How to Insure Your Home With Dogs

Homeowners and renters insurance can protect you from liability for your dog's behavior. Depending on your dog's breed, however, you may experience a delay in finding appropriate coverage, so prepare to work with your agent to find a policy that works for your family.

Things You'll Need

• Letter from veterinarian (if your dog is considered to be an aggressive breed)
• Obedience school certificate (again, if your dog is considered to be an aggressive breed)

Instructions

1. Contact your insurance agent. If you just purchased or adopted a dog, explain that you want to make sure that your homeowners or renters insurance policy covers any liability you have for dog bites or damage that your dog does to the property of others. If you don't already have homeowners or renters insurance, tell the agent that you wish to purchase a policy.

2. Remind or inform your insurance agent of any special circumstances that require additional coverage. For example, if you own a home-based business or do business from your home, you either need a separate home business policy or rider for your insurance. Make sure that these additional policies and riders include coverage for the behavior of your dog.

3. Supply needed documentation to your insurance agent regarding your dog's temperament and behavior. Some insurers are wary about providing insurance coverage for people who own dogs that belong to breeds that are considered aggressive, destructive or dangerous. You can mitigate their concern by providing your insurance company with a testimonial from your vet as to your dog's behavior, as well as evidence that you and the dog completed obedience classes. If this documentation isn't sufficient, the American Kennel Club suggests that you purchase a separate insurance rider to cover liability for your dog's actions.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog damages your own property, your renters or homeowners policy won't cover these damages. These policies only cover your liability for damage caused by your dog to the property of other people.

References

• Nolo; Homeowners Insurance -- What You Need to Know
• American Kennel Club: Tips on Finding Homeowners Insurance
• Bankrate; 11 Dogs that Could Raise Your Insurance Costs; Kay Bell; September 2003
• Insurance Information Institute; What Coverage Is Included in a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy?
• Consumer Reports; Homeowners Insurers Don't Like Some Dog Breeds; August 2009