Picture this: you’ve just fallen in love with an adorable Rottweiler puppy at the local shelter, your heart melting as those sweet eyes look up at you with pure devotion. You can already envision long walks together, cozy evenings on the couch, and countless memories waiting to be made. Yet before you sign those adoption papers, there’s an uncomfortable conversation you need to have with your insurance agent.
The relationship between our beloved four-legged family members and home is more complex than many dog parents realize. It’s not just about having a pet, it’s about which breed shares your home and how insurance companies view that particular furry friend. Understanding this dynamic can save you from unpleasant surprises down the road and help you make informed decisions that protect both your wallet and your canine companion.
The Financial Reality Behind Dog Bite Claims
The numbers tell a sobering story about why insurance companies pay such close attention to our four-legged friends. In 2024, dog-related injury claims cost homeowners insurers $1.136 billion, representing a staggering increase that has caught the industry’s attention.
The number of dog bite claims nationwide increased in 2024 to 19,062 from 17,597 in 2023. The average cost per claim was $59,600 in 2024, compared to $64,555 in 2023.
Think about it this way: that single incident could cost more than many families make in a year. About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, most of them children, which explains why insurers approach this risk with such caution.
The average cost per claim nationally has risen 86.1 percent from 2015 to 2024, due to increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements, judgments and jury awards given to plaintiffs. These aren’t just statistics, they represent real families dealing with medical bills, reconstructive surgery, and emotional trauma.
Which Breeds Face Insurance Restrictions
The most commonly excluded dog breeds are rottweilers, pit bulls, Dobermans pinschers, German shepherds, chow chows, and many wolf breeds. This list might surprise some dog lovers who know these breeds as gentle giants in their own homes.
Pit Bulls have long been a controversial breed due to their reputation and not the individual dog themself. It’s important to note that not all Pit Bulls are aggressive, but they can pose a higher risk of incidents if they display aggressive behavior due to their stature and strength.
Some home insurance policies don’t cover pit bulls, but this is a problem because “pit bull” isn’t a breed. It’s a generic term that covers a number of different breeds that have distinctive, blocky heads and muscular bodies.
Insurance companies often restrict certain breeds they deem more likely to cause dog bites due to aggressive or overly protective traits or because their larger size could lead to more severe injuries. The reasoning isn’t necessarily about aggression alone, but about potential damage when incidents do occur.
Understanding Your Insurance Company’s Policies
Some insurance companies flat-out will not write policies for homeowners who have dogs of certain breeds or breed groups. Some will write policies but have higher rates for certain breeds. Other insurance companies don’t track specific breeds at all.
Home insurance rates only go up by 1% for having a restricted dog breed, on average. However, premiums for “aggressive” breeds are generally only about 1% costlier on average. This relatively modest increase might seem manageable until you consider the alternative: complete denial of coverage.
State Farm doesn’t consider breed; their policies state that “any dog can bite,” and look at your dog’s individual history. This approach focuses more on the specific animal’s behavior rather than breed stereotypes.
On the other hand, breed type may not matter as much as whether or not your dog has a history of biting. Your dog’s individual record often carries more weight than their genetic heritage.
What Happens When Coverage is Denied
It can be disheartening for your insurer not to provide coverage because of your furry friend. Shop around: Review all insurers that don’t impose breed restrictions or that offer more flexible policies. Don’t give up after the first “no.”
If you still can’t get coverage for your dog, consider a dog liability insurance policy or an extended umbrella policy. Dog-specific liability insurance covers damage your dog has caused including damage to property or injury to a person.
An insurance company has no obligation to provide coverage to any person, and it may reserve the right to cancel your home policy if you have a dog that is considered restricted. If you lie to the insurer about having a dog or if you conceal a dog’s bite history and it is later discovered, you may have your policy canceled.
Honestly, the temptation to “forget” to mention your furry friend might seem appealing when facing these restrictions, but this approach almost always backfires spectacularly. Insurance companies have ways of finding out, and the consequences extend far beyond just losing coverage.
Legal Protections and State Laws
At least two states, Pennsylvania and Michigan, have laws that prohibit insurers from canceling or denying coverage to the owners of particular dog breeds in some policies. These progressive laws recognize that breed alone shouldn’t determine insurability.
At least eight other states are considering legislation this session that would prohibit or restrict insurers from considering a homeowner’s dog’s breed when underwriting a homeowners or rental insurance policy: Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia.
Pennsylvania law requires owners of a dangerous dog to have liability insurance of at least $50,000 and prohibits a policy from excluding coverage for any specific dog breed. This approach focuses on individual dog behavior rather than blanket breed restrictions.
The tide seems to be turning as more states recognize the unfairness of breed discrimination. Still, until these laws become more widespread, dog owners in most states must navigate the current system as it exists.
Proactive Steps to Protect Your Coverage
Some insurance companies will allow homeowners to add dogs that were previously excluded from policies if they complete a training course. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Test offers one such skills-based training program for you and your dog.
You may be able to train your dog and get a Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC) to request an exception. This certification demonstrates your commitment to responsible dog ownership and your pet’s good behavior.
You should regularly socialize your dog with other pets and people so they are comfortable in different situations. A well-socialized dog is far less likely to bite out of fear or anxiety.
The key here is being proactive rather than reactive. Don’t wait until you’re facing a claim or cancellation to start working with your dog. These investments in training and socialization benefit everyone, creating a safer environment for your community while potentially saving your insurance coverage.
Making Smart Decisions as a Dog Owner
You should always disclose any pets to ensure your home is properly covered. If you fail to notify your insurer about your dog, your claims may be denied, your policy may be canceled, or legal issues may arise due to a dog-related incident.
It depends on your insurance provider, which is why you should be honest when discussing your pet with your insurance agent. Be detailed about the dog’s breed and bite history so the insurance agent can give you the most accurate policy information.
If your insurance company won’t cover your dog, shop around and compare coverage with multiple companies. Several insurers offered by Policygenius – including AIG, Chubb, Hippo, and Encompass – accept even the most dangerous dog breeds.
Remember, the goal isn’t to hide your beloved pet from your insurance company, it’s to find the right company that will embrace both you and your furry family member. The right insurer is out there, even for dogs on the restricted lists.
The relationship between dog breeds and home doesn’t have to be a source of stress or heartbreak. While certain breeds face more scrutiny than others, responsible pet ownership, proper training, and honest communication with insurers can help you navigate these challenges successfully. The most important thing is protecting both your family and your community while ensuring your four-legged friend gets the loving home they deserve.
What’s your experience with dog breed restrictions and insurance? Have you found creative solutions to coverage challenges? Tell us in the comments.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
