Akita Liability Insurance Coverage
One thing is certain: Akitas are furry bundles of joy and cuteness. Originally from Japan, this highly energetic, active, and bold dog breed is among the most loyal and protective. The two most common Akita breeds are the Akita and Akitainu. They are similar in many ways but differ in size and color.
While their protective nature makes the perfect best friend, Akitas can also be a liability. These dogs have a powerful scissor-shaped jaw, similar to a pit bull’s, with a bite force ranging from 350 to 400 psi. This pressure means their bite can cause severe damage to another person or property.
That’s why you should consider Akita liability insurance solutions to help cover you in the unfortunate event your dog bites someone or damages property.
What Is Akita Liability Insurance, And Can I Qualify for It?
Akita liability insurance is a special type of coverage you can purchase for your homeowners or renters policy that helps protect you in the unfortunate event your dog bites someone or damages their property. Some homeowners insurance companies won’t offer animal liability insurance to certain breeds for various reasons.
An Akita can fall into one of two categories:
- A typically ineligible breed: Homeowners insurance companies often refuse to cover certain breeds they deem dangerous, like pit bulls. This lack of coverage isn’t based on any previous issues specific to your dog but simply the higher likelihood of this breed causing an incident.
- A dog with a past incident: Breeds may be ineligible depending on individual circumstances, like your dog’s behavior history. A previous bite history can cause insurance providers to view your dog as more dangerous, even if the bite was accidental.
If your dog falls into one or both categories, you may need to seek alternate coverage in the form of Akita liability insurance. It’s often a good option for those who don’t qualify for protection under their homeowners insurance policy.
Why Do You Need Akita Liability Insurance?
You may seek specialized pet liability coverage for many reasons, including the following.
Legal Requirements
If you live in the United States, the law mandates you to carry liability insurance for your pet. This solution is mostly useful if your dog has been declared a “potentially dangerous breed” or most likely to bite.
As an owner, guardian, or handler of this breed, you need to know this dog was originally bred for hunting boar and bear in Japan. They were designed to work independently from their handlers. You might notice their strong hunting drives, which may prevent them from following commands from strangers.
Don’t wait until your dog bites anyone or destroys property. Start by learning about your state’s laws regarding potentially dangerous dogs. Then, make sure you’re following them before there’s any chance of an incident occurring with your beloved companion that could lead to financial trouble down the road.
Akita Behavior
Though Akitas are loyal to their guardians, they sometimes react aggressively toward people they don’t know, especially children. So, if your Akita bites someone while they’re trying to pet or play with them, you could be held liable (responsible) for any injuries or damages resulting from the bite. Akitas are also prone to show aggression to other dogs.
Having this dog can be a lot of fun. However, it’s important to remember that these dogs are large and can cause severe damage if they aren’t properly trained. Sadly, every year brings new Akita bite and attack cases. For example, in a recent incident, a young child in Mississippi was attacked by an Akita that jumped the fence. He sustained severe injuries to his head, arms and hands.
Banned Breed Legislation
The energetic, huge-built, and powerful nature of the Akita is why the dog is considered potentially dangerous. That’s why most homeowners insurance companies have banned the breed along with other breeds, including the:
- Doberman pinscher
- Pit bull
- Rottweiler
- Chow chow
- Wolf dogs and wolf hybrids
- German shepherd
- Husky
- Alaskan malamute
- Presa Canario (canary dog)
- Mastiff
In such cases, the best course of action is to purchase third-party liability coverage solutions, such as Akita liability insurance solutions from XINSURANCE.
What Does Your Akita Liability Insurance Solution Cover?
In the event of a covered claim, Akita liability insurance coverage solutions can protect against the costs associated with:
- Third-party bodily injury caused by your dog
- Third-party property damage caused by your dog
- Coverage for legal defense costs up to the limits of your policy
- Medical payments to others
While your dog may be friendly, accidents happen, and it’s best to be prepared. In the United States, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs yearly. Furthermore, data from the Insurance Information Institute notes that bites from your Akita could cost you a whopping $58,000 or more — even more reason to get insurance.
How to Get Quotes for Akita Liability Insurance Solutions
If you’re looking for quotes for Akita liability insurance solutions, it’s worth finding a direct insurance partner, such as XINSURANCE, who finds coverage solutions for your breed rather than generic dog categories.
Some insurers will provide coverage for all dogs except potentially dangerous breeds, while others will refuse to provide coverage if they consider the animal dangerous.
Compare the limits and excess levels of all the quotes you receive. These two things decide how much your policy costs and what it includes. One truth remains: The right Akita insurance solution will save you lots of money in out-of-pocket payouts.
Other Tips for Owning an Akita
Caring for a dog is a big responsibility, requiring more than the right insurance solution. Here are a few other details to consider regarding Akita ownership.
Consider Your Household
Akitas can be fantastic companions and members of your family. However, their strength and large body size might not suit your home, especially if you are an inexperienced dog handler, owner, or guardian. This dog breed also requires lots of exercise, training, and attention to ensure they are happy.
Watch out for Health Issues
Akitas (especially purebred) are prone to numerous health issues, such as:
- Acquired myasthenia gravis
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric-dilatation volvulus
- Von Willebrand disease
- Skin issues, such as VKH (Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada) disease
- Eye health challenges such as glaucoma, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy, and multifocal retinal dysplasia
- Autoimmune disorders such as sebaceous adenitis and hypothyroidism
Caring for your Akita should be a priority. If you suspect something wrong with your dog, talk to your vet immediately.
Ensure Proper Training and Socialization
Due to their overprotective nature, your Akita can be wary of strangers. You should train and socialize it from its early life to ensure it matures into an inclusive dog. They are playful, energetic, and intelligent. So, keep them occupied, lest they utilize their boredom to cause chaos and damage to your property or others.
Fortunately, there are plenty of experienced and skilled dog trainers, handlers, and accredited dog behaviorists. If you can’t find one, you can consult your vet for a reliable referral. While they are adventurous and love walks, you should always keep your Akita leashed, especially in public spaces.
Take Care When Grooming
Grooming doesn’t come easy with Akitas. They have short and dense fur, which means they shed bucketloads! Having some grooming equipment, such as brushes, will help you brush the dog and remove any shed hair around your house.
Akita Liability Insurance Solutions From XINSURANCE
Unfortunately, very few insurance companies are willing to cover your Akita. The lack of animal liability insurance can take a toll on anyone.
At XINSURANCE, we understand this feeling all too well. That’s why, as a DBA of Evolution Insurance Brokers, LC (“EIB”), an excess and surplus lines insurance brokerage, we are the best insurance partner for Akita insurance solutions. We identify customized solutions that are just what the vet ordered for you and your family’s peace of mind and heart. Contact us to request a free quote.
Last updated on February 17, 2025
Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman, and CEO of XINSURANCE
Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.