Dogs identified in a list of restricted breeds may increase premiums charged for homeowners insurance coverage.
More than 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 800,000 of these incidents require the bite victim to seek medical attention. The Insurance Information Institute reports that more than half of all dog bites take place on the properties of dog owners. Because of this and the natural aggressive tendencies of certain dog breeds, some homeowner's insurance providers charge higher premiums, require waivers or refuse coverage to homeowners claiming ownership of several breeds of dogs.
Restricted Breeds
The list of dog breeds that may prevent an individual from securing homeowner's insurance includes the following breeds: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, chow chow, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, American pit bull terrier, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Siberian husky, Staffordshire bull terrier and wolfdogs, also known as wolf hybrids. Lists of restricted or "dangerous" dogs also include animals that are mixed with any of the aforementioned breeds.
Increased Cost
The increased cost of insurance absorbed by an owner of a dog on a list of restricted breeds may be reflected in a policy in a number of ways. An insurance company may refuse to enter into a contract with a homeowner or choose not to renew an existing policy. An insurer might include a waiver in the policy that would exonerate the insurer of any responsibility for a claim related to the dog. With the waiver in place, the homeowner would be personally liable for costs arising from injuries to humans or damages to property caused by his pet. An insurance company may charge a higher premium for a homeowner if the covered property houses a dog identified on a list of restricted breeds.
Additional Coverage
Most homeowner's insurance policies include coverage for dog bites in an amount between $100,000 and $300,000, according to the Insurance Information Institute. If the cost of a claim exceeds the limit established in the insurance policy, the owner of the pet involved in the biting incident will be liable for the overage regardless of whether the dog's breed is included among those labeled as restricted.
If a homeowner desires a higher coverage amount or if a waiver has been included in a policy precluding any coverage for a dog bite, additional insurance may be obtained with the purchase of an umbrella liability policy.
Umbrella policies provide affordable protection against a broad range of personal liabilities, including dog bites. Insurance companies do not consult a list of dangerous dogs when issuing umbrella policies. The Insurance Information Institute estimates the annual premium for the first million dollars of coverage under an umbrella policy to be between $150 and $300.
Reducing Premiums
A homeowner who owns a dog included in the list of dangerous dogs may be able to reduce his annual insurance premium by completing several tasks. Giving an insurance provider proof that a pet has been spayed or neutered may be meaningful, as dogs that are not neutered have an increased chance of biting.
Attending a certified dog-training program, such as the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizenship Program or a course offered by a local Humane Society, and providing documentation of successful completion of the program may result in lower premiums.
Installing a reliable fence or containment system and offering proof of the installation may lower premiums charged for homeowner's insurance.
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