Best Dog-Friendly Homeowners Insurance Companies: Quotes, Rates (2023)
Some insurance companies restrict certain dog breeds from coverage. But if you’re a pet owner, it’s still possible to find dog-friendly homeowners insurance.
Jeannette Wisniewski is a technology writer whose passion is encouraging people to engage with technology by making it more understandable and more interesting. Though she enjoys writing business copy for a wide range of subjects, she is most inspired by emerging tech and its applications. She is a graduate of San Jose State University, a Georgia Peach at heart, and happy to call Boise, ID home.
John leads Insurify’s copy desk, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.
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It’s hard not to notice the attention dogs are getting these days — from costumes and clothing to remote technology that allows you to grant them snack privileges while you’re away at work, a new generation of dog owners is redefining the way we treat man’s best friend.
But regardless of our feelings for them, a pit bull terrier is going to have a harder time getting insurance than the dachshund down the street.
It’s important to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies — especially if you’re a dog owner — to make sure both you and your best friend get the coverage you need. Here’s what you should know about dog-friendly homeowners insurance.
Quick Facts
Depending on the breed of dog you have, your insurance premiums could increase dramatically.
Your current insurer could refuse homeowners coverage based on your dog’s breed.
Standard home insurance policies often don’t cover claims for dog-related property damage.
Although owners of “dangerous breeds” may have to look a little harder, finding the best combination of home insurance coverage for your home (and pet) isn’t impossible. Several insurers will most likely work with you and your pet on a case-by-case basis — seeing past the breed and making insurance decisions based on the actual pup — according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
These insurers emphasize the responsibility of the pet owner rather than the breed itself. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly insurance company, these insurers are a great place to start your search. For example, State Farm’s website states that they don’t even ask about the breed when writing a homeowners insurance policy that includes pet coverage.
American Family
Liberty Mutual
Nationwide
Amica
State Farm
Chubb
USAA
FAIR Plans
Methodology
Insurify examined dozens of home insurance companies to identify the top pet-friendly policies in this list, including companies that don’t restrict certain dog breeds but rather consider each dog’s individual bite history. Insurify also referenced information from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center.
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Why some home insurance companies aren’t pet-friendly
Victims of dog-related injuries might require multiple surgeries and specialized medical care that can run as high as $1 million. For this reason, insurance companies are very calculating about the canines they cover. Even though most homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites, insurance companies want to avoid paying out dog bite claims as often as they possibly can. As such, they often carefully define how much pet owners should pay to cover specific breeds.
Some homeowners insurance companies will even refuse to write a homeowners policy that covers dog breeds that are commonly deemed “vicious.” According to dogsbite.org (a national dog bite victims’ group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks), recent studies put the following breeds and breed mixes at the top of the most dangerous dog breed list:
Pit bull terrier
Rottweiler
Mastiff/bullmastiff
Dogo Argentino
German shepherd
Wolf hybrid
Other dog breeds that insurers commonly consider to be potentially dangerous include:
Akita
Alaskan malamute
Chow chow
Doberman pinscher
Great Dane
Presa canario
Siberian husky
Staffordshire bull terrier
Does this mean you should consider Craigslisting your canine? No. But it does mean that you need to do a little more work to protect yourself and your assets should the unthinkable actually happen.
That’s to say, ignoring pet coverage altogether isn’t the answer. This move could get you into some financial hot water later on. Getting your pup an American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Certificate can result in acceptance from home insurance companies.
Important Information
If you own one of these dogs, it’s important to do your research to see what a home insurance company’s breed restrictions are before you purchase a policy. Each insurance company sets its own rates and determines what dog breeds it will or won’t cover. A specific dog ’s bite history could also affect the rates you pay for home insurance coverage.
Do dogs affect home insurance rates?
Yes. Owning certain breeds of dogs will result in increases in home insurance rates. The danger some types of dogs pose to homeowners and their guests, or even the mail carrier, is a risk factors insurance companies consider when making these decisions.
Some insurance companies may deny you coverage altogether depending on the breed of dog you have.
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Liability and restricted dog breeds
Homeowners filed 17,989 dog bite claims in 2021 — up 2.2% from 2020 — which cost home insurance companies $882 million, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm.
Owners of higher-risk dog breeds will want to consider supplemental liability insurance because of the risks these dogs pose. Extra liability insurance can cover claims in the event of an accident with a dog on your property that results in medical bills.
Good to Know
Renters insurance policies also have additional liability options for tenants with potentially problematic dogs. Liability policies can offer pet owners peace of mind. If you aren’t sure how much additional liability coverage you need, an insurance agent can answer your questions.
Ways to avoid dog-related home insurance claims
Dog bites aren’t the only peril that dogs can cause; they can also damage your property. But most standard home insurance policies don’t cover dog-related property damage. Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk of your dog destroying things in your home:
Clip your dog’s nails to prevent damage to wood floors.
Put protective rugs in high-traffic areas.
Install a door protector or door shield to prevent door-scratching damage.
Provide plenty of toys to prevent boredom.
Crate train your dog or create a safe backyard pen to prevent damage while you’re out.
Dog-friendly home insurance FAQs
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about dogs and home insurance coverage.
How much does your homeowners insurance policy increase if you have a pit bull?
The answer to that question can vary not only by the insurance company but also by where you live. Some cities and states have breed-specific legislation that requires bully (and other “vicious” breed owners) to carry a certain amount of liability insurance. For example, Dodgeville, Wisconsin, requires owners to carry $50,000 in liability coverage, and Omaha, Nebraska, requires twice that limit.
How can you get dog-friendly homeowners insurance?
Most homeowners insurance companies have provisions for pet coverage. Some are breed-specific; some aren’t. Begin with your current homeowners insurance company to understand whether it covers your breed and the effect of pet coverage on your current rate. Next, compare insurance configurations (bundling home, auto, pet, and life, for example) with other insurance companies that are deemed dog-friendly to see how well you’ll fare financially with each one.
Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?
Standard home insurance policies cover dog bites under your liability coverage in certain situations, such as if your dog bites a guest at your home, your dog bites someone away from your home, or your dog damages someone else’s property. But your home insurance may not cover dog bites if your breed is excluded from coverage, if your policy specifically excludes all dog bites, or if your dog injures someone who lives in your home. Check your policy details to see what types of dog bites your insurance company covers.
Do you have to tell your insurance company if you have a dog?
When you sign up for home insurance coverage, the application you fill out or the insurance agent you speak with may ask if you own any pets. It’s important to be truthful. If you don’t inform your insurance company about any dog breeds you own, they’ll be excluded from coverage. And your insurance company could cancel your home insurance altogether.
What dog breeds are commonly excluded from home insurance coverage?
Home insurance companies often exclude these breeds from coverage: Akitas, chow chows, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, mastiffs, rottweilers, Staffordshire bull terriers, and pit bull terriers, among others.
Jeannette Wisniewski is a technology writer whose passion is encouraging people to engage with technology by making it more understandable and more interesting. Though she enjoys writing business copy for a wide range of subjects, she is most inspired by emerging tech and its applications. She is a graduate of San Jose State University, a Georgia Peach at heart, and happy to call Boise, ID home.
John leads Insurify’s copy desk, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.
