Insurance Companies Not Issuing Policies based on Dog Breed you Own

Insurance Companies Not Issuing Policies based on Dog Breed you Own!

 

Insurance companies are getting pickier about what breed of dog you have before issuing a homeowners policy based on the carriers new restrictive rules. Now when a potential homeowner contacts a company, one of the first questions they ask is do you have a dog, what breed, and has it ever bit anyone?

 

When you fill out your application, you might think it is alright to not mention any priors but the insurance companies are able to get copies of incidents, police reports, medical notifications to law enforcement and  lawsuits filed. You might think by saying no and no one will find out but if there is an incident and they find out you lied, the insurance company and their carriers will typically deny your claim.

 

 

 

 

 

Even if you have been insured with the same company for several years, do not assume your current policy provides coverage for your pet. Insurance companies modify policies and coverage on a regular basis. If your company is not aware you own a "dangerous" dog but finds out, your policy may be immediately canceled. If an incident with the dog occurs on your property, the insurance company can deny your claim, leaving you responsible for the bill.

 

 

If your dog is considered a risk, inquire about what you can do to help lower insurance rates.

 

Some Options: Consider putting up a privacy fence and spaying or neutering the dog to improve its disposition. You can prove yourself a responsible pet owner by enrolling your dog in the American Kennel Club's Good Citizen Program.

 

Some companies do not restrict breeds but base the decision to offer insurance on the dog's behavior history. Certain companies believe that other factors aside from the breed affect a dog's temperament. The company requires customers to answer questions about their dog's history on the insurance application. The company wants to know if the dog has bitten anyone or if it has been trained for attack purposes. A prior dog bite incident will show up on an applicant's claims history, which insurers check before issuing a policy.

 

 A dog bite is not always an automatic denial. Once a dog has bitten someone, the insurance company may charge a higher premium or exclude the dog from coverage. Companies can even make customers sign a waiver of liability for dog bites.

 

To avoid insurance problems, ask your insurance agent about the breed you’re considering before you buy him or her. Furthermore, “if it’s a rescue dog, find out if it has a biting history or was abused,” McCarthy says — once a dog injures someone in your home, you risk getting your coverage dropped.

 

Bottom line: This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t get a pit bull or one of the risky dog breeds but you should call your insurance agent to find out whether they cover the breed, and if not, what it will cost to get a homeowners or renters with a company that does.

 

Currently In California, most of the insurance companies have gotten together recently discussing this big problem and deciding what to do.  Nationwide, the insurance companies are paying out over 1 million dollars in dog bites cases annually and the numbers are increasing.

Certain counties have banned certain breeds so if dog owners keep one of these aggressive dogs, they may find themselves in court, sentenced with a huge fine or even prison time if the dogs are involved in an altercation.

 

Here is a list of the top 11 dogs that have been the biggest offenders. The top three are the biggest problems based on statistics and will probably force homeowners to sign waivers or be cancelled.

1.    Pit Bulls & Staffordshire Terrier

2.    Wolf-hybrid

3.    Rottweiler

4.    Doberman Pinscher

5.    Alaskan Malamute

6.    Siberian Husky

7.    German Shepherd

8.    Chow

9.    Great Dane

10. Akita

11. Presa Canarios

 

Kristin Hamilton  DRE #014092138 Keller Williams Realty -I sell real estate in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties commonly called the Inland Empire. I am a trained and experienced Short Sale agent. If you are looking for a professional and experienced agent, I am just a click away. Google me at Kristin Hamilton-Real Estate Agent. Homeowners and Buyers both will find my services top notch and successful. Call me to sell your home; both traditional and short sales.

 

California is a dream come true state no matter what your needs or wants are. We have year round warm weather, beautiful beaches, rustic mountains and desert communities. If you are looking for a home in southern California, please contact me. I am a local California Realtor, live in the Inland Empire community and aware of the local market. I am here to help you find a home or to sell the home you currently own. California has great opportunities to view Nature and Bird Watching. Whatever your needs are, you will find it here in California! From the Inland Empire you are 45 minutes to the beaches, mountains or desert. Housing is affordable in the Inland Empire area!

 

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If you want to sell your home, call Kristin @909-557-6966 or email me at kristinhamilton@kw.com

 

Need a Great Realtor in San Bernardino & Riverside? Google me here...Kristin Hamilton 909.557.6966.

Kristin Hamilton CDPE, SFR, CHS, BPOR, BA
Keller Williams Realty DRE-01492138