.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), the number of dog bite claims nationwide increased in 2021 to 17,989 from 17,597 in 2020. The total claims paid out added up to $881 million in 2021. The average claim insurance companies paid out for dog bite claims in 2021 was over $49,000. This amount will increase in the next few years due to inflation. Having personal liability coverage on your homeowners or renters insurance policy can help cover legal and medical expenses if your dog bites someone.
Each insurance carrier has a unique position on insuring homeowners with dogs. Some carriers will insure homeowners despite the dog breed, as long as the dog doesn’t have a bite history (hasn’t bitten anyone). Some will cover the homeowner, but will exclude the dog if the breed is categorized as dangerous. Some won’t cover cover certain dog breeds and some will cover them, but charge a higher premium. Below are thirty-one dog breeds that are on many insurance carriers’ restricted or banned breeds lists:
- African Boerboel
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- American Bull Dog
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Bullmastiff
- Cane Corso
- Chow Chow
- Collie
- Dalmatian
- Dingo
- Doberman
- English Mastiff
- French Mastiff
- German Shepherd
- Giant Schnauzer
- Great Dane
- Husky
- Italian Mastiff
- Pit Bull
- Pit Bull Mix
- Presa Canario
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Saint Bernard
- Samoyed
- Shar Pei
- Stafford Bull
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Wolf Hybrid
If your pet is listed on your insurance carrier’s restricted breeds list and bites someone, your policy won’t cover the claim. This means that legal or medical fees caused by the injury would come out of your pocket. It’s best to know your options in advance before you adopt a dog or bring one into your home. Scherer Insurance has access to multiple insurance carriers and can offer you options in case you own a dog breed shown on the list above.
What if my homeowners insurance carrier won’t cover my dog?
If your current insurance carrier won’t cover your dog, there are alternatives.
- You may receive an exception if your dog is a certified service dog.
- You can request an exception if your dog receives a Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- You could verify your dog’s breed with a DNA test. Sometimes pet shops and shelters incorrectly label breeds. If your dog’s breed turns out to be different than you’ve been told, you may be able to submit the results to your insurance carrier.
- Shop for an insurance carrier willing to cover your dog. Not all insurance carriers have the same restricted breeds list. You may also be able to purchase additional insurance coverage to protect you from the liabilities that dog owners face. Many insurance carriers offer dog liability policies. This will increase your premium, but it will cover you in case of a claim.
- Ask your insurer to exclude your dog from your homeowners policy instead of canceling your insurance and find pet insurance that specializes in canine liability policies. If this happens, you would be responsible to pay out of pocket for medical bills and court costs if your dog bites someone.
- Ask your insurer to exclude your dog from your homeowners policy instead of canceling your insurance and shop for a personal umbrella insurance policy that will offer coverage for dog bites.
What happens if I don’t tell my insurance company about my dog?
It’s best to be upfront and honest with your insurance company about any pets you have. If you file a claim for an injury from a dog that’s not on your policy, your insurance carrier will not pay out the claim, leaving you responsible for all medical bills and court costs. Before a bite happens, you should shop around for an insurance carrier that will accept your pet.
What if my dog is mixed with a restricted breed that my insurance carrier won’t cover?
Even if your dog is mixed with a breed from the restricted breeds list, your insurance carrier still may not cover your pet. In addition, your dog may not be insurable if your dog has a bite history (has bitten someone in the past), no matter the breed. It’s always best to disclose all breed information and bite history up front so you can have time to get coverage or make other arrangements before a claim is filed against you.
Can an insurance carrier cancel my homeowners insurance if I get a restricted breed after my policy is issued?
Insurance carriers have the right to terminate or not renew your homeowners policy if you have a dog listed on it’s restricted breeds list.
How can I reduce the risk of a dog bite?
- Consult with a professional to learn about suitable dog breeds for your home.
- Spend time with a dog and use caution before bringing a dog into a home with an infant or toddler. Dogs with histories of aggression are unsafe for homes with children.
- Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or nervous about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog.
- Spay or neuter your dog. Studies show that dogs are three times more likely to bite if they are NOT neutered.
- Enroll your dog in obedience training.
- Socialize your dog so that it feels comfortable with other people and animals.
- Never leave any dog alone with infants, young children or strangers.
- Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
- Avoid exposing your dog to new situations in which you are unsure of its response.
- Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.
- Teach kids the basics of dog safety.
- Keep your dog leashed or fenced in.
- Keep your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date to prevent spreading diseases.
- Focus on games that do not encourage biting, such as fetch as opposed to tug-of-war.
- If your dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors, immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. However, if you have a disaster, homeowners or renters insurance paired with a personal umbrella insurance policy can help protect you from financial ruin. A standard homeowners or renters insurance policy offers personal liability coverage, which helps cover medical and legal costs up to the purchased limits. However, a personal umbrella insurance policy can offer wider coverage with much higher limits, which may help protect you and your family from financial ruin.
How can I buy a dog-friendly homeowners or personal umbrella insurance policy in Oklahoma?
There are two easy ways to get a quote or request more information for dog-friendly homeowners, renters or personal umbrella insurance in Oklahoma:
- Call/Text (405) 605-9891
- Email jp@schererinsurance.com