How to Get Homeowner's Insurance With a Guard Dog

Rottweilers are among the CDC's top biters.

It is important for dog owners to carry homeowner's insurance that covers accident liabilities incurred from the dog. According to DogBiteLaw.com, coverage should be for a minimum of $100,000 in liability for damages and injuries. Those who own guard dogs may find that normal homeowner's insurance policies may exclude the animal from liability coverage or will deny policy issuance. The breed of dog, his behavior (biting) history and his probability of inflicting injury will be considered before a policy can be obtained.

Instructions

1. Determine if your dog is on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of the top 10 most dangerous dogs. The most dangerous breeds are: 1) pit bull; 2) rottweiler; 3) German shepherd; 4) huskie; 5) Alaskan malamute; 6) Doberman pinscher; 7) chow chow; 8) Presa Canario; 9) boxers; and 10) dalmatian.

   A dog on this list will make obtaining a homeowner's policy with dog liability more difficult. Breeds not listed are not automatically guaranteed insurability.

2. Compile a history of your dog. This should include age, breed and bite history. Bite history should include any incident reports from animal control or the police.

3. Contact your insurance carrier. Inquire about a homeowner's policy that includes your dog on the policy. Provide the insurance agent with all the information compiled. Mainstream insurance providers may offer you an insurance policy excluding liability for property and injuries resulting from your dog.

4. Find an insurance company that offers specialty policies to cover "canine liability coverage." You may pay a higher premium, but most owners are able to obtain insurance unless the dog has a serious bite history including mauling or killing someone.

5. Review the policy terms to make sure you understand what is covered and what is excluded. Some companies will issue a policy but with exclusions for bites, breeds, number of claims and total financial loss. It may also limit coverage to household residents or specific individuals covered.

Tips & Warnings

• Some insurance brokers that specialize in canine liability coverage are:

• Lester Kalmanson Agency Inc.

• P.O. Box 940008

• Maitland, FL 32794-0008

• 407-645-5000

• The Ohio Insurance Exchange

• Eva Reed

• 117 W. Main St., Suite 103

• Lancaster, OH 43130

• 800-473-1215

• 740-681-9945

• Fax: [phone]

• Evolution Insurance Brokers

• Rick Lindsey, president / underwriter

• 801-304-5510

• Fax: [phone]

• Premiums for guard dogs considered high risks may start at $1,000 per year for $100,000 of coverage, with a $1,500 deductible. This is the case even with dogs who have a clean bite history, according to the Lester Kalmanson Agency.

References

• Dog Bite Law: Dog Owner Liability Insurance
• CDC: Bite Prevention
• PetsDo: Top Ten Most Dangerous Dog Breeds