Many pet insurers blacklist certain dog breeds, labelling them “high-risk” without considering the individual pup’s behaviour. This issue is particularly prevalent when dealing with dog breeds insurers won’t cover, making it difficult and costly to find coverage. However, solutions exist. Owners can explore breed-friendly insurers, obtain behaviour certifications, or opt for specialised pet insurance.
- Limited Insurance Options: Many insurers refuse to cover certain breeds, making it difficult to find suitable homeowners or renters insurance.
- Higher Premiums: If coverage is offered, it often comes with higher premiums or breed-specific exclusions.
- Risk of Non-Renewal: Some owners face the risk of their policy being cancelled or not renewed if they own a breed considered "high-risk."
- Stigma and Discrimination: Owners may feel unfairly judged or discriminated against based on their dog's breed, regardless of the dog's actual behaviour.
Possible Solutions
- Seek Breed-Friendly Insurers: Look for insurers like State Farm or USAA, which do not impose breed restrictions.
- Obtain Behaviour Certifications: Consider getting a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or similar certification to prove your dog's good behaviour.
- Pet Liability Insurance: Explore specialised pet liability insurance as an alternative to traditional homeowners or renters insurance.
- Consult a Broker: Work with an insurance broker who can help find policies that suit your needs and cover your breed.
Common Dog Breeds Insurers Won't Cover
| Dog Breed | Reason Behind Their Exclusion |
|---|---|
|
Pit Bull Terrier |
Associated with a firm bite and high-profile attack cases, Pit Bulls have a reputation for aggression. This perception and breed-specific legislation (BSL) in many areas make them a high-risk breed for insurers. |
|
Rottweiler |
Known for their strength and protective nature, Rottweilers can be territorial and assertive. Insurers view them as a liability, primarily due to their involvement in several reported biting incidents. |
|
Doberman Pinscher |
Dobermans are loyal and effective guard dogs, but their protective instincts can sometimes be seen as aggression. Their imposing appearance also contributes to their exclusion from many insurance policies. |
|
German Shepherd |
Intelligent and often used in police work, German Shepherds have a reputation as a "dangerous" breed. Their size and strength further lead to their exclusion from coverage. |
|
Husky |
Huskies are known for their high energy and strong prey drive. Their tendency to escape and roam can lead to incidents, making insurers cautious about covering them. |
|
Akita |
Akitas are loyal and protective, but their strong-willed nature and history as hunting dogs contribute to their perception as a risky breed by insurers. |
|
Chow Chow |
Known for being independent and aloof, Chow Chows have a strong-willed and protective nature. Their muscular build leads insurers to view them as a potential liability. |
|
Wolf Dog/Wolf Hybrids |
Combining domestic dogs with wolves, these hybrids can exhibit unpredictable behaviour and strong prey drives. Their wild ancestry makes insurers exclude them due to the potential for aggression and difficult handling. |
|
Presa Canario (Canary Dog) |
Known for their large size and guarding instincts, Presa Canarios can be powerful and assertive. Their reputation for aggression, combined with their physical strength, makes them a high-risk breed for insurers. |
|
Japanese Tosa |
Japanese Tosas are a rare breed known for their fighting history and protective nature. Their past and size contribute to their exclusion from many insurance policies. |
|
Dogo Argentino |
Initially bred for big-game hunting, Dogo Argentinos are decisive and assertive. Their strength and history of aggression make them frequently excluded from insurance coverage. |
|
Fila Brasileiro |
Also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, the Fila Brasileiro is a large and protective breed. Their strong guarding instincts and historical use in protection work lead to their exclusion by many insurers. |
|
Mastiff |
Large and powerful, Mastiffs have a strong guarding instinct. Their size, strength, and potential for aggressive behaviour often result in exclusions from insurance policies. |
|
Cane Corso |
This Italian breed is known for its protective nature and muscular build. Cane Corsos are often excluded due to their size and strength, which insurers can perceive as risks. |
|
Alaskan Malamute |
Malamutes are strong and energetic with a strong prey drive. Their tendency to roam and high energy levels can lead to incidents, making insurers wary of covering them. |
|
Great Dane |
Great Danes are large and powerful dogs. While they are generally gentle, their size and strength can lead to perceptions of risk, resulting in exclusions from some insurance policies |
Reasons Behind Breed Exclusions
- Historical Incidents: Some breeds have been involved in more reported bites and attacks, making insurers wary.
- Perception of Aggression: Breeds like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls are often seen as aggressive, even if they’re not.
- Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL): Some areas have laws targeting specific breeds, influencing insurers’ policies.
- Company Policies: Each insurance company has its risk assessment model, which may lead them to exclude certain breeds.
Cost Considerations for Dog Breeds Insurers Won't Cover
Owning a dog breed that insurers won’t cover can have a significant financial impact. Here’s how it can affect your budget:
- Higher Premiums: If your insurer does agree to cover your breed, expect your premiums to be higher than average. Insurers view these breeds as high-risk, which is reflected in your policy's cost. Premiums can increase substantially, sometimes by as much as 20-100%. This added cost can be a burden, especially if you already manage other pet-related expenses.
- No Coverage: If your dog’s breed is excluded, you’ll have no insurance protection in the event of an incident. It means that if your dog causes injury or damage, you’ll be responsible for covering all costs out of pocket. Medical bills, legal fees, and compensation claims can quickly add up to thousands of pounds. Without insurance, a single incident could have serious financial consequences.
- Housing Costs: Many landlords require tenants to have insurance that covers their pets. Securing a rental property can be challenging if your dog belongs to an excluded breed. Landlords may increase security deposits, impose additional fees, or even deny your application. It can limit your housing options and increase your overall living costs.
| Factors | Impact on Costs |
|---|---|
|
Insurance Premiums |
Can increase by 20-100% or more |
|
Potential Liability |
No coverage means paying out of pocket |
|
Housing/Renting Costs |
Higher security deposits or denial |
These costs can add up, making it crucial to factor them in if you own or are considering getting one of these breeds.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) and insurance exclusions often go hand in hand. Dog owners must stay informed about the laws and insurance policies affecting them. By understanding the legal landscape and the ethical concerns at play, they can make informed decisions that best insurance company protect their pets and themselves.
- Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)
BSL refers to laws that ban or restrict specific dog breeds, usually those deemed dangerous. These laws are enacted to reduce dog attacks and ensure public safety. Commonly targeted breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. In some areas, BSL may require owners of these breeds to adhere to strict regulations, such as mandatory muzzling or special licensing.
- Impact on Insurance Policies
Insurance companies often align their policies with BSL. If a breed is banned or restricted in a particular area, insurers may refuse to cover that breed altogether. Even in regions without BSL, perceiving certain breeds as high-risk can lead to exclusions. Insurers justify these exclusions by citing the potential for higher claims and liability.
- Ethical Considerations
The ethical implications of breed exclusions are troubling. When insurers refuse to cover certain breeds, the consequences can be severe. Many owners, unable to afford higher premiums or alternative insurance, may be forced to surrender their pets. In some cases, dogs may even be euthanised because their owners cannot take on the financial risk of keeping them.
- A Complex Issue
The legal and ethical issues surrounding breed-specific legislation and insurance exclusions are complex. While protecting the public from dangerous dogs is essential, the methods to achieve this goal must be carefully considered. It’s crucial to strike a balance that protects public safety and responsible dog owners’ rights.
How to Handle Insurance Exclusions - Alternatives and Solutions
- Breed-Friendly Insurers: Not all insurers impose breed restrictions. Companies such as State Farm and USAA assess dogs’ behaviour rather than their breed. These insurers provide coverage based on the dog’s history, offering a more balanced approach. [1]
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification: The Canine Good Citizen programme, run by The Kennel Club, offers a certificate for dogs that pass a basic obedience and behaviour test. Some insurers may consider this certification when deciding on coverage, which could help reduce premiums. (Note: The CGC certification can be beneficial for owners of breeds often discriminated against, as it provides an objective measure of the dog’s behaviour.)
- Pet Liability Insurance: If homeowners insurance isn’t an option, owners can explore specific pet liability insurance. These policies cover dog-related incidents, providing an alternative for those with breeds facing insurance challenges. This type of insurance can also offer higher coverage limits for dog-related claims than standard homeowners policies.
Discrimination and Advocacy
- Perceived Discrimination: There is significant debate around breed-specific policies in insurance. Critics argue that these policies unfairly target certain breeds, often ignoring the individual dog’s behaviour. Regardless of a dog’s temperament or training, it can result in blanket bans on breeds.
- Advocacy Against Discrimination: Advocacy groups, alongside some states, are pushing back against these policies. States like Pennsylvania and Michigan have introduced laws to prevent breed-specific discrimination in insurance. These laws ensure that dogs are evaluated on their behaviour rather than their breed. (Example: In 2020, Michigan passed legislation prohibiting insurers from denying a dog’s breed coverage. It was a significant win for dog owners in the state, ensuring fairer treatment in the insurance market.)
States with Laws Protecting Dog Owners from Breed-Based Insurance Discrimination
Breed-based insurance discrimination has been a contentious issue in the United States, with certain dog breeds being unfairly targeted by insurance companies. However, several states have taken proactive steps to protect dog owners from discrimination. These laws ensure that insurance decisions are based on the individual behaviour of a dog rather than solely on its breed.
- Nevada: A Pioneer in Protecting Dog Owners
Nevada was among the first states to enact legislation protecting dog owners from breed-based insurance discrimination. In 2019, Nevada passed Assembly Bill 398, which prohibits property insurers from refusing to issue, renew, or cancel a policy based on the breed of the dog. The law requires insurers to consider each dog individually, focusing on factors such as the dog’s bite history and overall behaviour rather than making blanket judgments based on breed alone.
(Example: A homeowner in Nevada owning a breed traditionally seen as “high-risk” would not be automatically denied coverage under this law. Instead, their dog’s history, such as whether it has been involved in any aggressive incidents, would be evaluated to determine coverage eligibility.) [2]
- New York: Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Measures
New York has taken significant steps to prevent breed-based discrimination in the insurance sector. In 2021, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation (Senate Bill S4254) prohibiting insurers from refusing, cancelling, or increasing premiums based on a dog’s breed. The law mandates that insurers consider the dog’s behaviour and history rather than its breed when determining insurance policies.
This legislation was crucial in a state where many dog owners had previously struggled to obtain or maintain homeowners’ insurance simply due to their dog’s breed. New York’s law aligns with the broader goal of reducing breed-specific legislation and promoting responsible dog ownership. [3]
- Michigan and Pennsylvania: Leading the Charge Against Breed Discrimination
Michigan and Pennsylvania have also been at the forefront of the fight against breed-based insurance discrimination. Both states have enacted laws prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based solely on a dog’s breed. In Michigan, legislation passed in 2020 as part of broader insurance reforms explicitly bars insurance companies from breed-based discrimination, compelling them to assess dogs on a case-by-case basis.
Similarly, Pennsylvania’s laws aim to ensure fairness by preventing insurance companies from making coverage decisions based on a dog’s breed. This legal framework reflects a growing recognition of the need to evaluate each dog individually, considering factors like behaviour, training, and history rather than relying on outdated stereotypes about specific breeds. [4]
The Broader Impact of Anti-Discrimination Laws
These state laws represent a broader effort across the United States to combat breed-specific discrimination and to promote responsible dog ownership. The overarching goal is to ensure that dog owners are not unfairly penalised by insurance companies due to their pet’s breed. By requiring insurers to consider each dog individually and focus on objective factors like bite history, these laws are helping to protect dog owners from discriminatory practices.
Moreover, these laws align with the push towards evaluating dogs based on their behaviour and training rather than relying on breed stereotypes. This shift encourages responsible dog ownership and reduces the stigma associated with certain breeds, ultimately fostering a fairer environment for dog owners nationwide.
(Additional Information: As more states consider similar legislation, there is growing advocacy for federal laws that would uniformly protect dog owners from breed-based insurance discrimination nationwide. It could standardise protections and ensure that all dog owners, regardless of location, are treated fairly by insurance companies.)
Challenges of Dog Breeds That Insurers Won't Cover
Owning a dog from a breed often excluded by insurers can be challenging, but it’s manageable with the right approach. You can make well-informed choices by grasping the risks, costs, and legal issues. Staying prepared is crucial whether you choose specialised insurance or consider other options. Your proactive efforts will ensure you and your pet are well protected.
Source of information:
- State Farm’s Position on Dog Breed – https://newsroom.statefarm.com/no-dog-breed-excluded-from-homeowners-insurance/
- Nevada Legislature – Assembly Bill 398 – https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/80th2019/Bill/6542/Text
- New York Senate Bill S4254 -https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s4254
- Michigan Legislature – Insurance Reforms – https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2019-2020/billanalysis/House/pdf/2019-HLA-4557-3275DB52.pdf