If you’re a dog lover, you know the importance of making sure your furry friend feels like a part of the family. Like everything else, dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Not all dogs however are considered as friendly as others. If you are a homeowner and required to carry homeowners insurance, it is important to know that not all dogs are welcomed in the world of insurance.
In recent years liability suits have become a common pastime resulting in millions of dollars being paid out by insurance companies each year, suit of all kinds are settled daily. One in particular is dog bite claims. Most homeowner policies will cover liability in the event your dog attacks or bites someone, if the “Dog Liability Endorsement “is on your policy. Dog Liability in short, covers to loss arising from dogs that you own or keep.
Keep in mind however that not all insurance companies offer this endorsement. Also keep in mind that even though most companies do, there are still stipulations involved, such as the breed of dog you own.
Some companies do not offer dog liability for certain breeds such as Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Akitas, Doberman Pinchers, Chows, Rottweiler and others. These dogs are put on the vicious dog list.
The vicious dog list is different for each company so check with your agent to see which breeds your current homeowner insurance company considers to be vicious. In some cases if you wish to keep your dog you may be forced to obtain a non standard homeowner policy. Knowing what’s covered on your policy and what your options are will definitely help you make an informed decision on what type of policy you need and maybe even what type of dog you want.
Continue Reading