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If you’re a dog owner in the market for homeowner’s insurance, you may be surprised to learn that you might not be able to get a certain policy because of your dog. While you might not see your pet as a potential risk, some insurance carriers do. Here’s what you need to know about getting homeowner’s insurance if you have a dog.

How Much Insurance Should You Get If You Have a Dog?

If your dog isn’t considered to be a high-risk breed, you shouldn’t have a problem finding homeowner’s insurance. A homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the medical costs and personal liability claims caused by your dog, up to the stated amount on your policy.

What your policy won’t cover is any damage that your dog does to your home. For instance, if your dog ruins your carpet or chews up your drywall, that cost is on you.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite claim is around $39,000. However, that number is just an average. Most homeowner’s insurance policies come with a minimum of $100,000 in liability protection and up to $5,000 in medical payments.  If you’re worried about liability limits, you can increase them to as much as $500,000.

Are There Certain Breeds That Aren’t Covered?

Homeowner's InsuranceAccording to the CDC, there are an estimated 4.7 million dog bites each year in the United States. These dog bites account for one-third of all of the homeowners’ insurance claims. Due to this, some insurance companies will not provide you with homeowners insurance if you own a dog that is considered “more aggressive.” Some high-risk dog breeds include pit bulls, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, and Akitas. 

Some insurance companies have an even more exhaustive dog breed list. If you have one of these breeds of dogs, you’ll need to work with an agent to find a company to cover you.

Should I Contact My Insurance Agent If I Get a New Dog?

You should always contact your insurance agent when you get a new dog. Regardless of the breed, your dog may need to be added to your policy in order for it to be covered. This ensures that you, your property, and your pet remain safe. 

 

If you’re in the market for a homeowner’s insurance policy, contact the agents at Barnes & Howell Insurance, Inc. Serving Gainesville, GA, this team can help you find the policy you need. They’ve been in business for over 20 years and work with 50 different insurance companies. You can visit their website to learn more or contact them at (770) 718-0202 to get your free quote today.

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