Yes, you must inform your homeowners insurance company when you get a dog. Failure to disclose a pet, particularly certain breeds or those with a bite history, can lead to claim denials for injuries, policy cancellation, or non-renewal. Insurers view pets as a liability risk.

Do I need to tell my homeowners insurance that 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.

How do dogs impact homeowners insurance?

Key takeaways. While liability coverage often covers dog bites, some dog breeds are excluded. Insurance companies sometimes exclude specific dog breeds because the risk of insuring them is too high. Having dogs that are considered high-risk can raise your home insurance cost.

Dog Bites & Homeowners Insurance: What You Need to Know

What dog breeds are not allowed on homeowners insurance?

Dog breeds often banned by homeowner insurance companies

• Pit Bull. Pit Bulls have long been a controversial breed due to their reputation and not the individual dog themself. ...
• German Shepherd. ...
• Great Dane. ...
• Siberian Husky. ...
• Staffordshire Terrier. ...
• Rottweiler. ...
• Doberman Pinscher. ...
• Chow Chow.

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 are the downsides of pet insurance?

Pet insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, meaning once your pet is sick, it's too late to sign up. Not all health issues are covered by pet insurance. Pet insurance can be cost-prohibitive for older dogs or breeds prone to injury and disease.

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. 

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.

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.

Is homeowners insurance more expensive if you have a dog?

Owning a pup can lead to higher home insurance premiums because of increased liability. And since insurers are always looking to minimize risk, certain breeds are more likely to be banned by homeowners insurance companies or face higher premiums, whether fairly or not.

Do I have to tell my homeowners insurance that I have a dog?

Yes — you should inform your homeowners insurance provider if you have a dog. While you don't “add” your dog the same way you would a listed driver on an auto policy, disclosing pet ownership is essential for liability protection. Dog bites account for a significant portion of homeowners liability claims.

What dogs are not allowed on insurance?

The most commonly excluded dog breeds are rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, chow chows, and many wolf breeds. Stephanie Nieves.

Why is AAA homeowners insurance so cheap?

AAA homeowners insurance often seems cheap because of its extensive discounts for bundling home and auto, being a loyal member, having safety features (alarms, sprinklers), making home renovations/improvements (like hail-resistant roofs), paying in full, or going paperless, plus competitive base rates that vary by location and club, making personalized quotes key to understanding true savings. 

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.

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 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.

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