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 that each insurance company can make its own rules regarding breed restrictions. In an attempt to educate insurance companies on dog-bite matters, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is currently participating in a Dog Bite Study Group that includes insurance-company participation. It is hoped that study information will help to identify dog-bite variables other than those of breed specificity.
Insurance-Company Rights
Small breeds can be restricted if a history of aggression has been noted.
It is legal for insurance companies that insure homeowners in the state of Massachusetts to set their own unregulated breed restrictions. Breed restrictions vary based on the insurance company. Current breed restrictions documented by insurance companies doing business in Massachusetts include pit bulls, German shepherds, rottweilers, doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers, mixes that contain those breeds and any dog that has a documented past history of aggression.
Dog-Owner Rights
A Canine Good Citizen Certificate may verify your dog's temperament and training.
If you are denied coverage by an insurance company based on the breed of dog you own, shop around, as not all insurance companies have the same policies. While some companies in Massachusetts may simply deny coverage to pit bull owners, others may waive the restriction based on documentation from dog trainers, behaviorists or veterinarians. Often obedience-school graduation certificates, American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certificates or a letter from your veterinarian or animal behaviorist documenting the temperament of your dog may be enough to allow the company to cover you.
Animal Exclusions
Some companies may offer an animal-exclusion clause.
If you cannot find an insurance company that will insure you as long as you own your pit bull, you may have to use an insurance company that will insure you but add the pit bull as an exclusion. This means that you are not covered for any damage that might be caused by your dog. If you own multiple dogs, and the other dogs are not restricted breeds, the policy that excludes the pit bull may still cover any damage done by the other dogs. If you are unsure of how exclusions may effect your policy, consult an attorney who is savvy in insurance matters prior to signing a policy.
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