Pit Bull Liability Insurance
Dog Liability Insurance for Pit Bull Owners
Across countless online forums and message boards regarding dog ownership and liability, tons of frustrated and panicked pit bull owners are asking one simple question — “How can I insure my beloved pet?”
Across countless online forums and message boards regarding dog ownership and liability, tons of pit bull owners are asking one simple question — “How can I insure my beloved pet?”
While most homeowners insurance policies include pets in their coverage, almost all companies make exceptions for particular breeds considered “vicious,” and pit bulls are at the top of their list. Bite incidents more often result from improper training rather than breeding, but pit bulls still have a perception as a dangerous breed.
If you are a pit bull owner or looking to adopt a pit bull, we have compiled this overview of pit bull ownership and the liabilities associated with this dog breed to help you find the proper liability insurance.
How Pit Bulls Affect Homeowner’s Insurance
Though your dog is like a family member, dog accidents can still happen and put you at risk financially. Incidents may include a dog damaging your neighbor’s property or injuring a guest in your home. Dog bite liability claims cost homeowners across the United States $1,116 million in 2023. The average cost per claim has risen 82.5% between 2014 and 2023.
Typically, homeowners or renters insurance has a personal liability portion covering claims related to dog bite injuries or damage. While home insurance covers you for events that make you liable for personal or property damage, this damage may not be covered if it was caused by a particular dog breed. Certain breeds, like pit bulls, are considered more dangerous by many insurers, as they are large dogs and have a track record of aggression.
Pit Bulls Can Increase Your Home Insurance Rate
While you may find homeowners insurance that covers pit bulls, a pit bull can increase your home insurance premium depending on your insurance company. Many providers consider pit bulls a higher risk than other dog breeds. Whether you are informing your current insurance provider about a new pit bull or you are buying a new policy, your home insurance rate is likely to increase. The amount your home insurance rate will increase depends on your insurance company and your dog’s history.
In some states — such as Pennsylvania, Florida, Utah and Illinois — denying coverage based on breed is outlawed.
Beyond these states, most insurers are permitted to deny coverage based on the dog breed, and pit bulls are the most commonly rejected breed. Some insurers decide based on each dog’s behavior rather than their breed. In these cases, you may find homeowners insurance that doesn’t raise your rates.
Pit Bulls Can Lead to Denied Coverage
Often, homeowners insurance does not cover pit bulls. Regardless of whether a pit bull may affect your home insurance, you should let your insurer know you have a dog to ensure you have coverage if a claim is made against you. By being honest about your pet ownership or intentions, you can ensure you get an insurance policy that is right for you. Your claim may be denied if you fail to disclose this information to your insurer.
Ways to Demonstrate Your Pit Bull Is Well-Behaved
You may be able to improve the chances your pit bull is covered by your homeowners insurance policy or even lower your rate by demonstrating that your dog is well-behaved. The following steps can prove your pit bull has a history of safe and obedient behavior:
- Sign your pit bull up for a training class.
- Vaccinate your pit bull properly.
- Earn the Canine Good Citizen certificate, awarded by the American Kennel Club.
- Neuter or spay your pit bull, as these dogs are generally better-behaved and more docile.
By following these steps, you can provide evidence that your pit bull is well-behaved in nature. These actions can demonstrate to your insurer that your dog is a lower insurance risk. It also indicates that you are a responsible pet owner committed to working toward proper training and socialization.
Alternatives to Home Insurance
Perhaps you want to keep your homeowners insurance coverage because you like your provider or rate, but your insurer refuses to include coverage in your policy for your pit bull. In this situation, you may be able to keep your home insurance coverage and obtain an alternative form of coverage for your dog. Alternate coverage options include the following.
Buy an Umbrella Policy
One of your alternatives is an umbrella policy. You can purchase this policy to combine multiple forms of coverage for your home, car, and dog. An umbrella policy supplements your home insurance policy by giving you a larger liability limit. For example, if you are responsible for $300,000 worth of damages or injuries and your home insurance policy’s personal liability limit is $200,000, your umbrella policy will cover the $100,000 difference.
Ask About an Exception
Even if pit bulls are on your insurer’s prohibited list, you may want to ask if you can get an exception. Exceptions are typically granted for service dogs or dogs that have obtained a Canine Good Citizen certificate. This certificate comes after a 10-skill test with an approved evaluator. Many dog trainers offer training and testing opportunities.
Purchase Pit Bull Liability Insurance
As an alternative to buying a new home insurance policy, you can choose to purchase pit bull liability insurance as a stand-alone policy. This coverage specifically includes your pit bull, and it may cover any injuries, casualties, or property damage your pit bull causes.
Do You Need Coverage for Your Pit Bull?
Some dog owners may think they can exclude their dogs from coverage and forego pet liability insurance altogether. However, if you choose to exclude your pit bull from coverage, you will not have insurance for any liability claims that arise if your dog bites or injures someone. You will be personally responsible for the damages and costs if you are sued. We recommend obtaining pet liability insurance to ensure you are covered in the event of an accident.
As a pit bull owner, you may want to take the extra step of getting a supplemental pit bull insurance policy that is specifically geared toward pit bulls. Regardless of how responsible a pet owner you are, the number of pit bull attacks that occur each year can’t be overlooked.
Millions of people are bitten by dogs each year, and the large majority of them are bitten by pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios, or their mixes. These attacks can end in serious injuries, permanent disfigurements, and even fatalities. The risk for pit bull owners is too great to be caught on the wrong end of a lawsuit without the proper pit bull liability coverage on their side.
Failing to maintain proper pit bull liability insurance coverage is not an option, as many states require proof of a pit bull liability insurance plan should you need to retrieve your pit bull from a pound after a biting incident.
How Much Is Pit Bull Insurance?
Pit bull insurance costs may vary. The most accurate way to estimate your costs is to get a quote.
Here are a few factors that may influence your pet insurance costs:
- Dog characteristics: Particular details about your pit bull may change the insurance coverage, depending on the company you choose.
- Plan deductible: Most insurance plans allow you to customize the deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate. You can pay a lower premium but may spend more out of pocket for pet expenses.
- Your location: Areas with higher overall costs have more expensive dog insurance premiums.
- Insurance provider: Different insurance providers offer varying plans and rates.
Get Pit Bull Liability Insurance From XINSURANCE
At XINSURANCE, we know it can be concerning to hear you aren’t covered by your insurance policy. We believe no one should have to worry about being inadequately covered. We can help maximize your peace of mind and minimize exposure by finding you a dog bite liability insurance solution that can cover gaps in your coverage.
First, you’ll send in your insurance application. Then you’ll speak with our underwriting team about the aspects of the risk. Since pet liability insurance can be a bit more complicated than other insurance types, we take a more hands-on approach to the process. Contact us at XINSURANCE for a free quote or call (877) 585-2853.
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.