Rottweiler Liability Insurance Plans
Why You Need Rottweiler Liability Coverage
While there are many insurance companies that offer animal liability, certain breeds of dogs are almost uniformly excluded from the mix, including rottweilers. When trained properly and given a good home, a rottweiler can make a loyal and loving pet, and responsible dog owners should not be discouraged from owning a rottweiler because of a lack of insurance options. Rottweiler liability coverage is necessary — should your dog bite somebody else, it’s helpful to have a solution that may provide coverage.
What Does Insurance Cover for Dog Ownership?
Homeowners insurance providers that do not cover specific breeds of dogs, like rottweilers, will most often require their policyholders to purchase an outside rottweiler liability plan. This special plan can cover any third-party property damage, injury, or casualty that is inflicted by a rottweiler. Many states have laws requiring rottweilers to be insured, and owners can face steep penalties and fines if they fail to do so.
With the number of dog bites that happen annually, you want to protect yourself in the case of a lawsuit. Make sure that if you own or are thinking of owning a rottweiler, liability insurance coverage is at the top of your priorities. Keep in mind that no homeowners insurance policy will pay out if your dog bites a member of your household or damages your property, regardless of whether your dog’s breed is excluded or not.
Are Rottweilers Dangerous?
A rottweiler’s temperament and likelihood to bite depend on its training. With proper instruction, rottweilers can even be service dogs. Rottweilers are highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please, making them effective helpers.
These dogs may become aggressive in situations where they face danger or abuse. Their protective nature may lead to vicious behavior when they feel threatened.
While rottweilers are not generally dangerous, many think they are a more aggressive dog breed. Rottweilers are large and muscular dogs with powerful jaws and claws. Their injuries and bites may cause more damage than those of other breeds. For example, in a recent incident, a 2-year-old was attacked by three rottweilers and died in a babysitter’s home.
The Pros of Owning a Rottweiler
While rottweilers have a dangerous reputation, they have many positive qualities that can make them an excellent choice for dog owners. They are loyal and loving pets and are often quite affectionate with their owners. They may even sit on your lap to cuddle.
This breed is highly trainable and eager to please. Its intelligence enables it to do almost anything you teach it. It can even serve in highly complex tasks. As working dogs, they love to be helpful. They are also willing to assist their owners with tasks ranging from mobility help to grabbing medication.
The breed descends from mastiffs used in Roman legions and still possesses an imposing beauty. Due to their boundless energy, these dogs are great for those with active lifestyles. If you like hiking or running, your rotty will gladly accompany you.
Restricted Dog Breeds
Some dog breeds are considered more aggressive and dangerous than others, making them a liability that insurers don’t want to take on. They restrict these breeds, refusing homeowners insurance coverage if you own a particular dog. Before getting a dog, look into your current homeowners insurance provider to see whether they have any banned breeds. Some insurance companies judge on a case-by-case basis, only refusing coverage to dogs with a proven history of aggression.
The following are some of the most restricted dog breeds among homeowners insurance providers:
- Rottweiler
- Pit bull
- Akita
- Wolf
- Mastiff
- Chow chow
- Wolf hybrids
- Presa Canario
- Siberian husky
- American bulldog
- German shepherd
- Alaskan malamute
- Doberman pinscher
Rottweilers and pit bulls are the most banned breeds on homeowners insurance lists. You may struggle to obtain liability insurance due to a dangerous dog. Fortunately, even if you face homeowners insurance dog breed restrictions, you have options for protection.
What to Do If You Own a Restricted Breed
If you own a restricted breed, your homeowners insurance carrier may drop you or encourage you to get rid of your dog to keep coverage. However, this doesn’t mean you need to rehome your furry friend. Instead, you may want to consider other options.
Ask for an Exception
If you own a restricted dog breed, ask if you can get an exception to your insurance provider’s prohibited list. This exception likely will only be granted if your dog is a service dog or has a Canine Good Citizen certificate issued by the American Kennel Club.
Exclude Your Dog From Coverage
If you own a prohibited breed but want to stay with your insurance provider, you may want to ask if you can exclude your dog from coverage. This action means you won’t have insurance for liability claims if your dog injures or bites someone, and you’ll be personally responsible if you are sued.
Find a New Insurer
Another option is seeking a new insurer for your homeowners insurance. A different insurance partner may be willing to sell you a policy that may provide coverage for your dog — though you may have a more difficult time if your dog has bitten someone or if your dog is a rottweiler or pit bull, as these are considered aggressive breeds.
Obtain Another Form of Coverage for Your Dog
If you are still running into homeowners insurance issues with getting coverage for your dog, you may want to obtain another form of dog liability coverage. This coverage could include an umbrella policy or a stand-alone dog liability insurance solution. Before buying another form of coverage, be sure to ask whether your dog breed is covered.
If your dog has been labeled vicious or dangerous, you may be required by your state to purchase pet liability insurance solutions. Some states have set liability insurance amounts, while others have limitations set by the court in each case.
Getting Rottweiler Liability Insurance
If your dog is not covered under your homeowners insurance policy, consider specialized rottweiler liability insurance.
What to Look for in a Rottweiler Insurance Plan
As you look for alternative coverage options, ensure they’re the right fit for you by considering these details:
- Comprehensive coverage: Look into what the solution covers to see if it suits your needs.
- Liability limits: Even for nonrestricted breeds, many homeowners insurance policies have limits to the amounts they’ll cover. Ensure your specialized solution provides the liability limit you need.
- Support: Look for an insurance partner who can help you find the right solution for your breed.
Key Points About Rottweiler Liability Insurance
Before you invest in this insurance solution, you may want to know what it covers. Here are a few things your solution may include:
- Third-party bodily injury liability: In the event of a covered claim, this coverage solution may pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees for another person injured by your dog.
- Third-party property damage liability: If your rottweiler causes damage to someone else’s property, this coverage solution may help you cover repairs or replacements plus legal fees in the event of a covered claim.
Dog Bite Prevention
Dog bites cause injury and pain, and they can also lead to infection. Almost 1 in 5 people who suffer a dog bite need medical attention. Though certain dog breeds are restricted, any dog can bite — particularly when it is nervous, sick, scared, eating, playing, or protecting puppies or toys.
A dog bite or injury may lead to difficulty obtaining homeowners insurance. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent dog bites. Follow the tips below for dog bite prevention:
- Exercise extra caution around children: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young children are the most likely to be bitten by a dog. Children who are bitten also tend to suffer more severe injuries than adults, so ensure you always supervise children who are playing with your dog.
- Consider owning fewer dogs: If you are an adult living with two or more dogs, you are five times more likely to suffer a dog bite than someone who doesn’t live with dogs.
- Socialize your dog: Ensure your dog is accustomed to being around people by socializing it. Socialization can reduce the fear that leads to aggressive behavior.
- Neuter or spay your dog: Dogs are less likely to bite if they are neutered or spayed. Neutering them stops their hormones, particularly testosterone, which can contribute to aggression.
- Exercise responsible pet ownership: When walking your dog in public, ensure you use a leash to prevent dog bites. Avoid encouraging your dog to roughhouse or play aggressively. You may also want to avoid making loud noises or running from your dog.
If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, remain calm and still. Look for signs of aggressive behavior so you know when to exercise higher levels of caution. Avoid making direct eye contact and firmly say “go home” or “no.” Face the dog with the side of your body, slowly place your hands on your neck, keep your elbows in, and slowly back away or wait until the dog passes.
If you see someone with a dog, ask if you can pet them before reaching out. Allow the dog to grow comfortable with you and approach you. Before reaching out to pet a dog, ensure it has seen you and smelled you. Leave a dog alone if it is sleeping, eating, protecting puppies, hiding, sick, scared, or angry.
What to Do If Your Rottweiler Bites
While rottweilers can be well-behaved with the proper training, any dog can bite in a bad situation. Knowing what to do if a bite happens can make the situation better. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Move your dog away from the person.
- Remain calm to avoid further agitating your dog.
- Care for the injured person.
After the injured person has been taken care of, trade contact information with the injured party and any witnesses. Take careful records, such as a written account of what happened before the bite and pictures of the bite.
Only pay for property or medical expenses with evidence and an agreement. If you must cover these expenses, get your insurance provider involved. Animal liability insurance can help protect you in the event of damage or injuries, potentially covering legal costs up to policy limits.
Get Coverage Solutions With Help From XINSURANCE
You deserve an insurance solution that offers the coverage you need. At XINSURANCE, we can work with you to find a customized liability solution that can close gaps in your traditional insurance. With rottweiler insurance solutions from XINSURANCE, you can maximize true peace of mind and minimize exposures in the event you face a lawsuit.
Our underwriting team has more than four decades of experience. With our all-in-one approach, we can find customizable coverage, limits, premiums, and deductibles to get you a plan that meets your needs for personal protection. If you need restricted dog breed insurance solutions, start your quote today.
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.