Dogs may be a person’s best friend, but they can also bring added risks to a household and complicate the process of getting homeowners insurance, especially if you run into breed blacklists.
Certain breeds considered aggressive may raise premiums or limit coverage, as insurers aim to reduce liability risks and costly claims. Owning one of these pups can mean higher rates or even denial of coverage, as some breeds are more often linked to bite incidents and severe injuries. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) lets insurers create policies that blacklist certain dogs, though the impact depends on where you live, since some states restrict or ban BSL altogether.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Homeowners insurance usually covers dog bites under the liability section of your policy. If your dog injures someone, whether on your property or elsewhere, it can help pay for medical expenses, legal costs, and other damages. However, coverage can vary depending on your insurer, your dog’s breed, and the details of the incident.
When Dog Bites Are Covered by Home Insurance
Dog bites are usually covered when:
- The injured person is a guest or passerby, not someone living in your home.
- The incident happened on your property or in a location where your dog was legally allowed to be.
Situations Where Dog Bite Claims May Be Denied
Sometimes your insurer won’t cover dog bite injuries. This could happen if you own a breed they’ve blacklisted, encouraged your dog to bite someone, or were trespassing on someone else’s property.
Liability Coverage for Dog Attacks on and Off Your Property
Usually, your homeowner’s insurance liability coverage will handle dog bite incidents that happen both on your property and elsewhere, like at a park, as long as your dog’s breed isn’t excluded by the policy. Still, it’s a good idea to review your policy to be sure it doesn’t limit coverage only to bites that occur on your property.
Dangerous Dog Breeds List: Which Breeds Can Affect Your Insurance?
Some insurance companies consider certain dog breeds “dangerous” because they’re seen as more likely to bite or attack. Owning one of these breeds could mean paying higher premiums or even being denied coverage.
Common Dog Breeds Restricted by Insurance Companies
The list of dog breeds blacklisted by insurance companies often varies by provider, but these are some of the most commonly restricted breeds for homeowners’ policies.
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Huskies
- Akitas
- Wolf Hybrids
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Mastiffs
- Chow Chows
Why Certain Breeds Are Considered High-Risk
Some dog breeds are considered high-risk by insurers, who often place restrictions on them because they’re statistically more likely to cause expensive bite-related claims. Take Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers, for example—they aren’t always more aggressive than other breeds, but their strength and powerful jaws can lead to more serious injuries if they do bite.
Best Insurance Providers for Dog Owners
Policies vary by state, but these providers are often known to accept all breeds or evaluate dogs on a case-by-case basis:
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