Rottweiler Liability Insurance Plans

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 almost guaranteed that a lawsuit is on the way.

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 clients to purchase an outside Rottweiler liability plan. This covers any 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 don’t want to be caught in a lawsuit without insurance, so make sure that if you own or are thinking of owning a Rottweiler, liability insurance coverage is on 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.

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. 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 your homeowners insurance company bans your dog breed, 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 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 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 company may be willing to sell you a policy that covers 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, such as an umbrella policy or a stand-alone dog liability insurance policy. 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. These states include New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Washington, Michigan, Georgia, Minnesota, Ohio, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Virginia.

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 CDC, young children are the most likely group 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 them.
• Neuter or spay your dog: Dogs are less likely to bite if they are neutered or spayed.
• 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. 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.

Get Coverage With XINSURANCE

You deserve an insurance policy that offers the coverage you need. At XINSURANCE, we can provide access to a customized liability policy that closes gaps in your traditional insurance. With 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 three decades of experience. With our all-in-one approach, we can offer customizable coverage, limits, premiums, and deductibles to create a plan that meets your needs for personal protection. If you need restricted dog breed insurance, contact us at XINSURANCE or start your quote today.

Last Updated on March 11, 2021