Homeowners Insurance and Pit Bulls: How to Find the Best Coverage
Some insurers won’t cover homes with pit bulls or may charge much higher rates. Fortunately, you have options.
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Written byAnna Baluch
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Anna BaluchAuto and Home Insurance Writer
4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
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Edited bySara Getman
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Sara GetmanAssociate Editor
Updated
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While pit bulls may be cute and cuddly most of the time, they can sometimes cause costly injuries and liability claims. For this reason, some home insurance companies either exclude coverage for pit bulls or charge higher premiums for them.
Here’s a closer look at the potential effect of a pit bull on your home insurance policy, as well as your options if your current insurer drops you or raises your premiums too high. Plus, learn about which home insurance companies may be good options for pit bull owners.
Can you get homeowners insurance with a pit bull?
It may be possible to lock in home insurance coverage if you have a pit bull. If your insurer does cover your pit bull, you’ll receive liability coverage, which pays for medical expenses if your pit bull bites someone or damages their property. It can also kick and help pay for legal fees if the injured party sues you.
In addition to liability coverage, home insurance policies include medical payments coverage, which reimburses people for minor medical expenses, such as ambulance rides or first aid, if your pit bull injures someone. Keep in mind that some home insurance companies won’t cover homes with pit bulls, while others might charge more or only cover your home but not your dog.
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Does owning a pit bull increase insurance premiums?
Dog bite claims cost $1.12 million in 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute.[1] This is why some home insurers are hesitant to insure properties with pit bulls, which they perceive as high-risk breeds that are more likely to bite than other dogs.
Sometimes, a home insurance company will grant coverage to a homeowner who owns a pit bull but raise premiums to mitigate the risk. Owners of other restricted breeds, such as Rottweilers, German shepherds, Dobermans, and cane corsos, may also face higher home insurance rates or find it difficult to secure coverage altogether.[2]
Best insurers for pit bulls and other ‘high-risk’ breeds
Fortunately, some homeowners insurance companies don’t impose breed restrictions and may offer coverage for pit bulls. If you own a pit bull or another “high-risk” breed, here are a few of the best home insurers you might want to consider.
State Farm
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 643 |
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A++ |
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
643NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
If you apply for a home insurance policy with State Farm, you won’t have to answer any questions about your dog breed or type. Instead, the company considers your pit bull’s biting history and whether you’ve previously filed a liability claim because of it.
Pros
Can buy a policy online or through an agent
Bundling discount available
Cons
Minimal discounts compared to other insurers
Doesn’t sell home insurance policies in California
USAA
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8 /10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 737 |
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A++ |
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
737NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.47A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
USAA serves the military community with a variety of products, including home insurance. The company will consider your dog’s bite history and signs of aggression instead of its breed to determine whether to extend coverage.
Pros
Variety of coverage options available
Offers extended guaranteed replacement coverage
Cons
Only available to homeowners affiliated with the military
Identity theft coverage is only offered in some states
Auto-Owners
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.4 /10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 634 |
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A++ |
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
634NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.39A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
Auto-Owners uses scientific data to generate its homeowners insurance policies. This means the insurer won’t focus on the negative stereotypes of pit bulls and other dog breeds and their owners.
Pros
A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best
Identity theft and cyber insurance available
Cons
No earthquake insurance
Available in only 26 states
Allstate
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 631 |
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A- |
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
631NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
2.08A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A-Why we picked this company
Unlike other homeowners insurance companies, Allstate looks at a dog’s behavior and breed history rather than its breed. If your pit bull has a pleasant demeanor and no history of bites, you’ll likely receive coverage.
Pros
Many available discounts
Personalized service through local agents
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Doesn’t sell policies in California
Nationwide
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4 /10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 641 |
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A+ |
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
641NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.51A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
Nationwide is a reputable insurer that offers affordable coverage. Nationwide doesn’t exclude specific dog breeds. It offers inclusive policies for all types of breeds, including pit bulls.
Pros
Robust coverage options
Identity theft coverage included in a basic policy
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Not available in all states
Chubb
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.8 /10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 688 |
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A++ |
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
688NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.12A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
Chubb is a unique company that offers a different experience for homeowners with high-value properties. It will only consider your dog’s bite history, rather than its breed, to decide whether to extend coverage.
Pros
Extended replacement cost coverage available
Wildfire and hurricane mitigation services
Cons
Only insures high-value homes
No online quotes
Insurify’s editors reviewed various breed-restriction policies from top insurers to choose the best home insurance company for pit bull owners. We considered whether the insurer had breed restrictions, whether bite history was considered, and whether pet behavior was considered.
We also compared each company’s coverage options, deductible options, discounts, customer reviews, and Insurify Quality (IQ) Scores.
Why do insurers restrict pit bulls and other breeds?
Insurance companies strive to pay out fewer claims so they can maximize profits. Since 19,062 dog bite claims cost more than $1 million in 2024 alone, many insurers are mindful of which dog breeds they insure.[1]
Insurers perceive pit bulls, among other dog breeds like Rottweilers and German shepherds, as high-risk dogs that they may restrict or simply deny coverage for altogether. This is the case despite studies that show that pit bulls aren’t inherently aggressive and that environmental factors, rather than breed type, cause aggression.[3]
Important Information
Insurance coverage for pit bulls may also vary based on location. In 29 states, dog owners are responsible for the injuries their dogs cause. Also, in 17 states and Washington, D.C., dog attacks are considered misdemeanors or even felonies, even though there may not be liability. Four states — Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and North Dakota — have no laws for dog bites.
Which states don’t allow breed discrimination in homeowners insurance?
A few states have laws that either minimize or eliminate dog breed discrimination by homeowners insurance companies. These include Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Keep in mind that even though these states prohibit decisions based on breed, insurers still have the right to set breed-specific premiums or exclude home insurance coverage for dog bites.
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Tips for homeowners with pit bulls to reduce risks
If you own a pit bull, use these tips to help you keep risks to a minimum so you can secure an affordable home insurance policy.
Shop around
Some home insurance companies are more inclusive of dog breeds than others. Compare companies and rates so you can zero in on the best coverage for your pit bull.
Check with your network
Ask friends, family members, and acquaintances who also own pit bulls or other “high-risk” breeds which companies they use for home insurance. They may give you good recommendations.
Be up-front with insurers
As you shop for a home insurance policy, disclose your pit bull and its temperament to insurance companies. You may be able to provide proof through your vet or neighbors that show it’s kind and well-mannered.
Invest in behavior training
Behavior training can help your pit bull establish positive behaviors that home insurers value. Some insurers may view you more favorably if your dog passes the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program, for example.[4]
Consider an umbrella policy
An umbrella policy offers additional liability coverage that goes beyond the limits of your home insurance. If your policy excludes pit bills, it may come in handy.
Homeowners insurance and pit bulls FAQs
Here are some common questions about homeowners insurance coverage and how it relates to pit bulls and pit bull owners.
Do pit bulls affect homeowners insurance?
Sometimes. It can be challenging to get home insurance when you have pit bulls. Some insurers believe these dogs are aggressive and may exclude or deny coverage or offer you a higher rate.
Should you tell your homeowners insurance company about your dog?
Yes. It’s essential to inform a home insurance company about your pit bull. Once you do, the insurer can modify your coverage to meet your needs and ensure you have the right protection against potential dog bites and other liabilities. If you’re not clear about having a pit bull, your insurer will likely deny any claims related to it.
What breed of dog is uninsurable?
Home insurance companies often ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. If you own an uninsurable breed, you might need to invest in umbrella insurance or canine liability coverage.
Which dog breeds does homeowners insurance restrict?
Home insurance companies tend to restrict breeds that they perceive as aggressive. These depend on the insurer but may include Rottweilers, German shepherds, cane corsos, Doberman pinschers, and more.
Sources
- III. "Spotlight on: Dog bite liability."
- Psychology Today. "14 Dog Breeds Blacklisted by Insurance Companies."
- The Humane Society. "Debunking Pit Bull Myths."
- American Kennel Club. "Canine Good Citizen (CGC)."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed rates from more than 180 home insurance companies sourced directly from Insurify’s partner companies and Quadrant Information Services. Rates span all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and quote averages represent the mean price for a given coverage level and geographic area. To ensure data reliability, only insurers meeting minimum quote thresholds were included in the analysis.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for homeowners with no prior claims and good credit with a home construction year of 1980. The default coverage assumptions include:
Default Coverage Assumptions
- Dwelling coverage: $300,000
- Deductible: $1,000
- Personal property limit: $25,000
- Liability limit: $300,000
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Insurify’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
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Anna BaluchAuto and Home Insurance Writer
4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Featured in
Sara GetmanAssociate Editor