Pit bull insurance protects owners from liability for dog bites.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs bite more than 4.7 million U.S. residents every year, as of 2008. Attacks by pit bull breeds, including the American and Staffordshire pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier, can present a considerable risk to humans due to their size and aggressive behavior. For this reason, some pit bull owners purchase liability coverage that protects them from financial devastation if their pit bull attacks another human being.
Considerations
Some states and municipalities ban pit bulls outright or require owners to obtain a minimum amount of insurance on their pit bulls. For example, as of the date of publication, the state of Ohio requires owners to maintain a minimum $100,000 liability insurance policy on their pit bulls or they will face imprisonment and a fine, according to Capital Area Humane Society. Owners should check with their state and local department of animal care and control to determine the amount of insurance they will require.
Selection
Individuals should carry a minimum of $100,000 in liability coverage but may want to purchase a higher coverage policy if they have significant assets. Some insurance companies do not underwrite policies to pit bull owners due to the high risk of liability. Dog owners need to select a local or national insurer that will issue such policies. According to Save a Bull, Farmers Insurance, State Farm, United Services Automobile Association, Chubb Group and Fireman's Fund issue pit bull insurance policies nationally, as of the date of publication.
Types
Dog owners need to determine what type of coverage they require. Owners can add pit bull insurance onto their homeowner's insurance or renter's policy, or they can purchase separate liability coverage. Depending upon their insurance company, pit bull owners sometimes cannot add coverage through their homeowner's or renter's policy, or they receive a better price by purchasing liability coverage separately. Individuals should call their current insurance company to determine eligibility and pricing.
Conditions
To obtain coverage and receive compensation in the event of a pit bull attack, policyholders should neuter their male pit bull to reduce aggression. In addition, they have to agree to keep their pet on a leash or in a fully fenced in area. An owner should take his pit bull to obedience classes and show evidence of completion of these classes to an insurer to increase the odds of the insurer underwriting a policy. For example, Nationwide will insure pit bulls if the owner receives Canine Good Certification, or CGC, on behalf of his dogs.
Related posts
Some insurance companies do allow pit bulls.In most states, insurance companies cannot legally charge you higher premiums because of your dog's breed, according to the American Kennel Club. Howeve...
Can Homeowner's Insurance Cancel Because You Own a Pit Bull?Homeowner's insurance typically covers both damage to a home and injury incurred by individuals on your property, as well as by a homeow...
Ohio requires pit bull owners to obtain liability insurance on the animal.The pit bull breed of dog has a great deal of strength, intelligence and loyalty to its owner. Unfortunately, because the...
Dog-boarding insurance protects you financially if an animal becomes sick or injured while in your care.All businesses serving the pet industry should carry insurance, including dog-boarding facil...
Studies may enable insurance companies to eventually eliminate breed restrictions.There are no laws in the state of Massachusetts that regulate insurance-company breed restrictions. This means tha...
