Homeowners insurers don't like some dog breeds

Your dog may be the darling of your household, but in the eyes of your homeowners insurance company, your cuddly critter could be a potential liability. As we mention in our latest report on homeowners coverage, insurers are increasingly limiting liability coverage for certain dog breeds. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a New York-based trade organization, dog bites account for one-third of all homeowners liability claims.

The III says most carriers will insure you for liability if you own a dog. But once your dog bites someone, you may find it hard or more costly to maintain coverage. But a recent Los Angeles Times article cites several breeds that might be blacklisted by carriers from the get-go, including pit bulls and pit bull mixes, doberman pinschers, akitas, and chow-chows. Animal advocates say it's wrong to blame the breed, and that bad dog behavior is instead the result of bad owner behavior.

For advice on dealing with the liability issues of dog ownership, check out the III's article here. If you're looking for new homeowners' insurance, consult our Ratings of 16 different insurance groups, including the largest carriers. And if you want to know whether to purchase medical insurance for your pet, check out our report on saving money on pet care  from Consumer Reports Money Adviser.

Care to share your experience with animals and insurance? Feel free to comment below.

Comments

[Greg Hurley]

I think your picture might be of a boxer. As a volunteer of a local boxer rescue group, please reconsider the picture posted with this story. Boxers are one of the sweetest and most loving dog breeds! :)

If I am wrong on the dog in the picture, then please disregard my ignorance.

[Jim Slusher]

I will second the comment regarding the picture attached to this article. The dog does appear to a boxer or boxer/mix. Having had boxers in the household for many years I believe your photograph is misleading. Read any description of the breed in a reputable book on dog breeds and you will find the boxer described as friendly, loyal, gentle, and clown-like. They are generally considered one of the better breeds for families with children.

[Shelley]

What if the dog is a mix?

[Margaret]

I appreciate that the previous posters don't want their favored breed misrepresnted (and Boxers really are wonderful dogs), but it's rather missing the point to ask that some other breed be shown in the photo. All breeds can be as playful and loving as Boxers, if they live in loving, attentive homes with people whose own self-image/machismo doesn't prevent spaying/neutering the dog. We must also hold accountable those who participate in or even tolerate animal fighting, since they are responsible for creating fearful, aggressive, and abused dogs, and a climate of fear and prejudice against those same victims. All of us who love our animals should, I think, oppose breed-specific legislation and discrimination--the dogs are as indivisual as the people they live with.

[Thomas]

no matter the breed, this is a puppy playing at what puppies do, tug is a great game. i will hve to agree that dog behavior for the most part reflects the owner. if you love them, you get unconditional love in return, but you must put in the time just like a human to human relationship tht is mean t to last. Shiba Inu owner.

[Neal Primm]

I think Insurance Companies have a right to exclude some breeds of dogs. I don't buy the bad owner excuse. Pit bulls have been bred to fight and kill. Just two days ago in Northern Virginia a 20 year old man was killed in his home by his brother's two pit bulls who evidently had been living in the home for some time. A smaller pet dog was also killed and it is believed that the pit bulls attacked the smaller dog and the man tried to save it. Many years ago my uncle had two pet doberman's who attacked one of my cousins. He had to shoot one of the dogs to stop the attack. Fortunately, no permanant damage was done to the child.
No one can ever say that they can control some breeds of dogs.

[blalor]

I find it really pretty funny that commenters have a bone to pick with a really cute picture of a dog attached to an article about how home owners' insurance can be affected the breed of your dog. I bet someone would be offended if there were a picture of a baby bijon frise. :rolleyes:

That being said, Boxers *are* a breed considered by some insurance companies to be at a higher risk of biting someone, lumped in with Pit Bulls and the other "dangerous" dogs.