Personal Insurance Blog

Did you know that about one third of liability claims are about or related to dog bites? That's a significant percentage when it comes to claims, which is why insurance companies have a very firm stance on home insurance when it comes to dogs.

High Risk Breeds

Behavior of any animal is largely due to genetics. We can have the nature vs nurture biology debate some other time, but you can't deny if one breed bites more than another, genetics are playing a serious role there.

Because of this, dog breeds with a history of dog bites are most likely to be outright refused by certain insurance companies. Or, if insurance is not denied or cancelled, companies are allowed to increase your premium.

Here is a listing of some of the high risk breeds that insurance companies tend to refuse to cover or will cover at a more expensive rate:

• German Shepherd
• Rottweiler
• Doberman pinschers
• Pit bulls
• Staffordshire terriers
• Chow chow
• Akita
• Presa canario
• Great Dane
• Siberian husky
• Alaskan malamute
• any sort of mixed wolf breed

What Can You Do?

Fortunately, you can do a lot of things to keep your insurance. There are some companies that do not discriminate against breed, but certain documentation must be obtained by veterinarians or from dog obedience school. Steps such as these will only aid you when it comes to purchasing insurance.

You can also help your dog out by taking certain steps. By socializing your dog at an early age the dog becomes more receptive to social interaction and less likely to bite. But remember, if any dog is provoked or put into an uncomfortable situation, that dog's aggressive chomper is more like to make a debut- hopefully not with a person.

For more information on dogs, check out our other informative dog blogs. Having a dog is a huge responsibility, and if you already have one or are considering getting one, the more you know, the better.

• Dogs: How Much Do They Really Cost?
• In the Doghouse
• A Danger for Dogs

Our agency, Gordon Insurance, quotes with several companies that allow for dogs and insurance to be in the same policy. Other companies we quote with will allow the dog but will exclude dog-related claims. Either way, we will be able to find the best price for the best coverage- just send us an online form or contact us another way. Learn more about personal insurance here.