How to Get Homeowner's Insurance With a Guard Dog
- 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.
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