Yes, you should always disclose that you have a dog to your homeowners insurance provider. Failing to do so can lead to denied liability claims if your dog bites someone or causes damages. Insurers assess risk based on breeds known for higher liability, and undisclosed pets may result in policy cancellation or voided coverage.

Do I have to tell my home insurance I have a dog?

Insurance companies base homeowners insurance premiums on risk, and pets— including many larger breeds of dogs—pose a potential bite risk. This is why you should declare any pets you have to your insurance company.

How much does your homeowners insurance go up with a dog?

It's possible. Some dog breeds are classified by insurance providers as higher risk, meaning they're statistically more likely to be involved in liability claims. If your dog falls into one of these categories, you may see a higher annual premium, typically anywhere from $50 to $200 or more.

Do I need to tell my insurance if I get a dog?

If you're asked about household pets on a home insurance application, you should always be truthful. Even if the questionnaire you fill out doesn't explicitly ask, it's still your responsibility to let your insurer know if there are any animals in the house.

Do dogs affect house insurance?

Insurance providers may assess risk factors associated with specific dog breeds, an evaluation that directly impacts the cost of coverage, or even a denial of coverage. Some insurance companies don't enforce dog breed restrictions, allowing homeowners with high-risk breeds to secure coverage.

Does My Dog Impact My Home Insurance?

What dog breeds are not allowed on homeowners insurance?

Which Dog Breeds Are Commonly Banned From Homeowners Insurance Coverage?

• Doberman pinscher.
• Pit bull terrier.
• Rottweiler.
• Chow chow.
• Wolf dogs and hybrids.
• Presa Canario (Canary Dog)
• Akita.
• German shepherd.

Why does insurance ask if you have a dog?

Pets can be a liability when it comes to insurance

Unless you're trying to be the next Joe Exotic, most people don't think of their pets as a liability when it comes to insurance. But the fact is, your furry friend could end up costing you big time if they injure someone or damage property.

Will homeowners insurance drop you if you have a pitbull?

Certain companies won't sell you coverage if you report owning a pit bull. In some cases, insurers will sell you a policy but refuse to cover claims involving your dog. Others may be willing to insure homes with pit bulls but at a higher cost.

Does AAA homeowners insurance have dog breed restrictions?

Liability coverage

This can include injuries from falls or other accidents. Dog bites are usually covered under your liability coverage, however certain breeds of dogs (purebred or hybrid) are excluded and you should see your individual policy for specific coverage and limitations.

What dog breeds make homeowners insurance go up?

The dog breeds that most often cause an increase in your home insurance premium include:

• Akita.
• Alaskan Malamute.
• American Pit Bull Terrier.
• Chow Chow.
• Cane Corso.
• Doberman Pinscher.
• German Shepherd.
• Great Dane.

What is the 80% rule in homeowners insurance?

The 80% rule in homeowners insurance requires you to insure your home for at least 80% of its total replacement cost value to receive full coverage for damages, preventing penalties for being underinsured. If you carry less than 80% coverage and have a partial loss, the insurer applies a "coinsurance penalty," paying only a proportionate amount (e.g., 80% of the claim) and leaving you responsible for the rest, even for smaller repairs. This rule ensures you have enough money to rebuild, so you must update your coverage after major renovations or with rising material/labor costs. 

Which dog breed is most expensive to insure?

These breeds are known for many wonderful traits but also come with higher health risks, leading to more costly insurance.

• Mastiff. ...
• French Bulldog. ...
• Rottweiler. ...
• Bernese Mountain Dog. ...
• Great Dane. ...
• Mixed Breed Dogs. ...
• Maltese. ...
• Border Collie.

What are three things that are not covered by homeowners insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover damage caused by flooding, earthquakes, termites, mold, or normal wear and tear. Learn about all the different home insurance exclusions and how to get covered.

Will my homeowners insurance cover a dog bite?

Homeowners insurance will provide coverage for dog bites that occur in the home provided that the policyholder informed them in advance of each dog being adopted. If the insurance was not previously aware of the dog or the attack occurs off the owner's property insurance may deny coverage.

How does home insurance change with a dog?

If the injury or damage is within your homeowners liability coverage and limits, you will most likely be covered, but you may see a premium increase at the next renewal. There is also a chance that your home insurance company will decide the dog is too high a risk and will exclude the dog from future coverage entirely.

What homeowners insurance companies do not discriminate by dog breed?

State Farm is one of the very few insurance companies that don't discriminate by dog breed. The company won't ask what breed of dog you have when you sign up for a policy, and it won't deny you coverage just because your dog's breed has a history of incidents.

What dogs does State Farm not cover?

Does State Farm Exclude Dog Breeds from Coverage? Some insurance companies will exclude specific dog breeds, but State Farm does not. If you were attacked by a dog breed that is known to be more dangerous than others, you may have concerns that the insurance company will not pay out on your claim.

What do insurance companies fear the most?

Plus, insurance companies fear litigation; they would rather pay your claim than risk losing even more money in a lawsuit. Keep reading to learn about the top nine tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying you a fair settlement and how a legal professional can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What breeds of dogs increase homeowners insurance?

Common Dog Breeds Restricted by Insurance Companies

• Pit Bulls.
• Rottweilers.
• Doberman Pinschers.
• German Shepherds.
• Huskies.
• Akitas.
• Wolf Hybrids.
• Alaskan Malamutes.

---