There is a long list of factors to consider when you adopt a dog. One aspect that many new pet owners overlook is home insurance. Getting a pet can have a significant effect on your policy and, in some cases, your wallet. If you’re considering adding a new member to the family, here's a closer look at what you need to know. 

What Dog Owners Should Know About Home Insurance 

How does owning a dog impact my policy?

If you have a dog, other people could get injured by it. In fact, insurance companies paid out more than $530 million in claims related to bites in 2014 alone. Dogs can also cause damage to your property. 

To compensate for the added risks, most companies charge higher insurance premiums for pet owners. 

Are there certain breeds that affect premiums more than others?

Dog-related injuries can occur from just about any breed. However, there are certain canines that are associated with higher risks of claims, including pit bulls, dobermans, rottweilers, German shepherds, Alaskan malamutes, Siberian huskies, and wolf-dog hybrids.

These breeds aren't necessarily the most likely to bite people. In fact, chihuahuas are often more aggressive than pit bulls, but the potential damage caused by larger dogs is greater. For that reason, many companies charge higher premiums for high-risk breeds or deny coverage altogether. The same goes for pets that have documented histories of bites or attacks. 

What should I do if my dog isn't covered?

When a dog is considered too aggressive or too big for coverage, you may still be able to get a home insurance policy, but the protections won't extend to your pet.

To avoid having to shoulder the costs of dog-related damage or injury claims, you may want to purchase a separate pet liability insurance plan through certain companies.Personal umbrella plans may also provide coverage.

Should I update my insurance if I get a dog? 

Yes, and failing to notify your provider that you own a dog could have ramifications. Firstly, your claim could be denied because the policy wasn't written to include a canine. There's also a risk that the insurance plan will be canceled.

To avoid any consequences, let your local agent know about your adoption as soon as possible. If you haven't yet found a new pet, consider reaching out to the company to learn about any restrictions ahead of time. 

Whether or not you own a pet, protect yourself with a dependable home insurance policy from Flathead Farm Mutual Insurance Company in Flathead County, MT. Since 1907, this member-owned insurance company has proudly served the coverage needs of residents of Flathead Valley and the state of Montana. Learn more about home insurance by visiting their website.