Dogs for Insurance: The Ultimate Guide to Breeds, Blacklists & Liability Rates
Introduction
So, you’re thinking about getting a dog (or you just brought one home—yay!). You’ve bought the cute collar, the squeaky toys, and the high-quality kibble. You’re ready for puppy cuddles and long walks.
But then, a friend asks a question that stops you in your tracks: "Have you told your insurance company yet?"
Wait, what?
It’s the boring, "adulting" side of pet ownership that nobody likes to talk about, but it is absolutely critical. When we talk about dogs for insurance, we are usually talking about one scary word: Liability.
In the eyes of an insurance company, your fluffy best friend isn't just a family member; they are a potential risk. If Fido bites the mailman or trips a neighbor, the lawsuit could cost thousands. Because of this, insurance companies love some dogs and blacklist others.
If you are worried that your dream dog might make you uninsurable, or if you want to know which breeds keep your premiums low, you are in the right place.
In this guide, I’m going to break down everything I’ve learned over 10 years in the pet industry. We’ll look at the "Naughty List" of excluded breeds, the "Good List" that insurers love, and how to protect your wallet regardless of what kind of pup you own.
Let’s dive in.
The Core Answer: How Dogs Affect Your Insurance
Let's clear up the confusion immediately. When people search for dogs for insurance, they are usually asking: "How does my dog affect my Homeowners or Renters Insurance?"
The Direct Answer: Your dog affects your insurance based on its breed and bite history. Most standard policies include liability coverage for dog bites. However, many insurers have a "Blacklist" of high-risk breeds (like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers) that they will NOT cover. Owning a "safe" breed usually won't raise your rates, but owning a "restricted" breed can lead to policy cancellation or denial.
Why Do Insurance Companies Care?
It’s strictly a numbers game. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite and injury claims cost insurers over $1 billion per year. The average cost per claim is over $50,000.
Because that is a lot of money, insurers want to bet on dogs for insurance purposes that are statistically less likely to cause severe damage.
What Dog Breeds Are Denied by Homeowners Insurance? (The Blacklist)
This is the most common PAA question, and it’s the one that causes the most stress.
The Answer: While every company is different, most insurers exclude breeds they classify as "aggressive" or "high risk." If you own one of these dogs, you may be denied coverage or forced to sign a liability waiver.
The "Usual Suspects"
If you own one of these breeds (or a mix of them), you need to be extra careful when shopping for insurance:
- Pit Bulls & Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Chows
- Akitas
- Presa Canarios
- Great Danes
- Wolf Hybrids
- Alaskan Malamutes / Huskies (sometimes)
Why these dogs? It’s not necessarily that they bite more (Chihuahuas bite a lot!), but when they do bite, the damage is medically expensive. Insurance cares about the payout, not the personality.
Lisa’s Pro Tip: If you have a mixed breed (e.g., a "Lab-Mix" that looks like a Pit Bull), get a DNA test or a vet's letter stating the dominant breed. However, be warned: many insurance adjusters use the "Eye Test." If it looks like a restricted breed, they might treat it as one.
What Are the Best Dog Breeds for Insurance Rates?
On the flip side, if you are still in the research phase and want a dog that will sail through the insurance approval process, look for the "Family Friendly" list.
The Answer: The best dogs for insurance are breeds with low bite statistics and a reputation for being gentle. Owning these dogs typically will not increase your premium at all.
The "Safe Bets"
These breeds rarely raise red flags with underwriters:
- Golden Retrievers & Labradors: The gold standard of low-risk dogs.
- Beagles: Friendly and rarely cause severe injury.
- Pugs & French Bulldogs: They are more likely to lick you to death than bite you.
- Boxers: (Note: Some strict companies list them, but most consider them safe).
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Basically, if the dog is unlikely to send someone to the ER, your insurance company is happy.
Does Owning a Dog Increase Homeowners Insurance?
This is a huge misconception. People think, "I got a dog, now my bill will go up $100 a month."
The Answer: Generally, no. Owning a dog does not automatically increase your monthly premium. Liability coverage is built into your standard policy. However, if you have a "restricted breed," you might have to buy a separate, more expensive policy, which technically increases your overall costs.
The Hidden Cost
While the premium might not go up, the risk goes up. If your dog bites someone and you are sued for $100,000, and your policy limit is only $50,000, you are paying the difference.
- My Recommendation: If you get a dog, call your agent and bump your liability coverage to $300,000 or $500,000. It usually costs only $20-$30 per year extra.
Which Insurance Companies Do Not Discriminate Against Breeds?
If you have a Pit Bull or a Rottweiler, you might feel like the world is against you. But there is good news! Some companies judge the dog, not the breed.
The Answer: Companies like State Farm and USAA (for military) are famous for having no breed restrictions. They will insure your home regardless of your dog's breed, provided the dog has no prior bite history.
The "Good Guys" List
- State Farm: They explicitly state they do not ask about breed, only bite history.
- USAA: Fantastic coverage if you qualify for membership.
- Farmers Insurance: (In some states) has started lifting breed bans.
- Erie Insurance: Known for being lenient.
If you have a restricted breed, start your quote process with these companies.
What Happens If I Don't Tell My Insurance About My Dog?
I see this question in forums all the time: "Can I just hide my dog?"
The Answer: Do not do this. Failing to disclose your dog is considered "Material Misrepresentation." If your dog bites someone and the insurer finds out you lied, they will deny the claim, cancel your policy, and leave you personally liable for all legal and medical bills.
The Scenario
Imagine your "secret" German Shepherd bites a delivery driver. The driver sues. You call your insurance. The insurance investigator talks to your neighbors or checks your social media. They find out you’ve had the dog for years.
- Result: They deny the $50,000 claim. You have to pay it. You also lose your home insurance and get blacklisted, making it hard to get insurance in the future.
Just be honest. It is not worth the risk.
Specialized Insurance: The "Bad Dog" Solution
What if your dog has a bite history? Or what if you love your current home insurance provider, but they won't cover your Doberman?
You can buy Canine Liability Insurance (also called Animal Liability Insurance).
This is a standalone policy just for your dog.
- Who it’s for: Owners of "dangerous" breeds or dogs with a bite record.
- Companies: Xinsurance, Dean Insurance Agency.
- Cost: It’s more expensive (maybe $30-$50/month), but it ensures you are protected even if your home insurance says no.
Common Myths & Mistakes
Let’s bust a few myths I hear at the dog park.
Myth 1: "Small dogs don't need insurance coverage."
- Truth: A Chihuahua can bite a child’s face or trip an elderly person. While the damage might be less than a Mastiff, a lawsuit is still a lawsuit. Small dogs need liability coverage too.
- Truth: NO! Your landlord’s insurance covers the building. If your dog bites a neighbor, the neighbor sues you, not the landlord. You need Renters Insurance.
- Truth: No. Pet Insurance (like Trupanion or Healthy Paws) covers your dog's health (vet bills). Homeowners/Renters Insurance covers liability (lawsuits). You need both.
Myth 2: "My landlord's insurance covers my dog."
Myth 3: "Pet Insurance covers dog bites."
Lisa's Pro Tip: The Canine Good Citizen Test
Here is a little secret that can help you with insurance: Training.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is a certification that proves your dog has manners. They can sit, stay, walk on a loose leash, and interact politely with strangers.
Why does this matter for insurance? Some insurance companies will overlook a breed restriction or offer a discount if you can provide a CGC certificate. It proves to them that you are a responsible owner and your dog is under control.
- Action Step: Find a local trainer who offers CGC testing. It’s a fun bonding experience and a great "resume booster" for your dog!
Conclusion
Navigating the world of dogs for insurance can feel unfair, especially when you look at your goofy Pit Bull who just wants to lick everyone. But insurance is a business of risk, and you have to play by the rules to protect your family.
Key Takeaways:
- Check your policy: Read the exclusions list today.
- Be honest: Never hide your dog from your insurer.
- Shop around: If your company says no to your breed, call State Farm or USAA.
- Boost your liability: $100k isn't enough anymore. Go for $300k.
Owning a dog is a joy, but it’s also a responsibility. Make sure that if the worst happens—a gate left open, a spooked pup, a bite—you have the safety net you need.
Do you have a "restricted" breed? How did you find insurance? Let me know in the comments below—your experience could help another reader save their home policy!
FAQ Section
1. Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites to other dogs? Yes. Legally, dogs are considered "property." If your dog attacks a neighbor's dog, your liability insurance should cover the veterinary costs for the other dog. It will not cover injuries to your own dog.
2. Can an insurance company cancel my policy if I get a Pit Bull? Yes. If your provider has a strict "No Pit Bull" policy and you adopt one mid-term, they can issue a non-renewal notice or cancel your policy. Always check with your agent before bringing a new dog home.
3. What is the difference between pet insurance and liability insurance? Pet Insurance (like medical insurance) pays for your dog's vet bills if they get sick. Liability Insurance (part of Home/Renters insurance) pays for other people's medical bills if your dog bites them.
4. Does umbrella insurance cover dog bites? Yes, and it’s a great idea! Umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage (e.g., $1 million+) on top of your homeowners policy. It kicks in if a dog bite lawsuit exceeds your standard policy limits.
5. Are emotional support animals (ESAs) exempt from breed restrictions? This is a gray area. While Fair Housing laws allow ESAs in rentals regardless of breed, insurance companies are private entities. In many states, they can still deny coverage for an ESA if it is a high-risk breed, unless state law specifically prohibits it. Check your local state regulations.