A home insurance policy protects you against a number of risks, including damage to your house or personal property due to fires, storms, and other hazards. Another important protection it offers is personal liability coverage. This pays for repairs and medical treatments if you or a member of your household should accidentally injure someone or damage their property. Given that dogs are considered members of the household, you may wonder how having a dog might affect your home insurance rates.

The Connection Between Dogs & Home Insurance

Because any dog represents a potential dog bite claim, the amount you pay for coverage may increase if you own one. However, it depends on the dog and the insurer. For instance, some insurers don't factor in the dog at all, while some raise their rates for any dog. Still others maintain a list of "higher risk" dogs for which they raise their rates. In fact, if you have one of these high-risk dogs, you may find it difficult to purchase home insurance at all. You may have to shop around.

Which Dog Breeds Are Considered High Risk?

Typically, the dogs on an insurer's high-risk list tend to be larger, more aggressive breeds. These include Doberman pinschers, Chows, Akitas, Great Danes, German shepherds, rottweilers, Siberian huskies, and pit bulls. Although individual dogs may not be aggressive, their size and breed history—as guard or military dogs—mean they pose a significant risk of causing serious damage if they should attack.

How Can You Minimize the Chances of a Dog Bite?

First, never encourage your dog to snap at you, even in play. Rather, discourage the habit strongly. When walking your dog, keep it on a 6-foot (or shorter) leash so you can maintain control. Don't let Fido approach passersby, and be very careful about letting strangers pet him. At the least sign of aggression, withdraw and separate. You should always have a muzzle on hand, and slip it over your dog's head when you encounter other dogs or people.

For expert assistance from a friendly, knowledgeable home insurance agent, contact A.W. Adams Insurance in Clayton, GA. Family-owned and -operated, they have been helping clients in and around Rabun County since 1965 and have built a reputation for exceptional customer service. In addition to homeowners insurance, they also carry auto, life, boat, motorcycle, and business insurance.  Visit their website to message them online, or call (706) 782-5100 to request a home insurance quote.