Contact Us

For many families, owning a dog brings joy, companionship, and emotional support. However, while these furry friends offer numerous benefits, they can also come with financial consequences—particularly when it comes to homeowner’s insurance. Many policyholders are surprised to learn that simply owning a dog can raise their insurance premiums or even result in limited coverage. Here’s why.

The Liability Risk Factor

The primary reason dogs affect homeowner’s insurance costs is liability risk. Insurance companies are in the business of evaluating risk, and certain breeds or behavioral histories are statistically more likely to be involved in bite incidents or aggressive behavior. If your dog were to bite a guest or cause damage to someone else’s property, your liability coverage might be used to cover medical expenses, legal fees, or settlements.

Even a well-trained dog can react unpredictably under stress, illness, or provocation—so insurers plan for worst-case scenarios.

Breed Restrictions and High-Risk Lists

Many insurance companies maintain lists of “high-risk” dog breeds. These lists typically include:

• Pit Bulls
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Doberman Pinschers
• Chow Chows
• Akitas
• Wolf hybrids

Owning one of these breeds may lead to higher premiums, exclusions of dog-related incidents from liability coverage, or outright denial of coverage. Some insurers may require additional documentation or even behavioral assessments to justify coverage.

Claims History Matters

Even if your dog is not on a restricted breed list, any prior incidents—like bites or aggressive behavior—can impact your policy. A history of dog-related claims increases your risk profile and, therefore, your premiums. In some cases, it may make you ineligible for certain policies altogether.

State Regulations and Company Policies

The extent to which your dog affects your homeowner’s insurance also depends on your state and insurance provider. Some states have laws prohibiting breed discrimination in insurance policies. Others leave it entirely up to insurers. It’s important to shop around and compare providers, especially if you own or are considering adopting a breed that’s commonly flagged as high-risk.

Ways to Mitigate the Impact

If you’re concerned about how your dog could affect your homeowner’s insurance, consider the following steps:

• Training and Certification: Enroll your dog in obedience school or seek a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification to demonstrate responsible ownership.
• Secure Your Property: Fencing your yard and placing warning signs may help reduce perceived risk.
• Purchase Umbrella Insurance: An umbrella liability policy can offer additional protection beyond standard homeowner’s coverage.
• Disclose Honestly: Always inform your insurer about your dog to avoid denied claims due to nondisclosure.

Conclusion

Owning a dog can enrich your life in countless ways, but it’s important to understand the financial responsibilities that come with it. From potential increases in your homeowner’s insurance premium to coverage restrictions, the implications are real. By educating yourself, comparing policies, and taking proactive steps to minimize risk, you can enjoy pet ownership while protecting your home and finances.

Would you like help comparing how different insurance companies handle dog ownership in your state? Contact Unquoting Insurance Company for a no obligation quote.

- Elyse Y. Robinson

Founded in 2025, Unquoting Insurance Company by an experienced insurance professional licensed, our insurance agency specializes in health, life, property, and casualty insurance in all 50 states. Dedicated to personalized solutions, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service. Need help finding the right insurance policy or want a free quote? Contact us today to explore your options and see how much you could save!