Dog Breed Restrictions

​Suppose your dog attacks a visitor or destroys their possessions while at your house. In that case, the personal liability component of your home insurance policy will cover legal and medical bills. However, because the risk of damage is higher with bigger breeds or ones with a reputation for being aggressive, some insurance companies may not cover them.

The high cost of liability lawsuits against dog owners is one of the reasons why some pets are excluded from insurance policies. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite claim is roughly $44,760.

This article will help you know more about dog restrictions in home insurance policies.

Reasons Why Home Insurance Companies Have Breed Limits 
There are insurance companies that don't cover some of the dog breeds. Here are the factors they consider:

Temperament
Some insurance firms believe that a dog's breed influences its behavior, such as whether it is easily scared or protective of its owner; or if they are easily tempted or uncontrollable.

For example, a dog that is quickly provoked to attack a human or another dog may inflict too much damage. The insurance company should shoulder the medical bill of the victims. And it can get pretty expensive.

Additionally, some canines may be unpredictable, and insurance companies don't want to bet their money on something they can't calculate the risk.

Size and Strength
Different dog breeds vary widely in size and strength, and larger dogs have a greater chance of injuring someone or causing property damage, even if it is an accident.

As a result, property damage caused by dogs is one of the most common liability claims filed under house insurance coverage.

Financial Cost
The average cost of a dog bite claim is $50 245 USD, and In the United States, total dog-related injury claims were $854 million. There is also an ongoing growth in medical costs and legal fees.

Excluded Dog Breeds in the Insurance
These are the most commonly banned dog breeds:

• Staffordshire terriers
• Pit bulls
• Siberian huskies
• Great Danes
• Chow chows
• Alaskan Malamutes
• German shepherds
• Doberman pinschers
• Rottweilers
• Akitas
• Any wolf breeds
• Presa Canarios

Other Factors For Dog Restriction

1. Any dog spotted by an insurance company employee that has a violent nature.
2. Dogs who have previously bitten another person or animal
3. Dogs who have previously attacked or set upon any person or animal with severe force

Conclusion
There are dog breeds that insurance companies exclude in their homeowner policies due to several reasons: temperament, size and strength, and financial cost. They also consider if the dog has a violent nature and has a history of biting and attacks. 

At Leigh Insurance Agency, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (904) 826-0799. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.  Any coverage discussed is not guaranteed. Contact us today to go over your specific needs and we are happy to help you find a policy that works for you and your budget!